When the top five finalists were announced, Callie Cox’s expression went from astonishment to joy. As the final two clenched each other, the combination of exhilaration and tension was palpable.

The moment it became clear that Cox would be named Miss Missouri, elation took over.

“I can’t feel my toes or my fingers,” she said through a beaming smile. “I’m kind of speechless.”

The University of Missouri student who grew up on a Martinsburg area farm was crowned on Saturday night as the 2021 Miss Missouri Scholarship Competition concluded. Cox will now represent the state at Miss America.

She established herself as a front runner early in the four-day event, earning a number of rookie awards. On Saturday, Cox’s performance of the song “Feelin’ Good” was captivating. Her presentation of her social impact initiative – People First – and response to a random question were comprehensive given the short time allowed.

“I’ve been saying she was someone to watch out for,” said Simone Esters, whose two-year reign as Miss Missouri ended with Cox’s crowning. “I absolutely love Callie.”

As a first-time participant in the competition, Cox found it difficult to find a comparison for the experience. But Esters wasn’t the only person who thought she would contend for the title.

“She does so much better under pressure,” Jamie Cox said. “She always shines.”

Cox’s father and mother, Lisa, credited her dedication. She has been preparing for the competition for several years, studying and working with a voice coach.

Miss Audrain Olivia Henson of Kansas City was first runner-up. Holly Enowski, Miss Gateway St. Louis and an Eldon native, was selected as second runner-up. Rounding out the top five were Branson’s Chelsea Arnold, serving as Miss Table Rock Lake, and Marissa Jarnagin, from Independence, as Miss Heartland.

Mexico resident Sarah Kasubke, as Miss West St. Louis, was participating in her third competition. Her talent was a vocal performance of “One Night Only.”

“It definitely gets easier,” she said of the tests – the questions, the dancing and stage appearances – involved in the competition. “But each year you have different challenges.”

Mexico High School student Lilly Yager took part in the Miss Missouri Outstanding Teen portion of the event. She said that all the participants – Miss Missouri and Outstanding Teen – helped each other throughout, including the quick outfit changes.

“It was so much fun,” she added. “I felt like I gained so many skills.”

Cox referred to backstage as a cheering section. And that was also evident on stage when her name was called in the final five.

Four contestants had been brought forward. Cox appeared anxious behind her smile as the remaining women waited. Cheers erupted from the stage and crowd as “Miss Zona Rosa” was announced.

After the initial shock, Cox bounded down the steps and into the arms of Arnold, Miss Table Rock Lake.

Still trembling with excitement in the aftermath of being named Miss Missouri 2021, Cox acknowledged the skill and intelligence of all competitors.

“I knew that whoever won would do the best job,” she said. Then feeling the crown and sash, she added “It’s a little bit ‘oh my God.’ "

On Friday night judges named Ashley Berry of Clinton as Miss Missouri Outstanding Teen. The Clinton High School student performed a ballet and advocated for teens to become more politically aware and active.