Uploaded June 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago

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Ava Weeks of Conway, competing in the Miss Arkansas pageant as Miss Southwest Arkansas, was crowned Miss Arkansas 2026 on Saturday, June 13, 2026.

In an interview the next day, the 21-year-old gave insight into her preparation for the Miss Arkansas stage and how she hopes she and her community service initiative ("Every Seat, Every Ride, Buckle Up") can make a positive impact across the state. Weeks said she hopes to take part in community outreach and spark changes to state seatbelt laws.

Reported by: Miceala Morano/Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

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