An annual beauty pageant will give students the opportunity to improve self-esteem while supporting the band.

The Oxford High School Beauty Review will be hosted at Oxford Middle School’s Kayla Mize Auditorium on Saturday, Jan. 16 from 7 to 9 p.m.

Program Coordinator Jessica Mathias said, “There’s a lot more to it than what people think.”

Thirteen OHS female students in ninth through 12th grade applied. The pageant is designed to celebrate self-esteem and confidence, and it is the annual fundraiser for the OHS Band.

General admission is $10 at the door. The majority of funds raised for the band come from friends and family who attend the event.

“I’m hoping we can raise as much money as we can.” Mathias said.

Mathias said pageants have a reputation for being superficial, but she has seen firsthand the positive influences the experience can bring about for young women.

“Pageants are a unique Southern tradition,” Mathias said.

She said competing is a huge learning experience where participants get involved and gain confidence through competition.

OHS students will compete for the title of “Most Beautiful” as well as “Miss Congeniality” and “Most Photogenic.”

The winner will receive a crown, sash and flowers upon being announced. Later she will ride in the Oxford Christmas parade.

Mathias teaches third grade at Della Davidson Elementary School. This will be her first time running the Beauty Review, but this is not her first experience to pageants. Mathias was named Miss Mississippi Teen USA in 2004, Miss Magnolia State in 2007 and Miss Mississippi USA in 2009.

OHS senior Madison McCay won “Most Beautiful” last year.

She said the preparation and competition taught her how to generate poise, posture and confidence from the inside out. She said it is something you have to believe in yourself in order to win.

McCay said she will miss holding the title, but she is looking forward to seeing who will be crowned next.

“I can’t wait to see who it’s going to be,” McCay said.

For more information, email Mathias at jlmathias@oxfordsd.org.