Kylee Morris, of Morehead City, N.C. Crowned Miss Gardner Webb 2025

Awards Also Presented to Gracie Tipton, Lys Ishari and Annabelle McDonald

By Chloe Cloutier, Intern for University Communications

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Kylee Morris, a junior biology major, was recently crowned Miss Gardner-Webb 2025 for her outstanding musical ability and stage presence. Performing a four-mallet marimba solo of “Ghost Garden,” by Adam Hopper, she impressed the judges and audience.

“To be named Miss Gardner-Webb is an incredibly honorable feeling,” Morris reflected. “I am humbled and eternally grateful for all the individuals who were rooting for me throughout this process. I wouldn’t be half the woman I am today if it weren’t for the individuals surrounding me.”

Morris was also voted Miss Congeniality by the six other contestants in the pageant. Achieving first runner-up was Gracie Tipton, from Burnsville, N.C., a senior elementary education major and psychology minor. Tipton also won most photogenic, and her talent was a country line dance mash-up. Second Runner-Up, Lys Ishari of Charlotte, N.C., is a junior management information system major. She sang “His Eye is on the Sparrow.”

The most talented award was presented to Annabelle McDonald, from Apex, N.C. A junior computer science major and psychology minor, she performed a sequence of a sabre and flag color guard routine to “Head Above Water” by Avril Levine.

Hope Saunders, assistant director of Student Engagement, praised all the contestants for their contributions and dedication to the event. “The pageant was a huge success,” Saunders affirmed. “The weeks they spent preparing—practicing their walks, perfecting their talents, and finding the perfect outfits—truly paid off. Each of them brought something unique to the stage and made it their own. A huge thank you to everyone who worked behind the scenes to make this event happen. From organizing rehearsals, mixing music, coordinating sound and lighting, and all the details in between. It wouldn’t have been possible without them.”

Assistant Director of the Center for Personal and Professional Development Bree Silvers was the emcee for the program. Student Engagement Graduate Assistant Reagan Knapp choreographed the opening dance routine. The performance highlighted the individuality and energy of each contestant.

Morris is also a Tucker Scholar, the University’s highest honor presented to one undergraduate student each year. The award covers full tuition, room and board for eight semesters. Her career goal is to become a cytotechnologist, which is a laboratory professional who works closely with pathologists. “They look at cells microscopically and help to determine abnormalities in the samples to help diagnose patients with certain conditions or disorders,” Morris explained. “I chose this field in particular given my growing love for the laboratory setting, thanks to the Gardner-Webb curriculum and classes such as microbiology and organic chemistry.”

The new Miss Gardner-Webb wants to use her position to share her testimony and uplift women. “I would like to use the crowning as a continued opportunity to glorify God for all He has worked in my life, and to further encourage the women in my community to embrace their femininity, beauty, and grace,” she affirmed. “The pageant is a wonderful opportunity to allow women to feel confident in themselves. When I walked out on stage for the opening number, I couldn’t have felt happier to have the other six contestants by my side. To all the individuals who play a role in making this program possible, I would like to thank them for promoting an environment that is safe, loving, and kind for women of all different backgrounds.”

Other Contestants

• Amber Jimenez, of Lincolnton N.C., a freshman nursing major and spanish minor.
• Riley Johnson, of Rutherforton N.C., a senior elementary education major.
• Vicky Robinson, of Ash N.C., a freshman psychology major and biblical studies minor.

Pageant Judges

• Aubree Bell, Academic Advisor and Success Coach.
• Lindsay Lehn, Assistant Director of Housing and Residence Education.
• Reilly Morgan, Senior Admissions Counselor.
• Stephanie Allen, University Counselor.
• Thea Thompson, Associate Vice President, Web and Digital Communication.

To learn more about GWU events, download the Involve app in the Apple Store or Google Play, or email [email protected].

Chloe Cloutier is a senior communications studies major.

Gardner-Webb University is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to nine colleges and schools, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., Gardner-Webb prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Ignite your future at Gardner-Webb.edu.