Elaina Uzzle is a 16-year-old native of Lawrence County, Mississippi, honors student, and upcoming Junior at Lawrence County High School. She has been a varsity cheerleader for five years, won numerous citizenship awards, is a student of Law and Public Safety and Teacher Academy, and was recognized for her Ted Talk on mental health.

She was awarded over $11,000 in cash and in-kind scholarships that she will use to further her education after her high school graduation in 2024. Elaina is interested in becoming a lawyer. In her spare time, she enjoys blogging, calligraphy, fashion styling, baking, event and party planning, and interior design.

Elaina’s platform is Sunsets for Suicide, inspired by her personal experiences with the struggles of anxiety and depression and the loss of her best friend to suicide. She has been involved with various mental-health focused events and projects through the Copiah Community Medical Center, including writing letters for social workers to distribute and hosting “Mental Health Meet-Ups.”

For her talent selection, Elaina performed an original spoken word piece titled What is Normal? where she discussed the importance of speaking openly about mental health and supporting each other through struggles. She was also awarded a preliminary Fitness award and the Overall Interview Award.

Having recently turned 16, Elaina will soon receive her driver’s license and begin understanding the teen driving experience, a perspective which will allow her to effectively serve as an advocate for the Mississippi Highway Patrol’s D.R.I.V.E. campaign. She looks forward to utilizing the Miss Mississippi Teen Volunteer title to change lives.