FRANKLIN
Madelyn Cosby of Franklin has been crowned the 2018 Miss Southwestern Virginia Outstanding Teen. The pageant took place as part of the Miss Virginia’s Outstanding Teen Program, which occurred earlier this month in Lynchburg.

“I’ve been familiar with Miss American Pageant system for a little while,” said the Southampton High School freshmen. “I didn’t get into it until a few months ago.”

Last December while she participating in the P.O.I.S.E. Pageantry’s Miss Christmas Pageant, which by the way she won, the previous year’s winner encouraged Cosby to continue with such events.

“She saw my talent (singing and playing the ukulele) and talked to me afterward,” said the teen, who added that a few other people also suggested that Cosby participate more. “I thought I would give it a shot.”

“The competition [in the most recent pageant] wasn’t really difficult,” she said. “But it was a new environment for me. Different system. This one I was more concerned getting to know the girls there. I did not know anyone.”

While it might seem odd that her title was for Miss Southwestern, Cosby explained that there really wasn’t anyone against her. There is also a Miss Southeastern and Miss Dominion, but “by a fluke,” she added, that was the title accorded to her.

In addition to again presenting her aforementioned talent, Cosby was interviewed on stage. She and other girls were asked questions such their favorite part of community service, or whether volunteerism in high school should be obligatory.

The teen also got the opportunity to speak about her platform, which is Relay For Life. In late February, the second annual pageant that Cosby organized for the cause raised over $4,000.

As far as specific responsibilities for her title, she must go to the Miss Virginia Pageant at Liberty University in June, which is her next competition.

Meanwhile, she and other contestants are encouraged to spread the word about their respective platforms.

Should Cosby win then, she could go on to the Miss America’s Outstanding event in Orlando, Florida later this year.

Her mother, Kasey, said, “We are so excited that Madelyn is going to represent Franklin/Southampton County in the Miss Virginia America pageant. She is looking to do many events representing her platform and raising money for Relay For Life, as well as Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals as Miss Southwestern Virginia’s Outstanding Teen.”