Elysa Pierce crowned Miss Wallace State 2027; Auburn Burtis crowned Miss North Alabama’s Teen 2027

Newly crowned Miss Wallace State 2027 Elysa Pierce walks across the stage at Wallace State Community College. (Wallace State) HANCEVILLE, Ala. -Wallace State Community College crowned a new Miss Wallace State during an event that also marked the 50th anniversary of the scholarship program. Elysa Pierce of Hayden was crowned Miss Wallace State 2027, earning a $500 scholarship to Wallace State. Pierce, a graduate of Hayden High School, is a sophomore majoring in Nursing. She will advance to the Miss Alabama competition in June, which is a preliminary of the Miss America competition. Brooklyn Grant of Warrior was named first runner-up, earning a $300 cash scholarship. Anneliese Kline of Cullman was named second runner-up and talent winner, earning $300 in scholarships. Alyson Graves received the $100 Beautiful Heart Scholarship. Pierce was crowned by Miss Wallace State 2026 Anna Kate Taylor, who is currently a sophomore at Auburn University. Also crowned was the Miss North Alabama’s Teen 2027, Auburn Burtis, a junior from West Point High School. She was also the recipient of the Beautiful Heart Scholarship, for a total of $400 in scholarships. She will go on to compete at the Miss Alabama’s Teen competition. First runner-up and talent winner was Annaliese Dunn, a senior at Cullman High School, dually enrolled at Wallace State. She earned $300 in scholarships. Edie Gustin, a sophomore at Cullman High School, was named second runner-up, earning a $100 cash scholarship. Burtis was crowned by Miss North Alabama’s Teen 2026 Lily Shadeck, a junior at Cullman High School who is dually enrolled at Wallace State. Before the crowning of the new Miss Wallace State, several past Miss Wallace State title holders were recognized as the college marked 50 years for the program. Along with Taylor as Miss Wallace State 2026, those in attendance included Savannah Lynn (2024), Audrey Fuller Spears (2023), Lacey Johnson Gilkey (2021), Emma Wright (2019), Rebecca Long Hayes (2013), Paige Harbison Clabo (2012), Wendy Mallory Dial (2000), Bonnie Barbee Shipp (1999), Cyndi Cox Burgett (1980-81), and Georgia Chaffin (1979-80). Wallace State was also presented with a plaque marking the anniversary by Miss Alabama State Field Director Debra Talley. “It has been a vibrant tradition that reflects the heart, intellect and evolving spirit of the young women who have competed,” Talley said of the program. “Tonight we look back at a legacy that has empowered generations of leaders, advocates and change makers. You have built a platform that celebrates not just beauty, but character, purpose and college pride.” Auburn Burtis is crowned Miss North Alabama’s Teen 2027 by Miss North Alabama’s Teen 2026 Lily Shadeck. (Wallace State)