3 with local ties finish in Miss Alabama Top 5 (updated)

Published 11:51 pm Saturday, June 10, 2017

By Stephen Dawkins

HOMEWOOD – Three contestants with ties to Shelby County finished in the Top 5 of the Miss Alabama Pageant on Saturday, June 10.

Miss Leeds Area Jessica Procter was crowned Miss Alabama by 2016 winner Hayley Barber at the conclusion of the pageant, which was held at Samford University’s Wright Center.

Miss University of Alabama Callie Walker was named first runner-up, Miss Shelby County Chassidy Sumler was second runner-up, Miss Auburn/Opelika Area Karson Fair was third runner-up and Miss Auburn University Brooklyn Holt was fourth runner-up.

Walker and Holt are natives of North Shelby County.

After preliminary competitions June 7-9, the Top 12 was named shortly into the final night of the pageant.

Those recognized during the event included the judges and former Miss Alabama winners, including 1951 winner Jeanne Moody, who was crowned again.

The Top 5 was named, and then those contestants answered on-stage questions and walked across the stage in swimsuits and evening gowns.

In her on-stage question, Sumler was asked about freedom of speech on college campuses.

“We should listen to people with opposite views,” Sumler said.

Walker was asked what stance public officials at the local level should take about illegal immigration and sanctuary cities.

“I think it is a matter of observing and speaking to people and making sure we are offering a quick way to citizenship,” Walker said.

Holt was asked about incidents of alcohol abuse on college campuses.

“I think it is important that we show students the consequences of what can happen if they make the wrong choices,” Holt said about educating students and youths before they enroll in college.

Holt is the 19-year-old daughter of Clarisse Holt of Birmingham.

A junior at Auburn University, where she is a majorette, Holt is majoring in journalism and political science.

She participated in the Miss Alabama’s Outstanding Teen Pageant for three years and was named top five finalist and was named to the top 15 semifinalists. This was Holt’s second year to participate in the Miss Alabama Pageant.

She performed a vocal, “Don’t Forget Me” during the talent competition.

Sumler is the 23-year-old daughter of Perry and Sharon Sumler of Flora, Mississippi.

A 2015 graduate of UAB with a degree in biology and a minor in Spanish, Sumler plans to attend medical school.

This was Sumler’s third year to participate in the Miss Alabama Pageant.

She performed a vocal, “Somewhere,” during the talent competition.

Walker is the 19-year-old daughter of Mike and Angela Walker of Birmingham.

A junior at The University of Alabama, Walker is majoring in musical theatre.

Walker is Miss Alabama’s Outstanding Teen 2012; her sister, Scarlett, is Miss Alabama’s Outstanding Teen 2010; and her mother, Angela Tower Walker, is Miss Alabama 1985.

Walker has a twin brother, Michael.

This was Walker’s third year to participate in the Miss Alabama Pageant, and she was named first runner-up last year.

She performed a classical ballet en pointe, “The Hoedown” from Rodeo during the talent competition.

Images available at www.shelbycountyphotos.com.

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