When Camille Cathey woke up Sunday morning and looked in the mirror, she had to remind herself that she is Miss Arkansas. Cathey, 23, of Wynne, was crowned the 2024 Miss Arkansas on Saturday night at the Robinson Center in Little Rock. The title brings with it the privilege of representing the state nationally, a spot in the Miss America contest and a scholarship that will cover the cost of attending the University of Arkansas School of Law in Fayetteville.
"That just goes to show what this organization does for young women," Cathey said. Cathey is already having to adapt to her new role. By early Sunday morning, she had participated in her first board meeting, then read over the contract for Miss Arkansas and glanced at the new schedule of events on her calendar.
While she's excited to hold the title of Miss Arkansas, Cathey said she has yet to fully realize that she's accomplished one of her dreams. Preparation for this moment has taken time and patience. When she was just 6 years old, Cathey was "a diamond" in the Miss America Diamond Mentorship program, the largest scholarship provider for young women in the nation that pairs participants with a mentor.
Those in the Diamond Mentorship program are also involved in nightly on-stage performances. In addition, the program introduces young people across the United States to the Miss America organization. Cathey's participation in the Diamond Mentorship program began in a hair salon, when someone spotted her picture and asked C.
