Pryor High School junior Leah White has been crowned the Miss Mayes County 2025. Unlike a traditional beauty pageant, Miss Mayes County is a scholarship-based competition that empowers young women to develop skills in leadership, public speaking, and community service. In recent years, the event has expanded to include participants from across Mayes County.
White competed with a piano performance—a talent she’s honed while playing regularly at her church. In the evening dress portion of the pageant, she wore a beautiful blue gown. But one of her strongest moments came during the interview, where she was asked a leadership question. Thanks to her experience as a member of the Pryor Student Lead Team, White felt well-prepared and confident in her response.
Now serving as Miss Mayes County, White plans to spend her year focusing on a community project highlighting the unsung heroes of Mayes County—the behind-the-scenes leaders who make a difference without much recognition. Her goal is to spotlight their work and bring awareness to the quiet acts of service happening daily in our communities.
Outside of the pageant, White is a successful entrepreneur. She created her own business, Lilies and Sparrows Bakery, selling homemade sourdough breads and confections at fairs and local events. She developed her own recipe, built her brand, and is managing the business as a high school junior. Her business slogan is inspired by Matthew 6:25-34, a verse that has helped her overcome anxiety and encourages her to uplift others.
In addition to her leadership and business endeavors, Leah plays soccer for the Pryor High School girls’ team and enjoys traveling. As she prepares for her senior year, Leah has her eyes set on a big academic goal:
“I want to focus on taking college classes to get as many credits as I can during my senior year,” White said.
Other Honors Awarded
Several other Pryor Tigers and Mayes County students earned honors at this year’s pageant:
1st Runner-Up: Tatiana Barnett (Pryor)
2nd Runner-Up: River Andrews (Adair)
3rd Runner-Up: Asher Smith (Pryor), who also sings soprano 1 in choir with Leah
Both Essay Awards: Chelsea Cowan (Pryor)
Crowd Pleaser: Chelsea Cowan (Pryor)
Miss Congeniality: Emily Cowan (Locust Grove)
Scholarships Awarded:
Miss Mayes County: $1,600
1st Runner-Up: $1,000
2nd Runner-Up: $675
3rd Runner-Up: $550
Non-Finalist Talent: $375
Miss Congeniality: $325
Crowd Pleaser: $225
Pryor Lions Club Scholarship: $1,000
RAE Community Impact Scholarship: $1,000
The Pryor Sertoma Club sponsors the Miss Mayes County Scholarship Pageant.
Congratulations to White and all the incredible young women who represented their schools and communities with confidence, talent, and grace!