JASPER — The Miss Newton County pageant took place on Saturday, May 31, at the Newton County Fairgrounds. Over 20 girls competed in the seven divisions. This year’s competition included awards for public speaking, interview and citizenship as well as beauty awards.
Also new this year was the Miss Newton County Princess Academy held on May 20-22. The Princess Academy focused on teaching the character qualities of a princess, lessons and crafts focused on defining inner beauty, self-love, personal care and modesty, and kindness as well as pageant coaching. Girls enjoyed a daily tea party and learned the proper etiquette for dinner parties and afternoon teas. They practiced these skills with a formal afternoon tea the final day of camp. Special Royal Advisers included the 2024 Junior Miss Arkansas State Fair Queen Lily Burns, of Harrison; River of Life Church Missions Pastor Katrina Johnson, of Valley Springs; 2024 Junior Miss Newton County Madelyn Martin, of Murray and unofficial Princess Academy Granny Jane Martin, of Murray. Plans are already in motion to host another Miss Newton County Princess Academy in 2026.
Miss Newton County Director Michelle Martin extends congratulations to the following winners:
In the Baby Miss division, Harper Schmoll was recognized for Best Dressed with a tiara and certificate as well as named as a Miss Newton County Princess. Maysie Young took the prize of Crowd Favorite including a tiara, cash prize, and certificate. Remley Middleton was named 2nd Alternate, Effie Young as 1st Alternate, and Katie Ricketts was named Photogenic and crowned as the 2025 Baby Miss Newton County.
The Teeny Miss division named Willow Sallee as the 1st Alternate with Kynzlee Price being crowned the 2025 Teeny Miss Newton County and Crowd Favorite.
In the Tiny Miss division, Elenya Rose received tiaras and certificates for Photogenic and Crowd Favorite as well as named 1st Alternate and Miss Newton County Princess. Ollie Kelley was crowned the 2025 Tiny Miss Newton County.