Nilah Pollard was crowned Miss Minden, Jolie Ortego was named Miss Spirit of Fasching, and Landry Edwards earned the title of Miss Outstanding Teen during the Miss Minden Scholarship Competition held January 18 at the Minden High School auditorium. The event, hosted by the Young Women’s Service Club (YWSC), was emceed by Miss Louisiana 2024, Olivia Grace George.
“The title of Miss Minden is not only a great honor but also a great responsibility. A year as Miss Minden carries with it opportunities to represent the community, meet new people and, the highest goal of our organization, pursue higher education,” said George during the event.
Six contestants vied for the titles of Miss Minden and Miss Spirit of Fasching, while four competed for Miss Outstanding Teen.
Mayor Nick Cox opened the evening by presenting keys to the city to Miss Louisiana Olivia Grace George, outgoing Miss Minden Maison Wilbanks, and outgoing Miss Spirit of Fasching Hannah Reeder. Izzy Gray, the outgoing Miss Outstanding Teen, received recognition from YWSC President Gillian Davis.
The competition included pre-event interviews, audience Q&A sessions, and segments for Health and Fitness, talent, and evening gown presentations.
In the Teen division, Kynzie Smith was named Miss Congeniality, an award determined by her peers. Landry Edwards won the Hannah McFarland Style Award for evening gown excellence, while Aynslea Maus received the talent award.
In the Miss division, Grace Powell was awarded Miss Congeniality, Nilah Pollard earned the Hannah McFarland Style Award, and Powell also secured the talent award.
Pollard, crowned Miss Minden 2025, will receive a $2,000 scholarship. Ortego, crowned Miss Spirit of Fasching 2025, will be awarded a $250 scholarship, and Edwards, named Miss Outstanding Teen 2025, will receive a $1,000 scholarship.
The YWSC expressed gratitude to event sponsors and the community for supporting the annual scholarship competition.



Evening gown










Talent











Fun and entertainment

























