Ouachita Stories

MaryLacey Thomson, a sophomore musical theatre major from Plano, Texas, was crowned Miss Ouachita Baptist University 2012 on Feb. 25 at Jones Performing Arts Center. She will represent Ouachita at the 2012 Miss Arkansas Pageant July 8-14 in Hot Springs, Ark.

“I am absolutely humbled and honored to represent Ouachita as Miss OBU 2012 on this campus, as well as at Miss Arkansas this summer,” Thomson said. “It is amazing to be able to give back and serve a school that has done so much.”

Thomson is a member of the EEE Women’s Social Club where she serves as co-Tiger Tunes director. She is also a member of the Ouachita Sounds vocal ensemble.

“It is so exciting to have the opportunity to share my platform, BrainPOWER, a fundraising organization associated with the Brain Aneurysm Foundation,” Thomson said. “I am looking forward to the many opportunities that will be available as Miss OBU to do so, including planning and hosting a one mile fun-run in September, which is Brain Aneurysm Awareness Month. I intend to raise awareness, help educate and assist with fundraising for this foundation.”

Thomson was also awarded the Private Interview Award, Artistic Expression and Talent Award, Lifestyle and Fitness Award and Newcomer Talent Award.

In addition to Thomson, 15 other contestants participated in this year’s pageant. First runner-up was Brooke Ault, a senior musical theatre major from Little Rock, Ark. Second runner-up and winner of the People’s Choice Award was Sarah Liz Carter, a sophomore math and computer science major from Norphlet, Ark. Third runner-up was Brandi Hull, a junior psychology major from Longview, Texas. Fourth runner-up was Lauren Jackson, a junior biology major from Arkadelphia, Ark.

Sarah McKimmey, a senior history major from Heath, Texas, was awarded the Academic Award. Sarah Jones, a freshman musical theatre and mass communications major from Little Rock, Ark., won the Inner and Outer Beauty Award. Natalie Way, a sophomore early childhood education major from Carlisle, Ark., won the Most Photogenic Award. Alexis Penn, a freshman accounting major from Little Rock, Ark., was awarded the Spirit of the Pageant Award. Emily Parker, a junior early childhood education major from Shreveport, La., was named Miss Congeniality.

Other contestants included Sydney Gibson, a freshman business finance major from Hot Springs, Ark.; Alli Goodson, a freshman pre-nursing major from Stuttgart, Ark.; Abby Lindsey, a freshman business management major from Van Buren Ark.; Haley Prowell, a senior business finance and management major from Rogers, Ark.; Natalie Whisenant, a junior biology major from Fort Worth, Texas; and Kris Wright, a freshman pre-nursing major from Glenwood, Ark.

Miss OBU 2010, Bethany (Briscoe) Toney, and Miss OBU 2009, Bethany Whitfield, served as emcees along with Student Senate President Jacob Lively, a senior biology major from Hooks, Texas.

In addition to Whitfield and Miss OBU 2011, Kristen Glover, performers on the Court of Honor included Stephanie Batsel, a senior music major from Mansfield, Texas; Joseph Hurst, a sophomore music major from Morrilton, Ark.; Lola McClendon, a senior musical theatre and Spanish major from Springdale, Ark.; Ryan Strebeck, a sophomore biology major from Texarkana, Ark.; and Kiley Wright, a junior biology major from Glenwood, Ark.

For more information, contact Ouachita’s Office of Campus Activities at (870) 245-5597.

By Stephanie Hampton