Two young women from Hermitage represented their community at the Arkansas State Fair Pageant, earning recognition among contestants from across the state.
Olivia Harrod, Miss Southeast Arkansas District, advanced to the Top 20, while Alli Cathey, Miss Natural State, reached the Top 10 and received the Director’s Spirit of Pageantry Award.
Both competed among 67 contestants at the state pageant, which featured private interviews, evening gown competition, onstage conversation and an onstage question. Contestants were evaluated on their poise, personality, communication skills and overall presence.
Harrod, 19, is the daughter of Brad and Melissa Harrod of Hermitage and a sophomore at the University of Arkansas at Monticello, where she is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in exercise science. After graduation, she plans to continue her education at the University of Central Arkansas to become a physical therapist.
Her pageant experience has helped her build confidence and improve her public-speaking skills while encouraging other young women to believe in themselves. Harrod also used her platform to share her passion for agriculture and give back to her community.
Raised on her family’s tomato and vegetable farm, Harrod developed an appreciation for agriculture and the work involved in producing food for families across the state.
She also supported the Arkansas Food Bank through a cereal box drive organized with local businesses and community members. Contestants collectively donated more than 20,000 boxes of cereal, marking the largest total recorded for the drive.
Although Harrod did not win the state crown, her Top 20 finish and the friendships she formed during the competition made the experience memorable.
Cathey, representing Hermitage as Miss Natural State, advanced to the Top 10. She also received the Director’s Spirit of Pageantry Award, which recognizes a contestant who demonstrates a positive attitude, friendliness and sportsmanship throughout the competition.
The accomplishments of both contestants highlighted Hermitage’s representation at the statewide event, with each young woman earning recognition while representing her district.
