KAELIN CLAY MISS OUACHITA BAPTIST UNIVERSITY 2022

My time at Ouachita is flying by, but I’m incredibly thankful for the moments I have collected along the way, and I collected many truly memorable moments through my journey as Miss Ouachita Baptist University. I vividly remember talking to my mom on the phone during my freshman year and telling her about the Miss OBU pageant. She urged me to go to the interest meeting right before I hung up. So, a couple of weeks later, I did. During that phone call, I felt called to this position for a reason I wasn’t aware of at the time, but I knew I wanted to represent the university I adore as a vessel of relatability and authenticity… the rest was history.

February 12, 2022 reminded me of the Lord’s sovereign hand and master plan through a crowning moment I’ll never forget. When the crown hit my head, I heard a little whisper saying, “shine your light.” Being crowned Miss Ouachita Baptist University provided me an opportunity to create an atmosphere of vibrant faith, courage, and leadership.

Upon being crowned, I implemented my social impact initiative, The Confidence Blueprint, which continues to grow, and I found a story and a purpose in classrooms across the state of Arkansas. I committed my year to encouragement because selflessness creates beautiful stories. Through the calling the Lord placed on my heart and my soul that bleeds purple and gold, I was able to deliver methods of confidence building into the hands of Arkansans of all ages.

Miss Ouachita Baptist University gave me a pivotal platform, and it gave me connections that I am forever grateful for. It gave me a heightened school spirit, an ever-so leaning relationship with the Lord, an intense focus on servanthood, and a way to say “thank you” to Ouachita.

Of course, this title gave me the treasured opportunity to compete in the Miss Arkansas Scholarship Organization, and I found an undeniable love for the scholarship-focused system and sisterhood that the experience has to offer. Because of the Miss Arkansas Scholarship Organization, I am able to utilize scholarship dollars toward my fervent love for learning.

The village that stuck behind me as Miss OBU could not have impacted my life in a more loving manner. The Ouachita community and my friends here at Ouachita provide consistent connecting and intentional relationships, and I’m incredibly thankful for their support.

Sarah Teed and Melissa Carozza empowered me in ways that spoke to me spiritually and emotionally, and I could not be more grateful for the way they invest in their Miss OBU as directors. I found community and friendship in their everflowing support.

My field director Debbie Fleming was and is a constant source of sunshine and inspiration. She leads with grace and guides with honesty and compassion.

My family consists of my very best friends, and I’m thankful for grandparents, parents, and a sister that have loud lungs of cheer in a crowd and the best postpageant hugs. Without my family, I wouldn’t have the same visual of a Proverbs 31 woman that I live by or the same level of drive. My sister Karigan is my other half and built-in best friend, and she never fails to give the best pep talks accompanied by a little humor. My dad is the person who lights a fire of motivation in me like no other can and keeps me on my feet with passion through every step in life. My mom is the woman who first showed me a love for music, and she exemplifies virtue and humble dignity. She’s the woman I laugh with, cry with, and find guidance through. These three are my world and the reason I choose leadership.

Ouachita, it has been nothing short of an honor to serve you, and because of you, I have found more qualities of Kaelin that maintain importance whether the crown is on or off. My God deserves all of the honor because this was truly a dream that blossomed from prayer and obedience. I am already praying for and celebrating the next Miss OBU. Here’s to a lifetime of being a tiger. I love you all.

Kaelin Clay

Miss Ouachita Baptist University 2021-22

Cali Rose Mendonca

FRESHMAN

HOMETOWN: Troup, TX

MAJOR : Kinesiology

SPONSOR: : Intramural Referees

SOCIAL IMPACT INITIATIVE: Relieving the Backbone of Ouachita

TALENT SELECTION: Baton Twirling to “Don’t Start Now”

PARENTS: Mark and Shelly Mendonca