It's been almost a full week since a new Miss Mississippi was crowned, and Emmie Perkins said she's still getting used to her new title."I think I'm still living in shock, and every single day I wake up and it hits me that this is my new life, this is my new challenge, and I can't wait to hit the ground running," Perkins said.Perkins, a Hattiesburg native, is the first Miss Mississippi State to win the title since 1974. She recalled praying with first runner-up Charity Lockridge throughout the entire week about who would get the crown."She said, 'It's going to be the two of us holding hands just like this.' And I said, 'No way. That'll never happen,' and to my surprise, and to the Lord's plan, that's exactly where I was standing that Saturday night," Perkins said.Perkins has made it a goal during her year to share her platform, "Music is Medicine" to classrooms, hospitals and assisted living homes in all 82 counties. She said it's crucial to keep the arts involved in all parts of life."I told a story on stage with a little boy who didn't have food on the table at home, and he was hungry and didn't have a good support system," Perkins said. "But in the moment, I brought in Music is Medicine, he called it the best day of his life."Before Perkins heads to Miss America, she will travel to Dallas to cheer on Miss Mississippi's Outstanding Teen Cameron Davis. Davis uses her title to educate and encourage teens to volunteer through her platform, "Building Community Through Giving.""Volunteering has always had such a big impact on my life and I want to show teens the importance of volunteering," Davis said.Both titleholders said they are appreciative of this organization for not only helping them further their education in scholarships but also having a voice and inspiring all ages.Davis will compete in Miss America's Outstanding Teen in August. Perkins will fly to Connecticut later this year to compete in Miss America.