Gracelyn Eaves, Miss Tipton County, and Lydia Waldrop, Miss MidSouth were preliminary winners during the first night of competition at the Miss Tennessee Volunteer Scholarship Pageant at the Carl Perkins Civic Center, Wednesday.

Eaves was named the winner in Fitness and Wellness, and Waldrop won the talent portion for the evening.

Preliminary competition for the 36 contestants continues at 7 p.m., today, and Friday at the Carl Perkins Civic Center.

The finals will be held at 7 p.m., Saturday.

The winner of the Miss Tennessee Volunteer Scholarship Pageant will also serve as Gov. Bill Lee’s spokesperson for character education and receives $25,000 in scholarship money.

The winner of the pageant also qualifies for the Miss Volunteer America Pageant, which will be held June 19-22, 2024, in Jackson.

Participants from all 50 states will compete in the national pageant.

Tickets can be purchased both individually or as a package at etix.com.

(PHOTO: Gracelyn Eaves, left, and Lydia Waldrop)