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Two students from the University of Arkansas at Monticello recently earned regional titles in pageant competitions. Chloe Hargis, a sophomore political science major from Woodlawn, Arkansas, was named Miss South Arkansas, and Paislee Rice, a freshman exercise science major from Hamburg, Arkansas, was named Miss Ashley County.

Hargis is pursuing a degree in political science while also completing prerequisites for pharmacy school, combining her interest in public service with a family legacy in pharmacy. She is a member of UAM Cheer and UAM Trap Shooting. As part of her recognition as Miss South Arkansas, she received a UAM Special Recognition Scholarship valued at $2,000 per semester, which will be applied for two consecutive semesters beginning in spring 2026.

Her platform, titled “Arts and Smarts,” focuses on expanding access to performing arts education in schools, particularly in small or rural communities. Hargis believes that participation in the arts can boost self-confidence, foster lasting friendships and enhance academic success. She advocates for creative and affordable ways for schools to expand arts programs.

Hargis credits her academic studies for strengthening her communication and critical thinking skills, especially during pageant interviews, stating, “The best part about being a political science major is that you’re taught to not just look for one answer. Instead, you learn to consider every side of an issue. That mindset has helped me in pageants, especially during interviews, by keeping me informed, adaptable and open to different perspectives.”

Hargis will compete as Miss South Arkansas for the Miss Arkansas 2026 competition in June.

Rice, also a member of UAM Cheer, plans to become an occupational therapist and is driven by a desire to help others. She credits her time on the cheer team with sharpening her communication skills, stating, “I’ve learned a lot about communication from UAM Cheer because you have to work together and talk things through, especially when you’re literally throwing people in the air. That’s helped me in pageants, too, because now when I’m in interviews, I really break down the questions and think about how I’m communicating, just like I do with my teammates.”

In addition to competing in local and state pageants, Rice is actively involved in community service, volunteering at local fairgrounds and parades. She is also a student worker for the UAM School of Nursing.

As Miss Ashley County, Rice had the opportunity to represent her county in the Arkansas State Fair Pageant Miss Division on October 4, where she received the Southeast District Non-Finalist High Score award, along with a cash prize and a $500 State Fair Scholarship Award.

Rice values the opportunity to represent both her hometown and UAM, stating, “Being named Miss Ashley County is a way for me to bring my hometown and my new UAM community together. It’s special to represent both places that have shaped who I am, and I’m excited to merge those two worlds as I move forward.”