For the first time since 1997, Miss Saline County Sophe Sligh, will compete for the Miss Arkansas crown alongside Miss Saline County’s Teen Bella Crowe.
The Miss Arkansas pageant begins today and concludes on June 15 at the Robinson Center in Little Rock.
Previously holding the titles of Miss Greater Little Rock and Miss Metro, Miss Saline County Sophe Sligh of Hot Springs is the first Miss Saline County since 1997. Competing at Miss Arkansas for the past three years, Sligh is no stranger to the Miss Arkansas stage. For the talent portion of the platform, Sligh will perform “The Devil Went Down to Georgia” on the violin, a skill she has practiced since she was 5 years old. Additionally, Sligh will speak on her platform, Live Smart for a Healthy Heart.
Sligh is an American Heart Association advocate, as well as an RN at Children’s Hospital. Sligh said she is committed to lowering the statistic of cardiovascular-related deaths, a passion she found after witnessing her grandfather’s heart attack when she was younger.
Sligh describes her last time competing for Miss Arkansas as “bittersweet.”
“Just being able to come here and be supported is the cherry on top,” Sligh said.
Bella Crowe of Benton will be competing for the title of Miss Arkansas’ Teen. Before being crowned Miss Saline County’s, Crowe held the titles of Miss Greater Little Rock’s Teen and Miss Metro’s Teen. Crowe will be singing “O Mio Babbino Caro,” an Italian opera, for the talent portion. She will also speak about her platform, Healthy Choices for Healthy Teens. Crowe will be the first Miss Saline County’s Teen to compete for the Miss Arkansas’ Teen title.
Though she is only a senior in high school, Crowe hopes to become a Sports Nutritionist, an area she describes as her purpose. Crowe has already made a nutritional impact in her community through her program, “Beyond Fruit Carts.” This program provides area schools with nutritional snacks for students in need at no cost.
As a Saline County native, Crowe said “this title mens everything” to her, especially since her mom held the Miss Saline County’s Teen title in 1997. Crowe has lived in Benton her whole life and said “it is everything to represent a community that supports me so well.”
For the past 3 years, Sligh and Crowe have held sister queen titles and have grown very close to each other, an experience they said came from God. From preparations to interviews, these two have done everything together. “Bella is the closest thing I have to a sister,” Sligh said.
In reference to this year being the last year both will compete, Sligh and Crowe shared their feelings of gratitude and thankfulness for the Miss Arkansas Organization for bringing them together. Both Sligh and Crowe extend their gratitude and thankfulness to everyone who has helped and supported them along the way.