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Ansley Burgess was named Miss Cardinal, seen here with runners-up Ensley Karow, Ansley Bishop, and Belle Culbreth. (Photo courtesy of Landrum High School)

Rylie Bruner was named Junior Miss Cardinal, seen here with runners-up Autumn Hurst, Katie Sexton, and Mia Meana. (Photo courtesy of Landrum High School)

More than $1,400 in scholarships awarded to students

LANDRUM—On Saturday, February 1, Landrum High School hosted the Denim & Diamond Scholarship Pageant. 

Students wore their best attire, showcased unique talents, and competed for the Miss Cardinal 2025 and Junior Miss Cardinal 2025 titles. Young ladies from LHS, as well as sixth—through eighth-grade students at Landrum Middle School and Campobello-Gramling, were eligible to participate in the annual event. 

More than $1,400 worth of scholarships were awarded throughout the night, including categories for Best Interview, Best Casual Wear, Best Talent, Best Formal Wear, and Highest GPA. Other categories included Miss Photogenic, Miss Congeniality, People’s Choice, and Highest Ticket Sales. 

Ansley Burgess was named Miss Cardinal, and Rylie Bruner was named Junior Miss Cardinal at the event. Runners-up for Miss Cardinal were Ensley Karow, Ansley Bishop, and Belle Culbreth, and runners-up for Junior Miss Cardinal were Autumn Hurst, Katie Sexton, and Mia Meana.

Several local businesses and organizations sponsored the event, including the City of Landrum, Sandy Clayton at The Clayton Group, Melanie Burgess at Edward Jones Investments, StarKidz After School Program & Summer Camp, and StarMakers Dance Company.

“We would like to extend our deepest gratitude to the incredible sponsors who made the pageant possible,” said event organizers. “Your generous support has not only helped bring this event to life but also made a lasting impact on the lives of our contestants. We are truly grateful for your commitment to empowering women and enriching our community.”

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