Presley Bennett was crowned Miss Arkansas’ Teen 2026 on Friday night during the annual competition at Robinson Center in Little Rock.
The 17-year-old competed as Miss Saline County’s Teen and received the crown from outgoing Miss Arkansas’ Teen Amelia Lisowe.
Bennett will go on to represent Arkansas at Miss America’s Teen 2027.
During the competition, Bennett showcased a Michael Jackson-inspired tap dance and promoted her community service initiative, Peaceful Places, which focuses on youth mental health awareness and emotional wellness in schools.
In addition to earning the state title, Bennett received $13,750 in awards and scholarships.
Her honors included Overall On-Stage Conversation, Preliminary Health and Fitness, Sharon Evans Bale We Are More and Overall Arrival.
The Miss Arkansas’ Teen title also includes a $10,000 scholarship sponsored by Pafford EMS.
Bennett was selected from a field of contestants from across the state. Other members of the competition’s top five included Lily Burns, Miss Natural State’s Teen; Makayla Harrell, Miss Dogwood’s Teen; Anabel Flores, Miss Diamond Lakes’ Teen; and Addison Bicker, Miss University of Arkansas’ Teen.
The Miss Arkansas Scholarship Organization serves as the state’s official preliminary program to Miss America and Miss America’s Teen and awards scholarships to participants each year.
