Reagan Magee is Miss Destin 2024

After a 40-minute deliberation by the judges, Reagan Magee was crowned Miss Destin 2024 Saturday night at Destin High School. 

Magee was one of 11 young ladies in the community who competed to wear the crown and sash of Miss Destin 2024 and reign over the 76^th annual Destin Fishing Rodeo. The other contestants were Evie Barkocy, Ivy Bryant, Caroline Campbell, Gabriella Castaneda, Sophie Corey, Caylen Curle, Maylin Nicholson, Caroline Pitchlynn, Isabella Riggs and Kaitlyn Williams.   

As soon as Master of Ceremonies Christian Garman called her name, Magee’s jaw dropped then she broke into a huge smile. 

“I wasn’t expecting that ... it’s insane,” Magee said. 

Magee, a 17-year-old junior at Fort Walton Beach High, has lived in Destin her entire life and watched others step into the role of Miss Destin. 

More:11 girls vie for title of Miss Destin 2024

“It’s just so exciting to follow in the paths of my friends,” she said after getting a hug from Miss Destin 2020 Lauren Adams.  

“It was an experience worth trying, and it worked out, which is so funny, because I was not expecting it at all,” Magee said. 

Even her mom, Ryan, was a bit surprised. 

“It’s amazing ... wasn’t expecting it with all that stiff competition,” Ryan said. 

Mom said Reagan’s quest for Miss Destin was all her decision. 

“This was all on her own. She came home one day and said, I’m running for Miss Destin ... and I was like, let’s do it. And she did,” Ryan said with a big smile on her face. 

Her dad, David, was proud as well and couldn’t stop smiling. 

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In addition to serving at the Rodeo during the month of October, Miss Destin 2024 Reagan Magee will serve as an ambassador in the community participating in parades and various events throughout the year. 

“I’m so excited about all of the events, especially the fishing Rodeo, definitely,” Reagan said. 

"I love everything ... I’ve got to fix my schedule,” she said. 

Magee is very active at Fort Walton Beach High. She is a member of the varsity cheerleading team, girl’s weightlifting team and flag football team. She is also a member of the school’s leadership program. 

And her classmates were there in support from the “Fort” on Saturday night, taking group photos and such afterwards.  

In addition to taking the crown and sash, Magee is the recipient of a $5,000 scholarship courtesy of the city of Destin, Destin Charter Boat Association, Destin Chamber of Commerce, the family of Nancy Cheney, Destin Rotary Club and Larry Hatchett Fishing Foundation. 

First runner-up was Caroline Pitchlynn. She received a $1,000 scholarship. Pitchlynn was also the recipient of the Peyton LoCicero Humanitarian Award, $500. 

The second runner-up was Gabriella Castaneda. She received a $500 scholarship and another $200 for being selected Most Photogenic. 

Third runner-up was Evie Barkocy. She received a $500 scholarship and another $200 for winning the Nancy Cheney Congeniality Award. 

Fourth place and a $500 scholarship went to Ivy Bryant. 

No one in the pageant went away emptyhanded. Each contestant went home with a $50 Rodeo Heritage Award, sponsored by the Charter Boat Lady Em, and a $25 Miss Destin Community Award, sponsored by Emerald Coast Rental Management. 

During the pageant, each girl participated in a fashion show, performed a dance routine together, had a formal gown presentation, and answered a mystery question.  

The mystery questions were randomly chosen by the girls and covered a wide range of topics.  

The question chosen by Castaneda was, “If you could have dinner with a historic figure, who would it be and why?” 

She said Abraham Lincoln. She wanted to know how he got involved with the Emancipation Proclamation, “and why did he wear such a tall hat?” she said. 

Throughout the evening, four-minute TikTok videos that each of the girls put together about themselves were shown.  

While the judges were deliberating, Miss Destin 2023 Carrington Phillips spoke of how great this past year was serving in the role of Miss Destin.  

“363 days ago, I started the best year of my life,” Phillips said. 

“Little did I know when I was standing on the docks holding up a fish at only 4 years old, that I would be standing in front of you now, with a heart full of gratitude as your Miss Destin 2023,” Phillips said.  

Phillips quoted scripture, Jeremiah 29:11, which says: “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord ...” 

“Even though I didn’t know the plan, He did,” she said. 

“This experience of being Miss Destin has not only helped me grow as a person, but most importantly I have grown in my faith. And for Miss Destin 2024, I pray you continue to be a light in this community, being and extension of God’s grace and love, through setting an example, by your actions,” Phillips said.