Derriana Bishop was crowned Miss AWAG 2023 at the pageant held Sept. 23 at Coastal Alabama Community College in Bay Minette. The Baldwin County High School senior is the daughter of the Apostle Derrick and Twana Bishop of Bay Minette.

Participants were vying for the crown and the chance to win scholarships through the Area Women's Action Group. Throughout the program, the participants showcased casual wear, physical fitness, talent and evening wear. After the top five finalists were announced, each answered a question regarding peer pressure and how they were able to turn it into a positive.

At BCHS, Bishop is a president of the Beta Chi Sigma, senior class secretary, vice president of Future Business Leaders of America and Student Council secretary. For her talent presentation, she performed a praise dance. In addition to the title, she won preliminary awards including Shining Star, Ads and Publishing and Ticket Sales.

Rounding out the top five included Ceira McReynolds, first runner-up; Tra'Della Bradley, second runner-up; Alyssa Moorer, third runner-up; and Tamiyah Killings, fourth runner-up. Additional participants included Naydia Green, Jayla West and Jameia Brooks.

Preliminary Award Winners included Shining Star Award, Derriana Bishop and TraDella Bradley; Most Ad and Ticket Sales, Derriana Bishop; Most Spirit, Tra'Della Bradley; Eagle Award, Tamiyah Killings and Jayla West; Horizon Award, Naydia Green; Scholastic Achievement, Ciera McReynolds; Shedrick Hardy Memorial, Jameia Brooks; Beatrice Lyons Memorial Award, Alyssa Moorer; Mary H. Cox Memorial Award, Ciera McReynolds; Sabra Simmons Honorary Founders Scholarship, Naydia Green; and Coastal Alabama Community College Scholarship, Ciera McReynolds.

This marks the 27th year for the scholarship program, sponsored by the Area Women's Action Group.