Miss Wallace State 2027 Crowned as College Celebrates 50 Years of Program

HANCEVILLE, Ala. — Wallace State Community College crowned a new Miss Wallace State during an event that also marked the 50th anniversary of the scholarship program. 

Elysa Pierce of Hayden was crowned Miss Wallace State 2027, earning a $500 scholarship to Wallace State. Pierce, a graduate of Hayden High School, is a sophomore majoring in Nursing. She will advance to the Miss Alabama competition in June, which is a preliminary of the Miss America competition. 

Brooklyn Grant of Warrior was named first runner-up, earning a $300 cash scholarship. Anneliese Kline of Cullman was named second runner-up and talent winner, earning $300 in scholarships. Alyson Graves received the $100 Beautiful Heart Scholarship. 

From left are first runner-up Brooklyn Grant, Miss Wallace State 2027 Elysa Pierce, second runner-up and talent winner Anneliese Kline, and Beautiful Heart Scholarship recipient Alyson Graves.

Pierce was crowned by Miss Wallace State 2026 Anna Kate Taylor, who is currently a sophomore at Auburn University. 

Also crowned was the Miss North Alabama’s Teen 2027, Auburn Burtis, a junior from West Point High School. She was also the recipient of the Beautiful Heart Scholarship, for a total of $400 in scholarships. She will go on to compete at the Miss Alabama’s Teen competition. 

First runner-up and talent winner was Annaliese Dunn, a senior at Cullman High School, dually enrolled at Wallace State. She earned $300 in scholarships. Edie Gustin, a sophomore at Cullman High School, was named second runner-up, earning a $100 cash scholarship.

Pictured from left are second runner-up Edie Gustin, Miss North Alabama’s Teen 2027 and Beautiful Heart Scholarship recipient Auburn Burtis, and first runner-up and talent winner Annaliese Dunn.

Burtis was crowned by Miss North Alabama’s Teen 2026 Lily Shadeck, a junior at Cullman High School who is dually enrolled at Wallace State. 

Before the crowning of the new Miss Wallace State, several past Miss Wallace State title holders were recognized as the college marked 50 years for the program. Along with Taylor as Miss Wallace State 2026, those in attendance included Savannah Lynn (2024), Audrey Fuller Spears (2023), Lacey Johnson Gilkey (2021), Emma Wright (2019), Rebecca Long Hayes (2013), Paige Harbison Clabo (2012), Wendy Mallory Dial (2000), Bonnie Barbee Shipp (1999), Cyndi Cox Burgett (1980-81), and Georgia Chaffin (1979-80).

Miss Wallace State title holders take the stage to celebrate 50 years of the program. From left are Anna Kate Taylor (2026), Savannah Lynn (2024), Audrey Fuller Spears (2023), Lacey Johnson Gilkey (2021), Emma Wright (2019), Rebecca Long Hayes (2013), Paige Harbison Clabo (2012), Wendy Mallory Dial (2000), Bonnie Barbee Shipp (1999), Cyndi Cox Burgett (1980-81), and Georgia Chaffin (1979-80).

Wallace State was also presented with a plaque marking the anniversary by Miss Alabama State Field Director Debra Talley.

“It has been a vibrant tradition that reflects the heart, intellect and evolving spirit of the young women who have competed,” Talley said of the program. “Tonight we look back at a legacy that has empowered generations of leaders, advocates and change makers. You have built a platform that celebrates not just beauty, but character, purpose and college pride.”

Wallace State Community College President Dr. Vicki Karolewics, left, and Miss Wallace State coordinator Candice Fomby hold a plaque presented  as recognition of the college's 50th anniversary of the Miss Wallace State program.

Elysa Pierce is crowned Miss Wallace State 2027 by Miss Wallace State 2026 as Rising Star Madison Smith and Miss Wallace State coordinator Candice Fomby look on at right.

Auburn Burtis is crowned Miss North Alabama’s Teen 2027 by Miss North Alabama’s Teen 2026 Lily Shadeck.

###

About Wallace State

Wallace State Community College (Ala.), a member of the Alabama Community College System, is a comprehensive community college in north central Alabama offering more than 200 options in academic, health and technical programs of study leading to an associate degree, certificate or transfer, as well as workforce-credit training and adult education. An Achieving the Dream Leader College, nationally recognized by the Aspen Institute as a Rising Star for the 2025 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, ranked by Southern Business and Development among the Top 3 institutions in the South for workforce development, named a Center of Excellence by the National League for Nursing and the National Security Administration, rated the Top Online Community College in Alabama, a Military Friendly Institution and an All-Steinway School, Wallace State is an outstanding place for students to pursue their education and career goals. Classes are offered online and on campus, day, evening and on weekends, with numerous start dates each year. Visit Wallace State’s beautiful main campus located on 300-acres in Hanceville, Ala., our satellite location in downtown Oneonta, Ala., find us online at www.wallacestate.edu, or call 256.352.8000.