Miss Volunteer America returns to Jackson for fifth national pageant

By AI, Created 11:55 PM UTC, May 20, 2026, /AGP/ – Miss Volunteer America will host its fifth national competition in Jackson, Tennessee, in June, bringing 51 state titleholders back to the Carl Perkins Civic Center as the organization reaches 500 national contestants. The milestone underscores the pageant’s rapid growth, scholarship funding, and emphasis on service, education, and leadership.

Why it matters: - Miss Volunteer America is hitting a major growth marker in just its fifth year. - The June competition will bring the organization to 500 total national contestants. - The pageant also continues to pair competition with scholarship aid and service work, which is central to its model. - More than $1.5 million in scholarships has been awarded since the organization launched in 2022.

What happened: - Miss Volunteer America will return this June to the Carl Perkins Civic Center in Jackson, Tennessee, for its fifth national competition. - Fifty-one state titleholders from across the country will compete for the title of Miss Volunteer America 2027. - Jackson native Allison DeMarcus founded the organization in 2022. - The pageant is built around the idea that purpose should drive competition, not performance.

The details: - More than 450 young women have already competed nationally during the first four years of the program. - With 51 contestants in this year’s competition, the organization will welcome its 500th national contestant. - More than $150,000 in scholarship opportunities will be available at the national competition. - Contestants compete in interview, talent, evening gown, and fitness and wellness categories. - Community service and public engagement remain central to the week. - Through a partnership with The Salvation Army, titleholders have logged thousands of hours of service in communities across the country. - Through a partnership with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, contestants and supporters have raised more than $332,000 over the past two years. - Every dollar from that St. Jude effort goes directly to support the children and families served by the hospital. - Tickets for the June competition are available, and the full schedule of events is posted at MissVolunteerAmerica.net. - The organization also directs followers to its Instagram account, @MissVolunteerAmericaPag.

Between the lines: - DeMarcus is positioning the pageant as a leadership and service program, not just a stage competition. - The return to Jackson carries hometown symbolism for the founder and reinforces the pageant’s connection to its origin story. - The scholarship totals and charity partnerships help distinguish the brand from traditional pageants and broaden its appeal to contestants and supporters.

What’s next: - The national competition is set for June, when the next Miss Volunteer America will be crowned. - The organization is expected to continue expanding its scholarship footprint and service partnerships as it grows. - DeMarcus said the mission will keep centering on helping young women find their voice, lead, and step into the future without financial burden.

The bottom line: - Miss Volunteer America is using its fifth-year milestone to show that pageantry, scholarships, and service can operate as one national platform.