Miss UAFS prepped for Miss Arkansas Pageant

story and photo submitted by the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith

The week of July 11-17 is approaching quickly, but Rebecca Wheeley of Rogers will be ready as she represents the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith in the Miss Arkansas Pageant that week.

Wheeley, a 21-year-old math major who won the Miss UA Fort Smith title in March, spends from two to four hours a day watching television news programs, working out in the school’s fitness center, practicing her talent or participating in mock interviews.

A send-off party for Wheeley will be held at 6 p.m. June 29, in Breedlove Auditorium at UAFS. Wheeley will showcase her pageant wardrobe and perform her talent selection.

Wheeley said she wanted to win the Miss UAFS Pageant last spring because she wanted to represent the university and wear the crown.

"When competing in the Miss UA Fort Smith Pageant, it was most important for me to have fun and make memories," said Wheeley. "I also wanted to gain confidence and develop a better understanding of myself. This opportunity has allowed me to do both of those things."

She admits she has one struggle during her preparation for the state pageant — her interview.

"I’ve had to learn that it’s most important to give my opinion, rather than trying to provide a correct answer," she said of what has taken place during the mock interview process.

Stacey Jones, associate vice chancellor for campus and community events and director of the Miss UAFS Pageant, has rounded up a cadre of volunteers from campus to shoot questions at Wheeley. And she doesn’t always face the same people at the interview sessions.

"I bring in different people who have different interests, some who know more about what is happening at a state level than others, as well as those who know what is going on at a national level," said Jones. "Getting Rebecca ready for any type of question is the purpose for what we do during these sessions."

Wheeley has a great deal of enthusiasm about one particular aspect of the competition.

"I’m most comfortable with the talent portion of the competition," said Wheeley, who will perform a pointe dance to "Man of La Mancha" for her talent. "Dancing is something that I love, and I always feel comfortable when I’m performing on stage."

Wheeley, in addition to winning the Miss UA Fort Smith title, took the lifestyle and fitness award, the interview award and the Spirit of Miss UA Fort Smith Award. She was also a first runner-up in 2009 for the Miss Western Arkansas competition and was named a National Dance Association All American Dancer in 2008. She is the daughter of Pat and Brenda Wheeley or Rogers.

"I think that I have confidence, a great attitude and a winning smile," she said. "I think I will represent myself and UA Fort Smith very well at Miss Arkansas."

Jones said that Wheeley’s preparation for the July pageant has been very important.

"She has worked hard on all phases of the competition," he said, "including interview, talent, swimsuit and evening wear. Rebecca is one of the most talented Miss UA Fort Smith winners we have sent to the Miss Arkansas Pageant."