Landry Gerhart Crowned Miss Mary Hardin-Baylor 2027

Belton, Texas - Miss Student Foundation, Landry Gerhart, was named Miss Mary Hardin-Baylor 2027 on Saturday, Oct. 31, in the annual Miss MHB Pageant held in W.W. Walton Chapel. Gerhart is a 19-year-old sophomore history major from Rockwall, Texas. She is the daughter of Adam and Angie Gerhart.

Gerhart is a member of Student Foundation, a student worker at the alumni office, and a Bell County library intern. She enjoys playing games, watching Dancing with the Stars with her friends, and listening to podcasts in her hammock. For her talent, she performed an original monologue portraying Martha Moore Clancy, a UMHB student in the 1920s, and sang the "Doxology."

Gerhart's personal platform is "Knowing and Sharing UMHB History." She plans to educate UMHB students about the university's history and revive past traditions that have not been celebrated in recent years, such as Forgiving Day.

The reigning Miss MHB, Jessie Norvell, crowned Landry Gerhart at the end of the evening's contest. Also recognized were the fourth runner-up, Evie Bullock, Miss Worship Workshop; the third runner-up, Ella Kate Hanks, Miss Nursing Student Association; the second runner-up, Mikyla Bachert, Miss ROTC; and the first runner-up, Jadyn Wilson, Miss Lord Hall.

A few other non-finalist awards were given during Saturday's "Legacy" event. Miss Baptist Student Ministry, Erica Higgins, was recognized as the evening's Best Talent for juggling. Miss Independence Village, Aubree Castle, won Best Evening Gown. Miss Farris Hall, Chloe DeMoss, was awarded Best Interview, and Miss ROTC, Mikyla Bachert, was awarded Miss Congeniality.

This year's pageant director was Mia Davis, a senior education major with a minor in intercultural studies from Fort Worth, Texas. Assistant Directors were Emily Gorman, a sophomore nursing major from Spring Branch, Texas, and Kennedy Wells, a senior education major from Montgomery, Texas.

The Miss MHB Pageant recognizes young women who demonstrate self-confidence, personality, and inner beauty. Each of the evening's 19 contestants represented a campus organization or residence hall. All contestants participated in individual interviews, a group dance number, talent presentations, and an evening gown stroll. Additionally, the women were asked to discuss their individual platforms, highlighting issues they are passionate about.