Meet Miss Georgia, Brinson’s Maggie Bridges

There’s something in the water in Southwest Georgia — though with the recent trend of born-and-bred celebrities such as Luke Bryan, Phillip Phillips and Buster Posey, we’ve known that for a while.

But now, for the second year in a row, the reigning Miss Georgia hails from these hallowed farmlands of southern charm and hospitality.

Brinson native Maggie Bridges recently earned the title of 2014’s Miss Georgia, following on the heels of Leesburg native Carly Mathis, who became a Top-10 finalist in the Miss America pageant.

“It’s been interesting, because our pageant experiences have followed similar paths so far,” said Bridges, speaking of Mathis. “From former pageants to winning preliminary swimsuit and then the crown … I’ll be thrilled if my experience continues to follow a similar route.”

Bridges, 21, is currently a junior at Georgia Tech where she is a pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. She hopes to one day earn a Doctor of Pharmacy degree and open her own pharmacy. But for now, she plans to take at least the next few months off from her studies in order to devote time to her duties as Miss Georgia — a full-time job in and of itself.

“I know I only get this one year to do this,” said Bridges. “I can always go back to school, but right now, I want to squeeze every opportunity out of this that I can and give it the attention it deserves.

“Everyone at Georgia Tech has been so overwhelmingly supportive,” said Bridges. “Right after the pageant, the president sent me a congratulatory email, and all of the administrative staff has just been so helpful and understanding.”

Fun Facts About Maggie

Studied abroad in Australia, New Zealand and Fiji

Sang National Anthem at a Braves game

Went skydiving in New Zealand, bungee jumped, and swam with icebergs in a glacial lake

Enjoys hunting, deep sea fishing and skeet shooting

Killed first deer at 7 years old

SCUBA dived on Great Barrier Reef with bull sharks

Is a produce ripeness expert

Studied piano, dance and classical voice

Bridges is the first student from Georgia Tech to win the title of Miss Georgia, a fact of which the school is no doubt proud. Another fun fact? Bridges, who represented Capital City in the Miss Georgia pageant, has become the fifth Miss Capital City in the past ten years to win the title.

But it’s Brinson, a small town near Bainbridge, that Bridges calls home. Area residents recently showed Bridges just how proud they are of their hometown girl’s accomplishments by throwing a welcome home party in her honor.

“I am so blessed and thankful to be surrounded by such a supportive community,” Bridges noted. “They are amazing, and it makes all the difference in the world.”

Bridges’ life and unique experiences thus far have contributed to this time in which she is living out one of her dreams. She notes that growing up on a produce farm taught her the value of hard work and living with purpose. It also began a lifelong love of science as she learned about soil testing and irrigation systems, which paved the way for her pursuit of a career in science. Her childhood also gave her experience on learning how to interact with people from all walks of life, which will no doubt be an essential benefit as she fulfills her duties as Miss Georgia.

“My fascination with the Miss America Organization (MAO) began when I was a young farm girl,” Bridges recalled. “I wanted to become as polished and poised as the women that I admired, and inspire others like they have inspired me. Participating in the MAO is personally rewarding on so many levels — from scholarships to networking opportunities and life experiences I would not have otherwise.”

Bridges immediately knocks down the myth that all pageants are like those often portrayed on today’s television screens, with backstabbing and sabotage featured as prevailing traits.

“I think one thing that people would find most surprising about competition in the Miss America Organization is that the contestants really are all good friends and very supportive of one another. You just don’t see much of that cattiness that is seems to be so stereotyped today.

“When you’re on that stage, you are competing with some of the kindest, most intelligent and passionate members of the Georgia community. I just can’t say enough good things about all of the girls in the MAO. I can’t imagine my life without it, because of all of the wonderful friendships I have made.”

It’s this quality that defines Bridges’ favorite part of her experience in the Miss Georgia pageant.

“I was standing up there in the final two, holding hands with my best friend — Miss Cobb County’s Taylor Voyles. I’ve known her since I was 15 years old, and she is one of the few people that really gets me. I knew in that moment that I could not have been happier either way, with whatever the result. It was just so surreal.”

Facebook users, click here to see video of Bridges’ crowning moment.

Now, Bridges is busy preparing for September’s Miss America competition, and traveling the state as she carries out her duties as Miss Georgia. Recently, Bridges visited with families at Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Phoebe is this region’s designated hospital for the Children’s Miracle Network, which is the national platform for the Miss America organization. Bridges will continue visiting families and patients at hospitals throughout the state, and she has already raised approximately $10,000 for the organization, moving swiftly toward her goal of $25,000.

What does Carly Mathis have to say?

We chatted recently with Carly Mathis, Leesburg native and 2013 Miss Georgia, to find out any advice she has for Bridges.