Co-Lin’s annual Trillium Beauty Pageant saw 19 young women competing for the title of Co-Lin’s Most Beautiful. Maggie Runnels of Wesson was crowned the 2025 Most Beautiful with first alternate Brianna Brown of Hazlehurst, second alternate Avery Sellers of Wesson, third alternate Ryleigh Rushing of Meadville, and fourth alternate Kinsley Smith of Brookhaven.
Runnels is a freshman majoring in biology. She is a member of Phi Theta Kappa honor society, SigmaKappa Delta honor society, and is a Co-Lin Colette dancer. Runnels is also a Co-Lin Taylor Presidential Scholar, the highest scholarship offered at the college. She is a graduate of Wesson Attendance Center and is the daughter of Todd and Amy Runnels.
Brown is a sophomore majoring in respiratory therapy. She is a member of Mu Alpha Theta, Wolf Pack Strong, Sigma Kappa Delta, and the Co-Lin CARES Club. She serves as President of the Student Government Association, Vice President of the Trailblazers, Chief Marketing Officer for Future Business Leaders of America, and regional vice president for Phi Theta Kappa. She is a graduate of Brookhaven High School and is the daughter of Derek and Tracy Brown.
Sellers is a freshman majoring in pre-pharmacy. She is a member of the Alpha Omega Science Club, Mu Alpha Theta, Trailblazers, and is active in the Baptist Student Union. She is the daughter of Jonathan and Angie Sellers and Benji and Erin Sisco. Sellers is a graduate of Loyd Star Attendance Center.
Rushing is a sophomore majoring in elementary education. She is a member of Phi Theta Kappa, Sigma Kappa Delta, Mu Alpha Theta, the Co-Lin CARES Club, and the Trailblazers. Rushing is active in the Baptist Student Union and is a Co-Lin Colettes dancer. She is a graduate of Brookhaven Academy and is the daughter of Alan Rushing.
Smith is a freshman majoring in nursing. She is a member of the Co-Lin Cheerleading Squad and the Trailblazers. She is the daughter of Jason and Lacie Smith and is a graduate of West Lincoln Attendance Center.
Other contestants selected as top eight finalists were Makenzie Starks of Meadville, Natalie Styron of Mendenhall, and Carleigh Brocato of Eddiceton.
CUTLINE: From left, fourth alternate Kinsley Smith of Brookhaven, first alternate Brianna Brown of Hazlehurst, Most Beautiful Maggie Runnels of Wesson, second alternate Avery Sellers of Wesson, and third alternate Ryleigh Rushing of Meadville. Photos by Johnny Smith Photography.