Russellville native wins Miss Tech 2010

RUSSELLVILLE — Freshman Lindsey Ahrens of Russellville was crowned Miss Tech 2010 during the 55th annual Miss Arkansas Tech University Scholarship Pageant at Witherspoon Auditorium.

Ahrens, the daughter of Anita and Dwane Ahrens of Russellville, won the Nona Dirksmeyer Talent Award for her vocal performance of “Mercy Said No.” She also earned a share of first place in the CenturyLink Interview Competition.

“It’s amazing,” Ahrens said moments after Miss Arkansas 2009 Sarah Slocum crowned her. “I was not expecting this whatsoever. I just came out for the campus to know who I am and what I stand for. I’m so glad that I’m going to get the opportunity to spread the word of my platform. I’m so excited.

“My platform is taking a stand for abstinence,” Ahrens continued. “I would love to be able to go into the junior highs and high schools and speak to kids about why that would be a great decision”

Ahrens will receive a twosemester tuition scholarship at Arkansas Tech University and more than $3,000 in gift certificates from area businesses.

In all, more than $16,000 in gifts and scholarships were awarded during the pageant.

Ahrens will represent Arkansas Tech in the 2010 Miss Arkansas Pageant on Wednesday, July 14, through Saturday, July 17, in Hot Springs.

“I have no idea what to expect, so I am certainly going to get on that - start practicing and see what I need to do,” Ahrens said of her preparations for the Miss Arkansas Pageant.

Mikayla Adair of Havana was first runner-up. Taylor Henslee of Glen Rose (second runner-up), Savanna Knight of Charleston (third runner-up) and Courtney Buie of Batesville(fourth runner-up) rounded out the top five among a field of 14 contestants.

Adair won the lifestyle and fitness swimsuit competition, and she shared first place in the CenturyLink Interview Competition with Ahrens.

Knight captured both the Leslie Miller Harris Leadership Award and the Ray Moll Community Service Award.

Lauren Ragsdale of Russellville won the Candace Hodges Riner Dance Award. She shared the Virginia Bachman Scholastic Achievement Awardwith Jordan Lewis of Greenbrier. Lewis was the Audience Appeal award winner.

Megan Milam of Rogers was voted Miss Congeniality by her fellow contestants.

Other contestants included Amber Beasley of White Hall; Amanda Collins of Dardanelle; Catelyn Fisher of Lucas, Texas; Courtney Mitchell of Paragould; Devin Newman of Mena and Jenn Owens of Ozark.

River Valley Ozark, Pages 170 on 03/07/2010

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