Cori Keller Visits Section 36!

Section 36 had another visitor! Cori Keller is passionate about fighting childhood hunger, a dedicated exerciser, and the current Miss Arkansas. I was so excited that she was willing to visit with us to discuss those topics, and a few more.

So, let's see what happens when Cori Keller visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss Arkansas crown?

While I was competing at Miss Arkansas, my dad was in critical care from complications of open heart surgery. To celebrate my win, I went in my gown, crown, and sash to the hospital to celebrate with him. It was an extraordinary moment. 

What is something that Ebony Mitchell did as Miss Arkansas that you would like to emulate or expand upon?

Ebony was a great Miss Arkansas. I hope to carry on her tradition of excellence throughout my reign.

What part of the upcoming Miss America competition are you most nervous about?

Honestly, I’m not nervous about it right now! We’re not sure when or where it will be, so I think until we know, I won’t be nervous. I’m very excited, though! 

How did you select your social impact initiative, “Feeding the Future”?

Growing up in rural Arkansas, food insecurities sat next to me in class every day. When I learned about the serious issue in my school district, I knew I had to make a difference for my classmates and the 1 in 4 children in the state that are food insecure. 

What is your personal fitness routine?

I have a degree in Exercise Science so I love to workout! I try to work out three days a week, eat a balanced diet, and drink a lot of water. 

You have two degrees from Arkansas State University. Where do you see those studies taking you?

Before I was Miss Arkansas, I worked in marketing at CJRW. When I’m done being Miss Arkansas, I’m not sure where I will land. For now, I’m going to see how it plays out! 

If you could be a Disney character for a week, who would you choose? Why?

Probably Edna from The Incredibles. She’s so funny, very smart, and sassy! I love it. 

You had the opportunity to call a college baseball game. What was that experience like?

I was the dugout reporter for the University of Memphis VS Mississippi State University game two seasons ago. It was a great experience! This was the year after Mississippi State won the College World Series. We had a head coach get thrown out of the game, so there was a lot of action to cover!

Is there a feature or activity at a baseball game that you’d especially like to experience?

I’d love to be a fly on the wall when a head coach has to go to the mound to talk to a pitcher. 

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I would definitely like to experience that as well!

As always, I want to thank Cori for visiting with us, and for sending along the pictures to go with the interview.

I also want to wish her luck when she competes for Miss America! It would be fantastic to have another Section 36 Forever wear that crown.

I'm sure you'd like to follow along with Cori during her journey. You should be sure to check out her title's Instagram account and website. They're great ways to keep track of everything she has going on, and you'll be sure not to miss anything. 

Thanks again Cori, and good luck!

Ebony Mitchell Visits Section 36!

Photo: Jason Masters

Section 36 had another visitor! Ebony Mitchell is passionate about digital responsibility, a marketing specialist, and the current Miss Arkansas. I was so excited that she was willing to visit with us to discuss those topics, and a few more. 

So, let's see what happens when Ebony Mitchell visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss Arkansas crown?

I celebrated with some much needed sleep! Haha. I also celebrated with my family by eating some Crumbl Cookies and sushi! There isn’t much time between winning and the start of the job, so it was a quick celebration, but it was great to see family. 

What is something that Whitney Williams did as Miss Arkansas that you would like to emulate or expand upon?

Whitney always did a great job of expanding her Social Impact across Arkansas, so this year I will be expanding on this and taking my social impact across Arkansas and the nation! 

What part of the upcoming Miss America competition are you most nervous about?

I don’t know if I would say nervous, but I am anxious to be there! I have watched Miss America since I was 9 years old and I have always wondered what it would be like to compete on that stage. I’m anxious to compete and see what it is truly like to be on the Miss America Stage. I’m excited to represent the best state in the U.S!

How did you select your social impact initiative, “A Responsible Digital You”?

When I was in 8th grade, my best friend and I created our first Facebook accounts and posted things like our phone numbers, locations, and things that weren’t responsible because we weren’t aware of the repercussions. As time went on, my best friend was approached by an online predator. Watching her go through that was traumatic, but for her to go through that herself was even more traumatic. Since then, I’ve studied marketing and social media and obtained a marketing degree in college. I knew this was an area I could champion and a cause I could bring awareness to and potentially save a life. We’re online now more than ever! So, I believe this is the perfect time to spread awareness about being digitally responsible. 

As a talented dancer, what do you enjoy most about performing your talent on stage?

I enjoy the ability to perform for a crowd and do what I love. I’ve been dancing since I was 4 years old, so anytime I have the chance to dance, I take it! Dance helps me express myself as well as decompress. I’m excited to finally dance on the Miss America stage. 

You currently work as a marketing specialist. What drew you to that field?

