Mountain Brook High School sophomore Kendall Crabtree won the 54th Miss Olympian Pageant. 

Nov. 23, 2020 — Mountain Brook High School hosted the 54th Miss Olympian Pageant on Saturday, Nov. 21, in the William N. Eddins Fine Arts Center. 

The student-led production was under the direction of seniors Amelia Dennis and Forrest Ann Watson and featured 17 contestants in grades 10 to 12 who competed in interview, talent, and evening gown categories. 

Sophomore Kendall Crabtree won the pageant and was named Miss Olympian 2021.  

That the event took place amid the coronavirus pandemic testified to the pageant staff’s creativity and perseverance. The students who brought the event to life navigated myriad obstacles throughout the semester, according to faculty sponsor Jill Covington McGee. 

“It’s been quite a challenge, but they stepped up,” McGee said. “They’ve handled it with dignity and grace, they’ve followed the rules, followed the regulations, and they’ve just done a phenomenal job.”

Contestants wore masks when they were not on stage and performed in front of a limited, socially distanced audience. Those who couldn’t attend were able to watch via livestream.

Themed “A Night in Disguise,” the pageant began with an opening dance number and contestant introductions. The talent and evening gown portions ensued, with Miss Alabama 2019 Tiara Pennington serving as one of three judges. 

The event culminated in Miss Olympian 2020 Marissa Luna crowning her successor. 

Julia Ferreira, Lizzie Amberson, and Sally Bussian were named the first, second, and third alternates, while Kyra Berger won the congeniality award.

The link to purchase a DVD of the event can be found here.