Vassallo: An Interview With Miss Hospitality of Oxford and Lafayette County

Bubbly and beautiful Isabella Moak will be representing Oxford and Lafayette County on July 22 and July 23 at The Miss Hospitality Pageant in Hattiesburg.

The Miss Hospitality Organization has crowned young women, ages 18-24, to serve as the goodwill ambassador for the state since 1949. More than $100,000 in scholarships and prizes is offered to contestants, and the winner will travel the state and promote economic development and tourism in Mississippi.

The very outgoing sophomore Chi Omega lady at Ole Miss is being sponsored by the Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce. We caught up with Isabella while “on the run” to ask her a few questions.

Photo courtesy of Scott Burton Photography and Oxford Bridal

HottyToddy.com: Isabella, meeting people comes natural to you. How so?

Isabella Moak: Growing up in Oxford, I have always loved meeting and getting to know everyone around town. Oxford, along with its people, has so much to offer. I am excited to continue meeting people throughout our great state as I begin my Miss Hospitality journey.

HottyToddy.com: Tell our readers the pathway that led you to this honor.

Isabella Moak: This year, I was appointed by the Chamber of Commerce as Miss Hospitality Oxford. Of course, I did not hesitate to accept!

HottyToddy.com: With all your college responsibilities, how will you schedule the added time to prepare for this competition?

Isabella Moak: Between my studies at Ole Miss, Chi O, and part-time job at Maison Weiss 2 on the square, I have a lot on my plate. Fortunately, I have this summer to prepare for competition and a wonderful team of ladies who will be there to help guide me along the way!

HottyToddy.com: Can you share with our readers what the areas you will be required to compete in while in Hattiesburg?

Isabella Moak: The competition consists of a Panel Interview Competition, One-on-One interview competition, Mississippi Speech Competition, Little Black Dress/Commercial Competition, and Evening Gown Competition. On July 22, I will compete in the Preliminary Competition. On Saturday, July 23, I will compete in the final competition. The winner has the privilege of representing the State of Mississippi as Miss Hospitality for the next year and also receives a generous scholarship!

HottyToddy.com: Assuming you win and become Miss Hospitality Mississippi which appears to be a strong possibility, how will this impact your junior year at Ole Miss?

Isabella Moak: Becoming Miss Hospitality Mississippi would positively impact my junior year at Ole Miss! I would love nothing more than to not only be an ambassador for Oxford and Lafayette County, but also for my great University.

HottyToddy.com: Last, but not least, we understand that the state winner has never come from Oxford. Does this create added pressure or do you welcome the challenge?

Isabella Moak: I gladly welcome the challenge and look forward to meeting the other contestants from around Mississippi!

We fully anticipate that the local community will be represented quite well by Isabella. The Elementary Education major is welcoming the competition and along with her enthusiasm and personality, I would not bet against her!

Steve Vassallo is a HottyToddy.com contributor. Steve writes on Ole Miss athletics, Oxford business, politics and other subjects. He is an Ole Miss grad and former radio announcer for the basketball team. Currently, Steve is a highly successful leader in the real estate business who lives in Oxford with his wife Rosie. You can contact Steve at sovassallo@gmail.com or call him at 985-852-7745.

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