Three students from the University of Arkansas at Monticello, all cheerleaders at the school, recently earned local and regional titles in pageant competitions.
Chloe Hargis, a sophomore from Woodlawn, was named Miss South Arkansas.
Paislee Rice, a freshman from Hamburg, was named Miss Ashley County.
Taylor Spencer, a freshman from Sherwood, was named Miss Pulaski County.
HARGIS
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
Hargis is pursuing a degree in political science while also completing prerequisites for pharmacy school, combining her interests in public service with a family legacy in pharmacy.
She is a member of 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, according to a news release.
Hargis’ 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.
She credits her academic studies for strengthening her communication and critical thinking skills, especially during pageant interviews. “The best part about being a political science major is that you’re taught to not just look for one answer,” she said.
“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.” As Miss South Arkansas, Hargis will compete in the Miss Arkansas 2026 competition in June.
RICE
Rice, an exercise science major, 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.
“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,” she said.
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 Oct. 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.
“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,” Rice said.
SPENCER
Spencer is a psychology major driven by her interest in understanding what motivates human behavior.
Her curiosity began with an early fascination with crime shows and developed into an academic focus on the psychological factors that influence people’s actions, an area she hopes to continue exploring in her future career, according to a news release.
Spencer’s platform, “Literacy and Littles,” supports children with learning and literacy disabilities by promoting early intervention and access to educational resources. Inspired by her brother’s experience growing up with autism, she advocates for literacy as a foundation for lifelong confidence and success, visiting elementary schools to read with students and encourage them to ask for help when they face challenges in learning. “Pageants have helped me in cheer and in life,” Spencer said.
“I used to be very shy and introverted, but on stage, you have to project confidence. That experience helped me bring out my personality and become more confident in everyday life. It’s made me more comfortable meeting new people, communicating in class and starting conversations.”
Spencer competed as Miss Pulaski County in the Miss Arkansas State Fair 2025 pageant Oct. 4. She finished among the top 20 contestants.
