For the first time in 13 years, an Arkansas contestant brought home an award from the Mrs. America System pageants.
Ashton Haywood entered the Mrs. America System wanting a platform to advocate for her students at STEAM Nettleton elementary. She started by competing in Mrs. Arkansas, winning there, then being crowned Mrs. Congeniality America 2026.
“It meant so much to me,” Haywood said. “I won the 50th Mrs. Arkansas and got Miss Congeniality at the 50th (Mrs. America), and it was the first time it was a unanimous vote in 50 years. I’ve never been so excited. I’ve never been so shocked in my life.”…