Miss Mississippi Asya Branch Wins Miss USA

For the first time in history, Mississippi’s representative has won the Miss USA pageant competition.

Prentiss County is celebrating as well.

The winner is Mississippi and Booneville native Asya Branch, who is also the first African-American Miss Mississippi in history.

Branch beat out Miss Idaho Kim Layne for the crown. Along with Layne, Miss Oklahoma, Mariah Jane Davis; Miss Indiana, ALexis Lete; and Miss Alabama, Kelly Hutchinson rounded out the top five.

Branch is also an alumni of the University of Mississippi.