JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – Casey Elementary student Alijah-Joye Major has been competing in pageants since she was just six-months-old.

Her mother, Joye Major says they saw an ad at Northpark Mall. She also goes by “mom-ager,” playing the role of manager in her daughter’s pageant competitions.

Alijah’s journey has taken her all over: Dallas, Nashville and recently Little Rock, Arkansas.

There, Alijah competed for the title of ‘Mississippi Elementary America First Grade.’

The six-year-old has appeared in commercials with the Jackson Public School District (JPS).

“It’s all about her hearing me cheer her on,” said her mother Joye. “I think that makes her perform better.”

The journey hasn’t been easy. Joye said she’s recently received backlash.

“People see you putting makeup on your child. You’re making them grow up, but I can assure you, Alijah is your normal first grader. When she’s not at a pageant, she does not have makeup on.”

Regardless of the nay-sayers, there is no stopping this pageant queen. She’s not letting anyone dull her sparkle.

“My favorite part was when my mom held a big sign up for me. It made me so happy,” said Alijah. She thanks Mississippians for their support.

Alijah was the only Mississippi contestant in the elementary school division to score in the top 10 of her age group.

She was crowned Miss Mississippi Elementary First Grade back in November 2022.