Sweet News, Bryant, McKay put the ‘GRAND’ in Grand Marshal
by Shane Wofford
SERVICE BEFORE SELF – Miss Volunteer America Berkley Bryant (left) and Miss Tennessee Volunteer Hannah McKay were officially announced last week as grand marshals for the 87th annual West Tennessee Strawberry Festival. Festival President Mitzie Privitt selected them for exemplifying the spirit of volunteerism inherent in this year’s theme.
The 87th Annual West Tennessee Strawberry Festival continues to take shape, as last week Festival President Mitzie Privitt announced her grand marshals for this year’s celebrations: Berkley Bryant, Miss Volunteer America, and Hannah McKay, Miss Tennessee Volunteer. Though neither are Humboldt natives, Privitt selected them for their deep ties to service, tying into the focus on volunteerism with this year’s theme, “It’s a Berry Good Life.”
Miss Volunteer America Berkley Bryant
For Berkley Bryant, volunteerism isn’t just part of her role as Miss Volunteer America—it’s a lifelong calling shaped by her upbringing. Born into a military family, Bryant moved frequently, living in Texas, Alabama, and South Carolina before eventually making Tennessee her home as Miss Volunteer America. Her father’s 20-year career in the Air Force instilled in her a deep commitment to “service before self”, a value she now champions across the country.
“I make many appearances as Miss Volunteer America as a national brand ambassador for the Salvation Army, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and the D.A.R.E. program,” Bryant said. “Giving back has changed my life far more than I ever imagined it could.”
Bryant is a graduate of Clemson University—where she was a member of the dance team—and holds a degree in marketing with a minor in biological sciences. Thanks to the $50,000 scholarship she won through Miss Volunteer America, she plans to pursue a Master’s in Business Administration at Clemson, with aspirations of working in medical sales. Her passion for this field is personal, having cared for both grandmothers with dementia and now supporting her mother, who is battling stage four metastatic breast cancer.
“That’s been a big part of my life that I don’t talk about a lot,” said Bryant, “but it’s really shown me the pharmaceutical side of things and how there’s such a lack of education for the families and how to care for their loved one in those circumstances. And so being that salesperson that advocates for the family is something that I was really passionate about.”
Though this will be her first time at the West Tennessee Strawberry Festival, Bryant is eager to experience everything it has to offer—from the fireworks extravaganza to the cornhole tournament, where she hopes to put her college skills to the test. And, as a self-proclaimed “berry girl,” she’s particularly excited for the treats available throughout the festivities.
“Is it true there are strawberry churros? I need to try that,” she said.
Bryant says she’s grateful to have a personal connection to the festival through Privitt, who serves as a seamstress for the Miss Volunteer America pageant.
“Miss Mitzie was my rock during pageant week,” she said. “She made us all feel welcome and loved. To be here for her event—it was an easy yes.”
A BERRY SPECIAL WELCOME – Strawberry Festival President Mitzie Privitt (left) and General Chairman Danny Wade (right) welcome Bryant and McKay to the Humboldt Public Library in the run-up to their official announcement as grand marshals.
Miss Tennessee Volunteer Hannah McKay
For Hannah McKay, the chance to serve as grand marshal is a natural extension of the work she has dedicated herself to as Miss Tennessee Volunteer. A native of East Tennessee, McKay hails from Seymour, Tenn, and recently graduated from the University of Tennessee Knoxville with a degree in marketing and business administration. McKay has already begun building a career in brand management and sales. A natural communicator, she has found success on social media, with one of her “Get Ready with Miss Tennessee Volunteer” TikTok videos nearing one million views.
But her true passion lies in connecting with young people. Of all her responsibilities as Miss Tennessee Volunteer, McKay says school visits are the most rewarding.
“There is nothing quite like a big smile and a hug from a student who feels inspired,” she said. “It has been the biggest privilege to encourage the next generation to believe in themselves and show compassion.”
McKay is very familiar with the power of volunteerism, not just in her pageant community but through experiencing it firsthand at events like the West Tennessee Strawberry Festival.
“Volunteers are the silent superheroes behind traditions like this,” she said. “They make everything happen, and their dedication is why festivals like this can continue for generations.”
While McKay has always known about the West Tennessee Strawberry Festival, this will be her first time attending, and she’s eager to take in all the activities—Berry Idol, the community gospel night, and of course, the grand parade. Like Bryant, she also has a connection to Privitt through the Miss Volunteer America organization and is honored to support her in return.
“I’m not just coming for the fun, I’m here for a friend,” McKay said.
The 87th Annual West Tennessee Strawberry Festival runs from May 5–11. Keep tabs on upcoming developments in new editions of the Humboldt Chronicle as the fun draws nearer.
