Crowned just over a week ago, Maddie Oliphant has already begun her reign as Miss Mississippi Teen USA 2025 with purpose, poise, and a platform that’s both personal and powerful.
The Hickory native and East Central Community College student made history as the first African American winner of the title, and she’s hitting the ground running with a literacy initiative close to her heart: Maddie’s Little Library.
At just 18, Maddie is not only breaking barriers in the pageant world but also uplifting young readers across Mississippi through her campaign to enhance childhood literacy.
“The inspiration behind Maddie’s Little Library is my little brother Evan,” she told WLBT3. “He was diagnosed with autism at the age of 3, and reading together helped improve his comprehension skills tremendously. I want to share his journey with the rest of the state.”
Maddie’s mission is simple yet impactful: collect and distribute physical books to daycares, preschools, and community libraries throughout Mississippi, making reading more accessible to children from all backgrounds.
More Than a Crown: A Cause That Matters
Winning the Miss Mississippi Teen USA crown wasn’t just a personal milestone — it was a statement. As the first Black titleholder in the pageant’s history, Maddie understands the power of representation.
“I want to be a representation of girls that look like me out in the crowd,” she said. “You can win pageants. You can go out and make your own history.”
With her eyes on the national Miss Teen USA stage, Maddie plans to continue using her visibility to inspire and advocate — not only for literacy but for self-confidence and community empowerment.
Gratitude to the Village
From the small town of Hickory to the state stage, Maddie credits her success to the people who believed in her. She plans to use her platform to spotlight and give back to her local community — especially small businesses and mentors who supported her pageant journey.
“It genuinely does take a community,” Maddie said. “I want to give back to them — to the people who made this happen.”
She gave a heartfelt shoutout to her family, particularly her mother, and her beauty coach Stephanie Moore, who helped her gain the confidence she needed to compete again for the title in her final year as a teen.
Next Chapter: Service, Representation, and Legacy
As she embarks on her year of service, Maddie hopes to leave behind more than just a crown — she aims to leave a legacy of literacy, leadership, and inclusion.
“I’m ready to lead. I’m ready to share my story and give back,” she said. “It’s people like you and me and ideas like Maddie’s Little Library that can grow and create real change.”
Congratulations, Maddie Oliphant — a queen with a cause, rewriting the pageant playbook one book, one child, and one historic step at a time.
