Little Rock, Arkansas – A new Miss Arkansas has been officially crowned, bringing a close to a week of competition, talent, and anticipation inside the Robinson Center in the state capital on Saturday night.
Miss Southwest Arkansas Ava Weeks was named the 2026 Miss Arkansas during the final moments of the statewide pageant. The announcement drew a strong reaction from the audience as Weeks stepped forward to receive the crown from outgoing titleholder Kennedy Holland, marking the symbolic passing of responsibility and achievement between the two young women.
The event capped several days of competition that showcased contestants from across Arkansas, each representing their regions with a mix of stage presence, interviews, and performance segments. By the end of the night, Weeks emerged as the top finalist, securing the state’s highest title in the Miss Arkansas Scholarship Organization.
Earlier in the weekend, another major title was also awarded. On Friday night, Miss Saline County’s Teen Presley Bennett was crowned Miss Arkansas’ Teen. She received her crown from outgoing titleholder Amelia Lisowe, adding another highlight to a packed pageant schedule that drew families, supporters, and pageant followers from across the state.
Read also: Cabot community celebrates historic $1.817 billion Powerball jackpot win
The Miss Arkansas Scholarship Organization, which oversees the competition, continues to emphasize education and opportunity as central parts of its mission. Alongside the crowning of new titleholders, the organization will distribute more than $300,000 in scholarships to contestants this year, helping support young women pursuing higher education across Arkansas.
For many participants, the pageant represents more than a competition. It is a platform built around personal development, community service, and academic advancement, with contestants often spending months preparing for the state stage through interviews, talent routines, and public appearances.
As Ava Weeks takes on the role of Miss Arkansas 2026, she will represent the state at events throughout the coming year, carrying both the responsibilities of public appearances and the opportunity to promote her personal platform on a wider stage.
The final night in Little Rock ended with celebration, applause, and a new titleholder ready to begin her journey, as Arkansas officially welcomed its newest representative to the national Miss America system.
