The Miss Wagener-Salley High School pageant was held Friday, February 20, 2026, at A.L. Corbett Middle School Auditorium. The theme this year was "The Roaring 20's".
There were 14 contestants ranging from ninth grade to twelfth grade. The director of the pageant was Leah Shackleford, Art teacher with the assistance of Melany Tripp, Bookkeeper. The dance was choreographed by Diane Hancock, English teacher. The contestants opening number included a dance in 1920's theme wear. This was followed up with an outfit of choice and formal wear. All the contestants did a wonderful job and were tough competition for one another.
The winners are as follows:
Miss Wagener-Salley & Miss People's Choice- Kailey Malatesta,
Miss Freshman, Miss Theme Wear, & Miss Congeniality - Calee Smith,
Miss Sophomore & Miss Theme Wear- Michaela Lunsford,
First Runner Up- Xoreydi Carbajal,
Second Runner Up- Savannah Delgado,
Miss Junior & Miss Theme Wear- MaKenley Walling,
First Runner Up- Savannah Cushman,
Miss Photogenic & Second Runner Up- Sadie Rhoden,
Miss Senior- Kylee Hooker,
Miss Theme Wear- Kiley Strock,
Miss Scholarship- Payton Earhart,
First Runner Up- Aubrey Copeland,
Second Runner Up- Madeline Broadway,
Third Runner Up- Ellah Neeley.
The scholarship was valued at $1150 sponsored by the Town of Salley, Jacqueline Busbee, Attorney at Law, Chandler Law Firm, and 2 Brother's Pizza. Each senior contestant completed an interview for this portion of the competition.