Miss South Carolina Volunteer Berkley Bryant became the third titleholder in the Miss Volunteer America pageant, taking home the crown on Saturday night. 

The winner of a $50,000 scholarship along with the Miss Volunteer America 2025 title, Bryant built a platform of promoting self-love and inspiring young women to believe in themselves.

“Here’s to being a trailblazer for the little girls out there that may need to be reminded that they’re more than enough,” Bryant said. “I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again, being a trailblazer for those young women is why I’m here and why I compete.”

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Sixteen finalists competed in the first round of the final night, health and wellness before 12 then advanced to the talent portion of the competition. Then, ten contestants advanced to the third, and final, evening gown component. 

Miss New York, Miss Pennsylvania, Miss Alabama, Miss South Carolina, and Miss Mississippi Volunteer moved on to the final round interview. 

Scores are based on four categories each worth 25% of contestants’ overall score: talent, health and wellness, evening gown, and a private interview. 

MVA’s opening night on Wednesday was the organization’s most attended opening night, and proof that the pageant continues to grow each year.

Vicki Runk, Miss Virginia Volunteer Director, has been one of many to see the pageant grow since its conception three years ago.

“We share, and we’re a family, and when we come together it’s not just about the competition, it’s about friendships and families that have brought together the last three years and we truly love each other and we’re a part of a system that matters,” Runk said.

Sarah Best is a reporter for The Jackson Sun. To support local journalism, subscribe to the Daily Briefing here