North Little Rock High School Performing Arts Center
March 5, 2026 6:00 p.m.
Dear Guests,
Welcome
Welcome to our campus for the 2nd Annual Miss Blue and Gold Pageant! We are thrilled to host this evening’s event, showcasing twelve remarkable young ladies from our student body. Each contestant has worked tirelessly to prepare for this moment, and it is an honor to witness the poise and courage they will bring to the stage.
I would like to extend a special salute to Dr. Sylvia Grady, Ms. Ann Haynie, and Ms. Akilah McGriff. Thank you for your unwavering dedication to coordinating this pageant and mentoring these contestants. Events like this instill invaluable character traits, such as confidence, determination, and grace, that extend far beyond the stage. Combined with their academic pursuits, these experiences ensure our students are prepared to enter the world and boldly pursue their dreams.
Finally, my sincere thanks go to the individuals, businesses, and student organizations who contributed their time, talent, and treasures to make this evening possible. Your investment in our students is what makes our community truly exceptional.
Enjoy the pageant!
Sincerely,
Nadia Saint-Louis
Nadia Saint-Louis, Ed.D. Principal
Order of Events
Welcome and Introductions
Presentation of Contestants
Talent Showcase
Business Wear and On-Stage Questions
Special Recognition
Evening Wear Presentation
Reigning Miss Blue & Gold
The Crowning
Contestants
Addison Austin is a freshman and the daughter of Kenyetta and David Austin. Addison’s future goal is to graduate at the top of her classes. Her dedication to her academics is a cornerstone of her journey through the Baldwin & Shell Academy of Business, Hospitality and Development. Her hobbies include playing flag football and dancing. Her favorite class is English, and she enjoys all of her teachers. She is a member of the track team, dance team, and TRIO. Her favorite quote is “Without loyalty, you won’t accomplish anything.”-NBA Youngboy
Betsaida Campos is a sophomore and the daughter of Brenda and Juan Campos. Betsaida’s primary future goal is to provide her parents with a better life, reflecting her deep commitment to her family and her future success. Her favorite hobby is cleaning because it calms her down and it is peaceful. Her favorite food is a cheese quesadilla from Taco Bell. Her favorite television show is Grey’s Anatomy. Her favorite class is Foundation of Health Care. Mr. Spencer is her favorite teacher because he is always so nice, helpful, and easy to talk to. Her favorite quote is “Remember, you’re the owner on how your day goes.”-Mom
Jesslyn Gunadi is a sophomore and the daughter of Rubianto and Lay Kit Sian. Jesslyn’s future goals are to travel to Korea or China to study makeup and become a professional makeup artist. Her hobbies include makeup and dancing. She is a member of the trio dance group. Her favorite foods are sushi and Indonesian dishes. Jesslyn’s favorite class is Chinese because she enjoys the curriculum, and her favorite teacher is Ms. Li because she has known her for two years and appreciates that she is such a good teacher. Her favorite quote is “For with God nothing will be impossible.” (Luke 1:37)
Jade Harrison is a sophomore and the daughter of James and MaKayla Harrison. Jade’s future goals are to become either a pediatrician or an interior designer. Her hobbies include being with her friends, drawing, reading, and playing basketball. Her favorite class is Algebra II, and Mr. Kirkwood is her favorite teacher because he is always there when you need him and he is very kind. Her favorite quote is “You can do anything you put your mind to.” -Benjamin Franklin
Contestants
Kamari Howard is a junior and the daughter of Vanessa Howard. Kamari plans to become a pediatric dermatologist. Her favorite hobby is to pamper herself. She enjoys shopping, doing her makeup, and getting her hair done. She loves her AP Language class. Her favorite teacher is Mrs. Abernathy because she is a very assertive teacher and always speaks so highly of her students. She is a member of the TRIO Club. Her favorite quote is “And I thank you. I don’t know where I’d really be without that. It worked out, man, you deserve it.” -Drake
Mckenzie Johnson is a freshman and the daughter of Marcus Johnson and Yvette Walker. Mckenzie’s future goals are to attend college and pursue a career in female medical health. Her hobbies include art, baking, and photography. She is an active member of the Thespian Troupe, Crochet Club, NLRHS Red Cross Club, and the Korean Culture Club. Mckenzie’s favorite class is American History, and her favorite teacher is Mr. Klinger because he is respectful, kind, and brings a great sense of humor to a classroom environment built on mutual respect. Her favorite quote is “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” -Wayne Gretzky
Tiana Scott is a senior and the daughter of Angelita Brazle, Fredrick Smith, and Francis King. Tiana’s plans to graduate from the University of Arkansas with a biology degree. Her favorite hobbies include crocheting and playing the violin. Tiana is a spirit coordinator for student council, the parliamentarian of Future Business Leaders of America, a member of the Ladies Club, Crochet Club, and Thespian Troupe 8707. Her favorite quote is “You will face many defeats in life, but never let yourself be defeated.”-Maya Angelou
Macyn Sims is a freshman and the daughter of Margie and Byron Sims. Macyn’s goal includes attending college to become a dermatologist. Her favorite hobbies are dancing and cooking. She is a proud member of the Freshman Dance Team. Macyn’s favorite class is math, and her favorite teacher is Mr. Williams because of his great sense of humor and his ability to make the classroom environment fun. Her favorite quote is “You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.”
