Miss Mississippi leaves to compete for Miss America title

Staunch supporter of organ donation

By Jewell Hillery |WLBT NBC 3

JACKSON, MS (WLBT) - Every step Sarah Beth James takes through the Jackson-Evers International airport puts her one step closer to being crowned Miss America.

James says, "We're looking to bring home the crown, that's absolutely my number one goal."

The 21-year-old, Mississippi State University student was crowned Miss Mississippi last July. James dazzled everyone with her beauty, musical talent and intellect.

Now, James hopes she can wow the Miss America judges in Vegas. Thursday morning, James said farewell to her mom and supporters before boarding a flight to the competition.

"I gave her a note this morning and in that note I started out by saying thank you so much for allowing me to share this experience with you, it's been such an adventure," says Faye James, Sarah's mom.

As soon as James touches down in Vegas, she'll be very busy leading up to the big night.

James says, "We're going to a Barry Manilow concert, we are flipping pancakes at IHOP, we're doing some things for the Children's Miracle Network, we have rehearsals, we have interviews, prelims, so a very, very busy ten days."

James says if crowned Miss America, she'll continue spreading awareness about her platform. One of James' childhood friends motivated her to become a staunch advocate of organ and tissue donation.

"He was a very important part of my childhood and he's no longer with us, but I was able to spend five additional years with him because of that organ donor," says James.

Miss Mississippi says she looks forward most to the memories she'll accumulate over the next week.

The pageant takes place on January 15th and Sarah and all of her supporters are optimistic she'll come home with the crown.