Fourteen students have registered as contestants in the 61st annual Miss Arkansas Tech University Scholarship Pageant.
The pageant will be on Friday, Feb. 19, at Witherspoon Auditorium. It will begin at 7 p.m. Admission will be $8 for adults, $5 for minors and free with a current and valid Arkansas Tech identification card.
Miss Arkansas 2015 Loren McDaniel of Van Buren and Miss Arkansas Tech 2015 Haven Brock of Haskell will provide special entertainment. McDaniel placed in the top 15 at Miss America 2016.
The Miss Arkansas Tech University Scholarship Pageant is sponsored by the ladies of Delta Zeta. Dr. Jim Collins, professor of horticulture at Arkansas Tech, serves as pageant executive director and master of ceremonies.
The Miss Tech Pageant is an official preliminary to the Miss America Pageant, and the winner will compete in the 2016 Miss Arkansas Pageant.
Contestants in the Miss Arkansas Tech University Scholarship Pageant must be full-time female Tech students between the ages of 17 and 24.
The new Miss Tech will receive a two-semester tuition scholarship at Arkansas Tech. In all, more than $26,000 in gifts and scholarships will be awarded during the pageant.
The 14 contestants for the 61st Miss Tech title, in alphabetical order, are:
*Carly Copeland of Clarksville, daughter of Donna and Jody Copeland. Her talent will be a vocal performance of “There’s a Fine, Fine Line.” Carly’s critical issue is “Mentoring Matters.” She is sponsored by Zeta Tau Alpha.
*Grace Evans of Little Rock, daughter of Leigh and Craig Evans. Her talent will be a jazz vocal performance of “Orange Colored Sky.” Her critical issue is “You Are What You Eat: Quality Nutrition.” ACE Engineering Inc. is Grace’s sponsor.
*Jordie Flippo of Sherwood, daughter of Angela and Brad Clark. Jordie’s talent will be a lyrical dance to the tune of “Hallelujah.” Her critical issue is “Running with Responsibility.” She is sponsored by Zeta Tau Alpha.
*Meagan Halcomb of Delight, daughter of Ann and Chuck Halcomb. She will offer a vocal performance for her talent. Meagan’s critical issue is “Every Child Can Learn.” Her sponsor is Phi Mu.
*Kaylee Hefley of Hot Springs, daughter of Loretta and Larry Hefley. She will perform a flute solo of “Phantom of the Opera” for her talent. “One Life is Too Many: Drunk Driving” is her critical issue. Kaylee is sponsored by Phi Mu.
*Freedim Leatherman of Mountain Home, daughter of Wendy Leatherman. Her talent is a vocal performance of “Beautiful.” Freedim’s critical issue is “S.T.O.M.P. Out Fire: Safety First.” She is sponsored by Wayne Ellis Logging of Norfork, Alpha Sigma Tau Beta Rho chapter and Momma D Designs.
*Lindsay Lester of Huntsville, daughter of Lori Lester. A vocal performance of “Jukebox Blues” is her talent. “Home Grown in the Natural State” is her critical issue. Lindsay is sponsored by Sigma Alpha.
*Cierra Martin of Lavaca, daughter of Audra and Rob Thompson and LaVonda and Wayne Martin. She will offer a vocal performance of “House of the Rising Sun” for her talent. Cierra’s critical issue is “Alzheimer’s Disease.” She is sponsored by friends and family.
*Ashley Pearson of Harrison, daughter of Chris and John Pearson. Sign language interpretation is her talent. Her critical issue is “Read Across America: Read to Succeed.” Ashley is sponsored by River Valley Leader.
*Raigan Purtle of Russellville, daughter of Ryna and Brian Purtle. Dance is her talent. Her critical issue is “Paying it Forward: IOU.” She is sponsored by Delta Zeta, Formal Affairs and Big River Materials Inc.
*Bethany Skaggs of Greenwood, daughter of Tina and Kelvin Skaggs. She will give a vocal performance for her talent. Bethany’s critical issue is “Drunk Driving.” Delta Zeta is her sponsor.
*Tiffany Squires of Sherwood, daughter of Kim and Monty Squires. Tiffany will give a vocal performance for her talent. Her critical issue is “Don’t Risk It: Click It.” She is sponsored by Lavish Boutique.
*Kelsey Stone of Russellville, daughter of Kim and Dee Stone. Her talent is a vocal performance of “Hero.” Kelsey’s critical issue is “Healthy Habits.” Her sponsor is United Voices.
*Ashley Wilson of Bauxite, daughter of Carla and Shane Wilson. Lyrical dance is her talent. “Stand Tall Against Bullies” is her critical issue. Ashley is sponsored by Samantha Breeding Small Business Bookkeeping.
