Emma Waters, the 22-year-old daughter of Marky and Tracy Waters of Glennville, was selected as a semi-finalist in the recent Miss Georgia pageant held in Columbus, Georgia, in June 2024. She carried the title of Miss Tifton to the competition, and she was pleased to be among the top 15 semi-finalists receiving a silver plate and a $500 scholarship. In addition, she was recognized by her fellow contestants as Miss Congeniality, an elite honor, with another $500 scholarship award.
Emma was also chosen as one of the Miss Georgia Superstars, as voted by the production crew and hostesses.
The week of competitions was an extremely busy one for Emma. She arrived with her parents on June 6, with check-in on Friday, June 7, which included a welcome party. Saturday, June 8, began rehearsals, followed by her interview on Tuesday, June 11. Wednesday featured Emma in her vocal talent, singing Reba McEntire’s “Why Haven’t I Heard From You.” Other competitions included Health and Fitness, Evening Gown, and On-Stage Conversation. At the Farewell Luncheon on Friday, Emma was presented the Congeniality award.
Emma was presented her Miss Georgia Superstar recognition on Tuesday, June 11, along with her teen miss, Mary Margaret Waddell.
"On Saturday evening, I was able to present in all phases of competition, and I feel blessed with this experience and the many new friends I have made this year during the competition phases," said Emma.
Her platform was "The Found Project: Finding Your Light in the Darkness." The main focus of her project is lessening the stigma surrounding mental health and suicidal death, with this striving to be accomplished through sharing stories of hope to inspire and open up conversations about this subject.
Emma has been participating in pageants for many years, and her titles include the following: 2016 Junior Miss Tattnall County C.A.R.E.S.; 2016 Teen Miss Quint Shrine; 2017 Teen Miss Georgia Pine; 2018 Teen Miss Southeast and Georgia Soap Box Derby; 2019 Miss Tattnall County High School (TCHS); 2019 Miss Georgia Olive; 2022 Miss Pink Warrior; 2022 Miss Kiwanis Ogeechee Fair; 2023 Miss Georgia/South Carolina Fairs; 2023 Miss Southeast Georgia Soap Box Derby; 2023 Miss Statesboro; and 2024 Miss Tifton.
Emma is a senior at Georgia Southern University where she is majoring in Public Relations with a minor in Communications.
"I am so grateful for the support I have received through scholarships and words of encouragement. This community has wrapped their arms around me so many times during my childhood and teenage years. Thank you to my parents, who have always been my most ardent cheerleaders in whatever endeavor I embark, my family, and this Tattnall community for helping me reach my dreams," said Emma. She was accompanied to Columbus by her parents.
