State Tech Alumni wins scholarship during Miss Missouri Contest

Published on July 24, 2024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

New Madrid native earns scholarships

MEXICO, MISSOURI – Miss Missouri candidates from across the state competed in mid-June for scholarships and the title of a lifetime.

The group included Miss Southern Missouri Deja Grissom. She is currently studying automation and robotics technology with State Technical College in Linn and mechanical engineering from Arizona State University. Deja is the daughter of Christine and Earl Grissom, Jr of New Madrid.

Deja received a non-finalist scholarship for $500 and was the non-finalist evening gown winner in the Alpha competition group. In total, she earned $750.

Ashley Berry of Clinton is the new Miss Missouri. She is the daughter of Mark and Amy Berry of Clinton and attends college at the University of Alabama. Berry is a former Miss Missouri’s Teen, capturing that crown in 2021.  Since earning her crown, she has begun preparations to appear on the Miss America stage later this year.

The Miss Missouri Scholarship Organization is one of the largest providers of scholarships to young women in the state. This year, the organization will award more than $85,000 in scholarships between the Miss Missouri and Outstanding Teen programs.