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Five young women competed in this year’s Ms. LBW Pageant on Thursday, Jan. 20, and freshman Tori Hobbs was announced as the winner.

Hobbs received a $3,000 Institutional Scholarship and an invitation to compete at Miss Alabama Volunteer. In addition to Ms. LBW, she also won the Interview category.

“I was shocked because I knew all the contestants participating brought something unique and special to the table. I love that I get to represent Lurleen B. Wallace, the great college I’ve come to know. I am so thankful that I get to serve and give back to the school that has given to me and to be more involved with the City of Andalusia.”

She started competing in pageants before she could walk. “My mom signed me up at such a young age because as her only daughter, she knew that we could bond during the competition and that it would help me down the road to feel comfortable talking in large crowds,” Hobbs said.

As a seasoned competitor, the Ms. LBW pageant was not the same as previous pageants.

“I enjoy the opportunity to make new friends and to get dressed up. Ms. LBW was my first pageant that involved a talent and fitness portion. I loved the challenge of trying something different and discovering parts about myself that I didn’t know were capable. It is important to prepare for all areas because they all show different things about each contestant. You should also prepare, so you don’t feel as nervous and can focus on enjoying the moment.”

Hobbs chose speed painting for her talent in the competition.

“I have painted since elementary school and was originally inspired by the ‘An American Girl: Saige Paints the Sky’ movie. My ‘why’ is because it’s unique. I love the challenge it brought to paint upside down in one minute and thirty seconds. You don’t see that very often. I have actually never tried to speed paint until preparing for the pageant. With the help from Mrs. Amy at Lower Alabama Art Coliseum and my creativity, I was able to put together a masterpiece of my Savior, Jesus,” she said.

She added that she enjoyed participating in the interview category the most. “I love to talk. The interview portion has always been my favorite because I get to have a conversation with the judges and show them who I am. I went in with an open mind and a big smile and probably talked their ears off.”

When asked whom she wanted to recognize for helping her reach this point of her life, Hobbs said all the glory and honor goes to God.

“I would not be where I am today if it wasn’t for His guidance, mercy, and love. God also gave me the best parents. Without them, I would not have anything I have today. They have taught me everything I know and molded me into the young woman I am today. I am also encouraged by the legacy my grandfather, Evangelist Randy Hobbs, left behind. He said, ‘The best is yet to come.’”

She was raised in Wicksburg, Alabama, and graduated from Wicksburg High School in 2021. She is the daughter of Kevin and Jami Hobbs and has an older brother, Tyler.

“I am so privileged to have had the chance to work with five amazing LBW women. I know Tori will represent our college and our community so well during her year as Ms. LBW,” said Director of Student and Community Engagement Katie King.

Hobbs is also a member of the Saints softball team. When she graduates from LBWCC, she hopes to continue playing college softball at a four-year university and major in Exercise Science. After completing her bachelor’s degree, she said she could continue on to medical school and become a physical therapist.

“I am so excited to take on this opportunity and am thankful that I have Mrs. Katie King and the LBW SGA by my side. I have already made plans to create and serve at events to give back to the community, so stay tuned,” Hobbs said.