Eleven students have registered as contestants in the 67th Miss Arkansas Tech University competition.
The event will take place Friday, Feb. 10, 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 2022 Ebony Mitchell of Harrison and Miss Arkansas Tech 2022 Alli Beth King of Rison will provide special entertainment.
The Miss Arkansas Tech University competition is sponsored by the ladies of Delta Zeta.
Dr. Jim Collins, ATU professor emeritus of agriculture, is the Miss Arkansas Tech University executive director. He will be honored during the event on Feb. 10 for his 23 years of service in that role as he prepares to transition to continued service to Miss Arkansas Tech University and the Miss Arkansas system as executive director emeritus.
Dr. Aubrey Holt, visiting lecturer for student affairs administration at ATU and director of assessment for the ATU Division of Student Affairs, will take office as Miss Arkansas Tech University executive director following the 2023 competition.
“Jim is the reason Miss Tech is widely considered one of the best preliminary competitions, if not the best, in the Miss Arkansas system,” said Holt. “The effort he pours into generating scholarships and prizes for Miss Tech contestants is nothing short of legendary. I look forward to his continued leadership in the role of executive director emeritus and to learning from him so we can ensure this important scholarship program continues for future generations of Arkansas Tech women.”
Sam Strasner, ATU director of university relations, will serve as master of ceremonies for the 2023 Miss Tech competition and the ceremony honoring Collins during the Feb. 10 event.
The Miss Arkansas Tech University competition is an official preliminary to Miss America, and the winner will compete in the 2023 Miss Arkansas competition June 3-10 in Little Rock.
The new Miss Tech will receive a two-semester tuition scholarship at Arkansas Tech. In all, approximately $25,000 in gifts and scholarships will be awarded during the pageant.
The 11 contestants for the 67th Miss Tech title, listed in alphabetical order, are:
Yesenia Arias
Parents: Ana and Azarael Arias
Hometown: Guymon, Okla.
Talent: Vocal
Platform: To the Dreamers-Somos el Futuro
Sponsor: Taco Bell
Star Austin
Parents: Brenda and Mark Austin
Hometown: Russellville
Talent: Jazz Dance
Platform: Be Kind to Your Mind
Sponsor: Promenade Pointe Dance Company
Jazmyne Campbell
Parents: Kristi and Mike Cain
Hometown: Yellville
Talent: Jazz Dance
Platform: Adopt a Grandparent
Sponsor: Alpha Sigma Tau
Elizabeth Durning
Parents: Lisa and Todd Durning
Hometown: Ozark
Talent: Jazz Dance
Platform: Empowering in Pink
Sponsor: Kappa Alpha
Madison Holmes
Parents: Heather and Jordan Holmes
Hometown: Van Buren
Talent: Speed Spray Painting
Platform: Be Kind To You
Sponsor: The Sparkled Leopard Boutique
Jazmine Houston
Parents: Eva and Darrell Houston
Hometown: Plainview
Talent: Vocal
Platform: Defy the Odds
Sponsor: Danny’s Tire and Auto
Hannah Lomax
Parents: Cathy and Loren Lomax
Hometown: Russellville
Talent: Piano
Platform: Letters of Hope
Sponsor: Parents
Kate Manuel
Parents: Emma and Alexander Manuel and Leah and Noel Ramirez
Hometown: Green Forest
Talent: Vocal
Platform: Si Se Puede-Empowerment Through Education
Sponsor: A&E Home
Winter Recinos
Parent: Leona Marston
Hometown: Alma
Talent: Vocal/Guitar
Platform: We 4 We
Sponsor: A-to-Z Gifts and More
Onnalyse Smith
Parents: Sharra Smith and Adam Smith
Hometown: Nixa, Mo.
Talent: Lyrical Dance
Platform: Breast Cancer Research
Sponsor: Coastal Country River Resort
Faith Tooke
Parents: Lindsey and Aaron Tooke
Hometown: Woodlawn
Talent: Vocal
Platform: Mental Health Awareness
Sponsor: Delta Zeta
