Canton Academy announces winners of 2025 Most Beautiful Pageant

By Courtney Warren

Canton Academy recently held its annual Most Beautiful Pageant, recognizing students from both the high school and junior high divisions for their participation and achievements in the event.

Anna Howell, a junior, was named High School Most Beautiful. She is the daughter of Rob and Jill Nichols and participates in several school activities, including cheerleading, track and serving as a Diamond Girl for the baseball team. Howell is also active in her church, Broadmoor Baptist Church, and is involved in the youth group.

In addition to school and church activities, Howell volunteers through the Madison Junior Civinettes Club and the Jackson Symphony League Sub Deb program, where she serves as an ambassador. Her volunteer work includes events such as TOPSoccer, the Masquerade Sneaker Ball, and assisting with resident activities at The Home Place dementia unit.

Howell plans to attend the University of Southern Mississippi after graduation and pursue a nursing degree from the University of Mississippi School of Nursing. She stated that her parents' careers in healthcare have influenced her interest in the field.

The Top 5 High School Beauties recognized at the pageant were:

- Sterling Belle Penn (10th grade) 

- Amery Cado (11th grade) 

- Anna Howell Nichols (11th grade) 

- Jordyn Claire Watkins (12th grade) 

- Kennedy Callahan (12th grade)

In the junior high division, Harper Lampkin, a ninth grader, was named Junior High Most Beautiful. She is the daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Will Lampkin of Canton and has attended Canton Academy since K4. Lampkin is involved in academics, athletics and extracurricular activities, including the National Honor Society, Fellowship of Christian Athletes and the JV Cheerleading Squad, where she served as captain. She was named All-American Cheerleader at UCA camps in both eighth and ninth grades.

Lampkin also participates in cross country, track, basketball and serves as a Diamond Girl. She has been class president, class favorite and will serve as student body treasurer for the 2025–26 school year. Lampkin is a member of First Church of Canton and attends Pinelake Youth on Wednesdays.

The Top 5 Junior High Beauties included:

- Amery Cado (7th grade) 

- Layla Butler (7th grade) 

- Harper Lampkin (9th grade) 

- Addyson Reams (8th grade) 

- Addison Penn (8th grade)

The event was held at Canton Academy and included participants from various grade levels in both divisions.