Wetumpka’s annual Christmas on the Coosa pageant, an event of local prominence for years, will have statewide attention now that Miss Alabama 2017 Jessica Proctor has agreed to emcee the Oct. 28 affair.
“We’re very excited to have Jessica emcee our pageant this year,” said Tiffany Robinson, events director for the City of Wetumpka. “I’m sure the contestants and all those who plan to attend are excited as well. Jessica is more than just a pageant-winner. She’s a young lady who has lots of projects – particularly hunger and decreasing what is called food insecurity throughout the country.”
Procter, who is a vocalist and a speaker, is currently obtaining her bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies (focus on music and communications) and a minor in psychology at the University of Alabama. She is a graduate of Northridge High School, where she achieved a 32 on her ACT.
She’s also a state-level pole-vaulter.
As a competitor on the Miss America 2018 stage, Procter used the spotlight to promote her platform, “Step Up to the Plate: Decreasing Food Insecurity.” Her platform (as told to the Tuscaloosa News in June) focuses on the “pressing issue of food insecurity, which is formally defined as the state of being without reliable access to a sufficient quantity affordable, nutritious food.” Following a mission trip overseas and a deeper dive into learning about hunger in America, Procter contacted the West Alabama Food Bank and eventually formed Step Up to the Plate, a partnership with the food bank, which strives to address food insecurity within the state.
This isn’t her first foray into a leadership position. Procter has served as the Alpha Gamma Philanthropy Chair at UA, a church worship and youth leader for middle- and high-school students, Costa Rica 2017 and Haiti 2014 mission trip team leader, student representative to the Hungry for Justice: Poverty and Hunger Summit at UA and is on the SGA Sexual Assault Prevention Task Force.
Procter finished second runner-up at Miss America’s Outstanding Teen 2014, was Miss Alabama’s Outstanding Teen 2013. She was first runner-up in the 2014 UA’s Miss Sorority Row and in 2012 and 2013 she was a National High School Vocal Competition participant.
Procter’s stature as emcee will raise the stature of the Miss Christmas on the Coosa Pageant, an event held annually in Wetumpka and featuring girls and young women of all ages from throughout the River Region. This year’s event is scheduled to begin Oct. 28 at 4 p.m. For additional info on the pageant, visit Wetumpka online at www.cityofwetumpka.com
