Ouachita Stories

Brooke Schmidt, a sophomore business administration/management and marketing major from Rowlett, Texas, was crowned Miss Ouachita Baptist University 2015 on Feb. 28 at Jones Performing Arts Center. Schmidt will represent Ouachita in the 2015 Miss Arkansas Pageant this summer.

“This school has been such a blessing to me, and I wanted the opportunity to give back,” said Schmidt, who represented EEE women’s social club’s 2015 pledge class in the pageant. “I transferred in this year and have been so blessed by the opportunities and people that God has placed in my life. The thought of representing this school and being able to reach out to this community excites me.”

Along with being crowned Miss OBU, Schmidt received a $1,000 scholarship from the university as well as wardrobe, photography and other stipends from supporting businesses. Schmidt was also awarded the Kristen Glover Belew Private Interview Award, the Kiley Jane Wright Alpha Award, the Bethany Whitfield Alpha Swimsuit Award, the Mac Sisson Alpha Talent Award and the People’s Choice Award.

Schmidt is the daughter of Doug and Kelly Schmidt of Rowlett, Texas. She is a member of EEE women’s social club and is an OBU cheerleader. Her platform is battling teen substance abuse.

In addition to Schmidt, 12 other contestants competed in this year’s pageant. First runner-up and winner of the Bethany Briscoe Toney Presence and Poise in Evening Wear Award was Kathryn Barfield, a sophomore biology major from New Boston, Texas. Second runner-up and winner of the Miss Congeniality Award and Photogenic Award was Mariah Gough, a sophomore biology and kinesiology/leisure studies major from Smackover, Ark. Third runner-up and winner of the OBU Student Senate Inner and Outer Beauty Award was Hailee Draughon, a freshman musical theatre major from Mesquite, Texas. Fourth runner-up and winner of the Academic Award was Ali Kinsey, a sophomore business administration/marketing and management major from Hot Springs, Ark.

Noting that she is excited for future opportunities to “set an example for others as well as meet many new people,” Schmidt added, “I am most looking forward to the opportunity to represent Ouachita at the Miss Arkansas Pageant.”

Emily Long, a sophomore business administration/management and finance major from Hot Springs, Ark., was also awarded the Academic Award. Lauren Ford, a freshman political science major from Cabot, Ark., was awarded the Spirit of Miss Ouachita Baptist University Award.

Also competing in this year’s pageant were Mallory Breeding, a freshman communication sciences and disorders major from Bixby, Okla.; Rachel Chandler, a junior biology major from Little Rock, Ark.; Alyssa Delker, a freshman business administration/marketing major from Mansfield, Texas; Jordan Feltrop, a freshman biology major from Searcy, Ark.; Emily Graves, a senior biology major from Hot Springs, Ark.; and Micale Kocke, a senior biology major from Cabot, Ark.

“Holding a title such as Miss OBU is something God has allowed me to do for a reason; He has provided me gifts and capability to hold such a position,” Schmidt added. “This is an amazing opportunity to spread his word and love at a completely different level. I felt so honored at the fact that God chose me of all people to take on such a roll. This is truly a blessing.”

Former Miss OBU and Miss Arkansas 2004 Lacy Glover served as emcee for the pageant. Guests presenting entertainment during the event included Miss OBU’s Diamond State Princess Chloe Hargis; Miss OBU 2014 Abby Lindsey; Carli Sasser, a 2014 OBU alumna; and musical group Triple Threat, composed of Caleb Conrad and Ouachita students Tyler Davis and Will Richey.

Also providing entertainment throughout the pageant was this year’s Court of Honor, featuring Taylor Black, a junior psychology and mass communications major from Benton, Ark.; Abby Lindsey, a senior business administration/management major from Van Buren, Ark.; Alexis Morgan, a sophomore choral music education major from Frisco, Texas; Christina Moon, a senior church music major from Carrolton, Texas; and Emily Weeden, a junior worship arts major from Rogers, Ark. Stacy Hawking, a junior musical theatre major from Sherwood, Ark. served as choreographer for the Court of Honor.

The pageant was directed by OBU alumnus Justin Harper and hosted by Ouachita’s Student Senate and Office of Campus Activities. Ouachita alumnae, business professionals and pageant directors from the surrounding region served as judges for the event.

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

 

By Chelsea Whelpley // Photos by Kelsey Bond