Laura Figueroa, a junior physical education major from De Queen, was crowned 2026 Miss HSU at Henderson State’s annual competition February 15.
McKenzie Sanders, a senior pre-med biology major from Little Rock, was named first runner-up, and Ava Littleton, a sophomore sport management major from McGehee, was second runner-up.
The 66th annual competition categories included private interview, talent, on-stage question, and evening gown. It is a preliminary event for Miss Arkansas.
Other awards presented include:
- Overall Talent Winner – Laura Figueroa
- Overall Evening Gown – Laura Figueroa
- Spirit of Miss HSU – Zoe Davis
- Community Service Award – Zaniyah Thompson
- Overall Academic Award – Ava Littleton
- Dawn Coffman Miss Congeniality Award – Jamaya Milow
- People’s Choice – McKenzie Sanders
- Haven Hughes Impact Award – Allison Robinson
The Miss Henderson State University Teen Scholarship competition was held in conjunction with the Miss HSU event.
Kaitlyn Edwards was crowned the winner. Kristyn Lynch was named first runner-up, and Ashley Watt was second runner-up.