Contestants
Jazmyne Stephenson is a freshman and the daughter of Misty Stephenson. Jazmyne’s future goal is to attend medical school. Her favorite hobby is painting. She is an active member of the cheer squad, Youth Alive (YA), and the school band. Jazmyne’s favorite class is physical science. Her favorite teachers include Ms. Clinton and Mr. House. Her favorite quote is “Today is a gift. That is why it is called the present.”
Kennedy Stewart is a freshman and the daughter of Erika Jordan. Kennedy’s future goals are to be successful and create a lasting legacy that she can one day be proud of. Her favorite hobbies are writing poetry and coloring. She is an active member of the JROTC program. Kennedy’s favorite class is JROTC, and her favorite instructor is Command Sergeant Major Hopkins because he resembles the role of a father figure. Her favorite quote is “Be who you can be proud of.”
Ja’Riyah Witherspoon is a junior and the daughter of Ashley Jackson and Jeremy Witherspoon. Ja’Riyah’s future goals are to attend college to become an anesthesiologist or pediatric nurse and then own a worldwide business. She enjoys baking, singing, and dancing. Her favorite subjects are math, because she loves to be challenged, and FACS, because she loves to cook and work with others. Ja’Riyah loves Grey’s Anatomy, and her favorite movie is The Hate U Give. Her favorite teacher is Mrs. Cates because she is a loving teacher and someone you can look up to and talk to when needed.
Justionna Young is a sophomore and the daughter of the Davises, the Dixons, the Obbies, and the Yances. Justionna’s future goals are to inspire people and to achieve fame through her unique talents and hard work. Justionna loves all of her classes. Her favorite quote is “I am who I am. Like me, love me, take me, leave me. Know that I am a true friend to the end.”
Reigning Miss Blue & Gold
Carmen Walker, a senior at North Little Rock High School, will forever hold a place in school history as the inaugural Miss Blue & Gold. The daughter of Sherrille Johnson and Tony Walker, Carmen has spent her high school career as a vibrant leader within the student body.
Her involvement at NLRHS is as diverse as it is impressive. A dedicated scholar, she has been a key member of the Varsity Dance Team, Beta Club, National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, and Key Club. This year, her peers elected her as Homecoming Queen, a testament to the respect and admiration she has earned from the student body.
Looking toward the future, Carmen plans to major in biology in college before attending medical school to become a neurosurgeon.
Reflecting on her reign, Carmen has cherished this role as a school ambassador. From the quiet moments of inspiring young learners through elementary reading initiatives to the high energy of throwing the ceremonial first pitch at a Charging Wildcat baseball game, Carmen has served with distinction.
As she prepares to pass the torch, Carmen offers these words of wisdom to her successor:
“Continue to be who you are, and wear the crown with grace and dignity. Enjoy the journey, as it is truly a memorable adventure to represent your peers and school.”
Our Sponsors: Buds N Bows
Discover A Rose, LLC
Christopher Klinger and NLRHS Technical
Theatre Department
North Little Rock High School and Center of Excellence Administrators and Staff
Braxton Brown
Laney Deal
Klyantel Summons
Baldwin & Shell Construction Academy of Business, Hospitality and Development
Dr. Sylvia Grady
Ann Haynie
Akilah McGriff
The Legacy Staff