By SAVANNAH TILLMAN, Feature Editor
Beauty, grace and a familiar Northwestern face was crowned Miss Oklahoma USA 2017.
Alex Smith, who was Miss Northwestern 2014, dreams became a reality, on December 18, 2016, when she was named Miss Oklahoma USA 2017.
The road to Miss Oklahoma USA didn’t begin with pageants. The Mooreland native, grew up heavily involved in sports. “I rarely wore heels,” Smith said. “I enjoyed competition so when I got my first opportunity to try something different and to showcase my achievements and building self-confidence, I jumped on it.”
After winning Miss Mooreland, Smith went on to compete in Miss Cinderella and placed 4th runner up, while receiving scholarships for tuition, from Northwestern. Upon graduating high school, Smith attended Northwestern and in 2014 became Miss Northwestern. “It was such a prestigious honor,” Smith said.
Preparing for Miss Oklahoma USA took lots of hard work and dedication because not only was Smith getting ready for competition but she was also a full-time student and worked as a men’s stylist full-time. “My focus, despite my busy schedule, was to become the best version of myself possible,” Smith said. “I set a motto for myself that helped me attain my dream job, ‘Stay humble, work hard and be kind’.”
Since winning Miss Oklahoma USA, Smith has spent time traveling, meeting sponsors, getting ready for Miss USA and sharing her platform, “Confidence is the Key to Success”. Smith’s platform is something she holds dear to her heart. “I believe by motivating our youth to seek their value, they will in turn become stronger individuals who will be able to combat the pressures of our society,” Smith said. “My goal is to help others acquire the tools needed to believe in themselves and to help build their inner confidence.”
Through her whole journey, Smith has had such a big support group. “The root of my support, however starts with my parents,” Smith said. “They have instilled in me the belief that through dedication and perseverance and dream can be accomplished. Each person I have met, over my life, has shaped and contributed to my journey in some fashion and I am forever grateful.”
In the mix of such a busy schedule, Smith finds time to continue to do other activities. She enjoys singing, playing the guitar, recording songs, acting, modeling and spend time with her French bulldog, Benny Jett. She also just recently graduated with a degree in business administration and marketing.
This past week she has chosen her national gown that will be worn at Miss Oklahoma USA and next week will begin boot camp and working with the walking and interview coach. “The process of preparing for Miss USA is similar to when I prepared for the state title; however, the Miss Oklahoma USA board has a team that will turn things up… just a notch… or three, to get me ready for Miss USA,” Smith said.
Miss USA dates and locations have yet to be announced, but Smith is excited to be working with the Vanbros family throughout the year. “This is an amazing opportunity,” Smith said. “If you believe in yourself and never give up on your dreams, your unstoppable. My dreams became a reality and I am so honored to represent the great state of Oklahoma at Miss USA.”