Miss OBU candidates, director, titleholder prepare for 2023 scholarship competition

BY KATE ELLIS Staff Writer

The night has almost come for Miss Ouachita Baptist University Kaelin Clay to don her crown, sash and title for the last time. On Feb. 4, freshmen Abbigail Wood, Cali Mendonca and Savannah Carrigan, along with sophomore Haley Shourd will compete in the Miss OBU competition for the chance to represent Ouachita this upcoming year.

The competition will consist of a private interview with the judges, an onstage question, a 90-second talent portion and an evening wear category. Not only will the winner punch her ticket for the Miss Arkansas competition, but they will also be the face of Ouachita on campus and in the city of Arkadelphia.

Sarah Teed, director of Miss OBU, explains her role in executing the competition and the attributes she believes Miss OBU should possess.

“My job as director is to find sponsors, hire seven independent judges, coordinate with JPAC’s crew, create programs and make sure the girls submit all their registration,” Teed said. “We as a society need more young women that have a strong work ethic, serve their community and push themselves to excel academically. Miss OBU should have Godly character, a great reputation, self-discipline, a heart for serving other people and more than anything, the ability to love and care for others. Miss OBU’s job is to simply encourage other people to be the best version of themselves.”

Between the available scholarship awards funded by generous donors, the opportunity to compete at Miss Arkansas and leadership status on campus, contestants have more than enough incentive to prepare ahead of time for the compe- tition. Wood, who has competed in pageants since she was young, is more than prepared for the exciting upcoming endeavor.

“Over the past several months, I have been researching specific topics related to my social impact, catching up on current events, taking tap lessons and practicing my walk of course,” Wood said.

It is just as important to be prepared for the title as it is the competition, as contestants must know what they would do with the crown if they were to eventually wear it.

“It is important to have a plan for your year of service once you receive a title,” Wood said.“Talking to students around campus and hearing their opinions and concerns allows me to come up with a plan that will best serve my fellow Ouachitonians.

Wood added, “Ouachita and all of the students, faculty and staff have poured so much into me in the little time that I have been here.

Holding the title of Miss OBU would allow me to serve on campus and give back to the community of Ouachita. I would use this title to amplify my voice, educate others and bring awareness to my social impact initiative, ‘Let’s Be R.E.A.L. About Body Image,’ which addresses and brings awareness to body positivity.”

Although Jones Performing Arts Center will be abuzz with excitement on the night of the competition, there will be an air of bittersweetness for the reigning Miss OBU, sophomore Kaelin Clay.

“Naturally, I’m not necessarily excited to close this chapter because it’s certainly been a sweet one,” Clay said. “I’m grateful for all that this title gave me, and I’m grateful that out of this season deeper desires to promote my social impact initiative ‘The Confidence Blueprint,’ and my love for the Miss Arkansas Scholarship Organization was born. I’m ready to open a new chapter, but I will always be particularly fond of this memorable one.”

Among many other duties, Miss OBU’s job is to lead with grace and leave behind a legacy for future winners to follow. It is safe to say that Kaelin Clay has done just that.

“I want to be remembered as a Miss OBU who is nothing short of approachable,” Clay said. “It has never been about the crown or the attention. I strive to show authenticity in everything I do, and I want my legacy to embody just that and the fact that I am simply the same Kaelin with or without the crown.”

Audience members can be sure to expect both talent and entertainment from the Miss OBU scholarship competition.

“Ouachita is known across the state for having incredible talent,” Teed said. “When Miss OBU shows up on the stage at Miss Arkansas, the audience is always excited to see what she does.”