The Miss Ouachita Baptist University 2026 Scholarship Competition will be held Saturday, Feb.14, at 7 p.m. in the Jones Performing Arts Center.
Eight young women from OBU will be competing this year for over $4,000 in scholarships and awards in the categories of private interview, on stage interview, health and fitness, talent, and evening wear.
Olivia Taylor is a senior majoring Business Administration Entrepreneurship. The Benton native is the daughter of Andreina and Michael Lee. She is sponsored by the Hickingbotham School of Business. Her community service initiative is Getting Down to Business: Bringing the Entrepreneurial Mindset to Small Schools. Her vocal talent will be “Reflection” from the Walt Disney movie “Mulan.” Olivia wants to run for Governor when she turns 40 and help the state of Arkansas, and retire to her own bakery called “Spice of Life.”
Diana Taylor is a senior from Benton majoring in History and Political Science. She is the daughter of Andreina Lee. Diana is sponsored by the Sutton School of Social Science. Her community service initiative is The Challenge COIN: Flipping the Narrative on Veterans. Her talent will be her story: “The Stage.” Diana’s career goals include serving the U.S. Army for 20 years, then becoming an attorney who gives people a voice.
Lauren Mann is a freshman from Cabot majoring in Worship Studies and Kinesiology. She is the daughter of Randy and Sue Ann Mann. She is sponsored by the OBU Kinesiology Department. Her community service initiative is Cultivating Minds. Her talent will be a vocal performance of “Wondering” from “High School Musical: The Musical.” Lauren’s career goals are to be bi-vocational in sports and leading worship.
Madeline Yaney is a senior from Little Rock majoring in Communications and Media. She is the daughter of Brad and Meredith Yaney. Her sponsor is Women of EEE. Madeline’s community service initiative is Children’s Literacy, “Opening Doors through Reading.” Her talent selection will be a vocal performance of “Feeling Good.” Madeline’s career goals are to use digital media, public speaking, and event planning to connect communities and create meaningful, positive impacts.
Emma Dill is a junior from North Little Rock majoring in Pre-Professional Kinesiology with a minor in Psychology. She is the daughter of Laura and Bart Dill. She is being sponsored by Wesley and Debbie Kluck. Her community service initiative is “Hey You Belong Here” – Suicide Prevention. Emma’s talent selection will be acrobatic dance. Her career goal is to attain a doctorate in Physical Therapy and become a Pediatric Physical Therapist.
Anna Darby is a junior from Arkadelphia majoring in Kinesiology and Pre-professional Studies. She is the daughter of Jay and Susan Derby. Anna’s sponsor is the Ouachita Kinesiology Club. Her community service initiative is “Strive to Thrive: Working Towards Wellness.” Anna’s talent selection is a tap dance to “Runaway Baby” by Bruno Mars. Her career goals are to become a physical therapist.
Allison Hylkema is a senior from Jackson, Tennessee, majoring in Political Science and Communications. She is the daughter of Derek and Mary Kay Hylkema. Allison is being sponsored by Ouachita Cross Country and Track. Her community service initiative is Hippotherapy for Special Needs Children and Adults. Her talent selection is a vocal performance of “Moon River.” Allison’s career goals are to become an attorney.
Kidron Romoser is a junior from Rogers majoring in Communication Sciences and Disorders (Speech Patholgy). She is the daughter of Matthew and Florina Romoser. Kidron is being sponsored by The Women of Tri Chi. Her community service initiative is Voices of Change. Her talent selection is a vocal performance of “I Wanna be a Cowboy’s Sweetheart.” Kidron’s career goals are to become a pediatric speech therapist.
Ava Weeks is the reigning Miss OBU 2025 and won over $6,000 in Miss OBU and Miss Arkansas scholarships last year. Ava is a junior English education major from Conway, Arkansas and is the daughter of April Cook and Jeff Weeks. Miss OBU 2017, Tiffany Lee Terrell, will emcee the competition. Miss Arkansas 2025, Kennedy Holland, and Miss Arkansas’ Teen 2025, Amelia Lisowe, will be special guests and perform during the competition. The winner will compete in The Miss Arkansas Scholarship Competition June 8-13, 2026, in Little Rock.
Sponsors for the competition this year are the OBU Student Senate, the Hamburger Barn, the Fairfield Inn of Arkadelphia, Kelzek Jewelry and Gifts, A-Town Fitness, Raines Family Dental in Benton, Mary & Martha’s Florist, Emerge in Conway, By Madi Darr Spray Tans, and The Blushed Pearl Boutique, Sharon Bale, Suzie Barham, Barrett and Kristen Belew, Keith and Mary Glover, and Tony and Kelly Lee.
Tickets are $7 for students and $12 for adults and may be purchased at the door or in advance at obu.edu/boxoffice.
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