MS SC661

France Phillips Beard of Madison was crowned Miss Mississippi's Outstanding Teen 2011 on June 4, 2011, competing against 25 contestants to represent Mississippi at the Miss America's Outstanding Teen Pageant in Orlando, Florida.

Beard won the Talent and Physical Fitness Awards at the state competition and received a $5,000 savings bond plus $300 in cash scholarships for her preliminary and overall awards.

An 18-year-old senior at St. Joseph Catholic School with a 3.9 GPA, Beard serves as cheerleader co-captain and Student Council leader while volunteering extensively at Madison Animal Rescue Kennel to promote her platform "Promoting Animals Worth Saving (PAWS)."

Beard received national recognition as a Teen in Action at the Miss America's Outstanding Teen Pageant and was selected as a Youth Catalyst for the Ian Somerhalder Foundation for her community service work.

The Legislature commends and congratulates Beard for her contributions as an unofficial ambassador for Mississippi and extends best wishes for her future endeavors.