By VICTORIA SCHNAUFER, Student Reporter
Miss Northwestern Oklahoma State University crowned a new queen, on Oct. 30, to represent the university in Miss Oklahoma 2017, in June.
Kandi Hughart, El Reno senior double majoring in Psychology and Health and fitness management, now holds the crown. She has been a student at Northwestern for all four years of college and is planning on continuing her career as a student to secure her master’s degree in Professional Counselling, at Oklahoma University, after graduation in May.
Northwestern has become a special place to Hughart.“I’ve met so many incredible people at Northwestern who I know will be lifelong friends,” Hughart said. “The Northwestern community has been like a giant family that I am blessed to be a part of.”
Hughart wanted to experience the benefits that presented themselves for entering the pageant. “I wanted to be a part of the pageant for the opportunities that come with participating, the opportunity to gain confidence and promote self-growth, the opportunity to give my voice a megaphone and impact lives around me, and of course give back to Northwestern for all the university has done for me by proudly representing at Miss Oklahoma,” Hughart said.
Each contestant competed in interview, talent, onstage question and lifestyle and fitness categories, to win. Hughart performed a fitness dance routine for her talent. Her platform is called “Choose Happy Be Happy- a Strong Mind Set”.
“I plan on presenting my platform to all ages varying from elementary and high school students to the elderly, at the homestead. I believe this is a message that can touch anyone’s heart,” Hughart said.
Hughart explained that her platform is to help others develop a mental attitude of love, appreciation, respect and confidence to help prevent body-shaming, self-hate and eating disorders. Hughart has teamed up with Catherine Engelken, assistant director of the wellness center, to get a body positive club started in 2017.
“I believe this is a message that can touch anyone’s heart,” Hughart said.