Miss Caitlin
Rene’ McMichael
Caitlin is the daughter of Geoffrey and Christi McMichael of Columbia.
She has attended Columbia Academy for the past 15 years, where she has consistently excelled academically, maintaining an all-A honor roll and earning a 4.25 GPA. Throughout her high school career, Caitlin has been actively involved in numerous academic and leadership organizations. She is a member of Key Club, Mu Alpha Theta, and the National Honor Society. Demonstrating strong leadership and commitment to her peers, she has served on the Student Council as a class representative for four years, junior class treasurer, and currently holds the position of student body treasurer. In recognition of her academic excellence and intellectual curiosity, she was recently voted “Most Intellectual” by her classmates.
Outside the classroom, Caitlin is a devoted member of East Columbia Baptist Church, where she is actively involved in the youth group. She has a heart for service and enjoys volunteering with Vacation Bible School each year. Caitlin is especially passionate about missions, participating annually in KidzNow and taking part in a mission trip to Mexico.
Following graduation, Caitlin plans to attend the University of Mississippi, where she has been accepted into the Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College. She intends to pursue a degree in accountancy on a pre-law track, combining her strengths in academics with her future career ambitions.
Caitlin is being escorted by her father, Geoffrey McMichael. Presenting her with flowers is her sister, Miss Carleigh McMichael.
Miss Callie
Deanne Newsome
Callie is the proud daughter of Mr. Calvin and Dr. Percynthia Newsome of Columbia. She is the youngest of five children with two sisters and two brothers who have always supported her.
Callie is a devoted member of Blue Springs Christian Methodist Episcopal (CME) Church, where she is actively involved in services and activities.
A senior at East Marion High School, Callie has earned honor roll and leadership recognition. She is involved in Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA); National Honor Society; National Technical Honor Society; Yearbook Club; and Journalism Club. At East Marion, she serves as co-captain of the varsity cheer team, is a member of the volleyball team, and is the statistician for the baseball team.
Callie holds the title of 2026 Distinguished Young Woman of Marion County and was voted Miss East Marion for the Class of 2026.
After graduation, she plans to attend Alcorn State University where she has committed to cheer. She plans to continue her education at Louisiana State University to pursue a career in physical therapy.
Callie is being escorted by her father, Calvin Newsome. Presenting her with flowers is her niece, Miss Londynn Noemiee Thomas. Londynn is the daughter of Teryon Thomas and Jade Newsome of Columbia.
Miss Kaylee
Danielle Ryals
Kaylee is the daughter of Eric and Jody Ryals of Columbia.
She is a student at Columbia High School where she has been a varsity cheerleader for four years. Kaylee was named a 2025 Universal Cheerleaders Association (UCA) All American Cheerleader and received Most Dedicated Cheerleader her sophomore and senior years at CHS. Her team received second place at the state cheer competition her junior and senior years. Her junior year, they earned second place at the National High School Cheerleading Championship (NHSCC), and her senior year, they placed third. Kaylee played varsity softball and tennis and was in the Footloose musical as a dancer. She is a Wildcat Ambassador, two-year PawPrint journalism staff member and a student council representative. Kaylee was named CHS Most Beautiful her sophomore and junior years and was named the 2026 CHS prom queen. She is a member of the National Beta Club and is a scholar athlete.
In addition to serving the community as a member of the Crown Club, Kaylee is also a member of the Dusty Club where she served as assistant devotion chairman, devotion chairman and sergeant at arms.
After graduation, Kaylee plans to attend Southwest Community College where she will major in accounting.
She is being escorted by her father Eric Ryals. Presenting Kaylee with flowers is Miss Presley Blair, daughter of Danny and Grace Blair of Columbia. Presley is in the first grade at Columbia Academy.
