By Ashley Strehl
Editor-in-Cheif
A small town girl brought into a royal family- this sounds like a Kate Middleton story but actually it happened in Northwestern’s very own Herod Hall.
Allison Stewart was named NWOSU’s Miss Northwestern 2019 Sunday night. Stewart, of Burlington, wanted this title so she could put it to good use for her future. “I chose to compete in Miss Northwestern so I could make a bigger impact on my community,” Stewart said. “It feels like an honor and I am super excited to represent Northwestern.”
Four Miss Northwestern contestants, five Outstanding Teen contestants and four Miss Northwestern stars filled the stage that night in hopes to win their crown and start the new journey.
The prize was a $1,500 tuition scholarship and a cash scholarship to NWOSU.
Candidates were judged in talent, interview, lifestyle and fitness and onstage question categories. For her talent, Contestant No. 4, Stewart, preformed a vocal solo entitled “Someone Like You” by Adele.
Contestant No. 1, and first runner-up, Katie Blair, from Waynoka, preformed a marimba solo covering the song “More of Us” by Matt Moore. Contestant No. 2, EmmaRae Cook, of Alva, did an original personal monologue titled “Just Another Broken Heart” and spoke about her struggle with her heart condition. Finally, Contestant No. 3, Lyzeth Guevara, from Guymon, preformed a color guard routine with the song “Quiet” by MILCK.
However, talent is only one portion of their total score. Each miss contestant had their own platform. During the interview process, contestants were asked about what their platform is about and what it means to them.
Their platform reflects on their passions and inspirations. Stewart chose “Happy, Healthy, and REAL.” as hers. “I hope to put my platform to good use by inspiring little girls to find their confidence and be comfortable with who they are,” Stewart said. Stewart partnered with Girls Real foundation and Girls On The Run, and hopes to place programs here in Alva, to help girls get to know themselves and be comfortable and confident.
During the evening gown competition, the contestants were accompanied by their own Miss Northwestern Star, four little girls, all under the age of 10.
Contestant No. 1 Blair, and her star Sage Baird, contestant 2, Cook and Brayleigh Byers, contestant 3, Stewert and Heath and contestant 5 Guevara with Angely Mesta walked the stage during the evening gown competition while holding hands.
After the evening gown competition, each contestant was asked an on-stage question by former Miss Northwestern, Macie Malone. The questions were in relation to recent political issues. Malone asked Stewart a question regarding state questions.
“State question 798 added a provision to our state constitution to have the governor and lieutenant governor to run on the same ballot, much like president and vice president are running mates,” Malone asked. “Do you think this is a good step for the people of Oklahoma; or does it take control away from voters?”
Stewart said her answer loud and clear, “I believe this takes control away from the voters because different people have different opinions,” Stewart said. “While I am not an Oklahoma resident I believe Oklahomans should still have the option.”
Former title holder, Malone, said her final goodbye and raved on her year as Miss Northwestern. “I had a really awesome year as Miss Northwestern,” Malone said. “I had never done a pageant before, I didn’t know what to expect. I was nervous for what it was going to entail, but when I won, I never regretted any of it. The people that I’ve met, the people who have supported me, they have all been so integral in my success,” Malone said. “I am so thrilled for Allison, I think she is going to be an amazing Miss Northwestern.” Stewart will receive a $1,500 tuition scholarship and a cash scholarship as Miss Northwestern.
Paisley Heath of Alva, named Miss Northwestern’s Star 2019, will accompany Stewart to the Miss Oklahoma Scholarship Competition in Tulsa in June. Heath is the daughter of Jaci and Jason Heath of Alva.
Miss Northwestern’s first runner-up is Katherine Blair, junior instrumental music education major from Waynoka. She will receive a $1,000 tuition scholarship and a cash scholarship.
Stewart is looking forward to the year she will have and is excited to make a change in her community and her future. “I am so honored to be titled Miss Northwestern,” Stewart said. “I hope to learn a lot over this year and I can’t wait to represent my community and school with my passion and spirit.”