I have always been a people person and enjoy being around people. As a Marketing Specialist I have the opportunity to collaborate with many individuals and see their creative visions. I love taking ideas and bringing them to life! 

If you could be a Disney character for a week, who would you choose? Why?

I would choose Cinderella! I have always loved watching stories where the underdog comes out on top. I love the story of Cinderella and watching her happily ever after come to fruition. We can’t forget about those fabulous shoes either! 

If you had an extra ticket to see the NW Arkansas Naturals play the Arkansas Travelers, who would you take with you? Why?

I’d take my sister! Mainly because she knows nothing about baseball so it would be funny to hear the commentary she would give! I enjoy spending time with my family as much as I can. So anytime I have a free day or weekend, I’ll always choose to spend it with my family. 

Is there a feature or activity at a baseball game that you’d especially like to experience?

I threw out the first pitch at an Arkansas Naturals baseball game when I was 13 years old. I’d love to relive that experience as Miss Arkansas! 

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It would be great if she could do that again! 

As always, I want to thank Ebony for visiting with us, and for sending along the picture to go with the interview.

As Ebony continues her time as Miss Arkansas, I encourage you to check out her title's Website and Instagram. They're great ways to keep track of everything she has going on! 

I also want to wish her the best of luck when she competes for the Miss America crown this winter. It would be wonderful to have another Section 36 visitor wear that crown!

Thanks again Ebony, and good luck!

Whitney Williams Visits Section 36!

Photo: West Wind Photography

Section 36 has another visitor! Whitney Williams is passionate about the arts, a talented twirler, and the current Miss Arkansas. I was thrilled that she was willing to visit with us to discuss those topics, and a few more. I'm especially excited that she's the first visitor to Section 36 from the state of Arkansas!

So, let's see what happens when Whitney Williams visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss Arkansas crown?

I was so happy that immediately following being named the new Miss Arkansas that my family and friends were allowed on stage for pictures and hugs. I was still in shock, but to know that I had made them proud and they could celebrate with me was so nice! 

What did you learn about yourself during the Miss Arkansas competition that will help you at Miss America?

Any amount of growth is a wonderful thing. I learned that I am resilient during Miss Arkansas week in so many was and that I have developed into a very mentally tough person that can handle pressure. This will be a very good quality to possess when performing for millions at Miss America.

What part of the Miss America competition are you most nervous about?

I am surprisingly not nervous about any portion of the competition. I know that if I prepare ahead of time that I can enjoy the competition with my friends and will have a wonderful time representing the best state. 

How did you select your social impact initiative, “Heart for the Arts”?

When I was seven years old I was diagnosed with dyslexia and was heavily bullied by my friends and also an educator. I had given up on myself and my education and no amount of outside learning help was working. Then I was introduced to the arts and my life changed forever. I could express myself and emotions without having to use words and could channel my hurt into positive works of art. 

As a talented baton twirler, what is your favorite part about performing?

I was ten years old when I started my baton twirling career which is almost six years after everyone else typically does. For the first several years I was playing catch up to the young women my own age in twirling. I learned how to push myself to new levels that I didn’t believe were possible and I continue to enjoy the challenging aspect of learning new tricks or twirling under extreme pressure.

If you could be a Disney character for a week, who would you choose? Why?

Belle! Especially from the live action version because I love love love Emma Watson. Belle is strong, brave, and beautiful.

You’re majoring in speech language pathology. What do you see yourself doing in that field?

When I was adopted from Little Rock Arkansas my family was so excited and ready to welcome me into their family. However, I had a condition called dysphagia, which is a swallowing disorder and I was unable to join my family in my new home. With the help of SLPs I was able to get the nutrients I needed and go home with my loving family. I plan to specialize in dysphagia and in the future to open my own practice while incorporating art therapy. 

If you had an extra ticket to see an Arkansas Travelers baseball game, who would you take with you? Why?

I have enjoyed watching the Arkansas Travelers for the duration of my time in Fayetteville! My dad is my best friend and we both enjoy watching baseball together. It would be so much fun to enjoy the game with my father. 

Is there a feature or activity during a baseball game that you’d especially like to experience?

I think it would be amazing to receive a signed baseball from one of the players and experience what it is like in the dugout! 

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That does sound like fun! 

As always, I want to thank Whitney for visiting with us, and for sending along the pictures to go with the interview.

As Whitney continues her time as Miss Arkansas, I encourage you to follow her title's Instagram and Facebook account. You can also check out the Miss Arkansas website. They're great ways to keep track of everything she has going on! 

 
I also want to wish her the best of luck when she competes for the Miss America crown this winter. It would be fantastic to have another section 36 visitor wear that crown!

Thanks again Whitney, and good luck!