Miss Arkansas Tech

Kate Manuel of Green Forest was crowned the 68th Miss Tech during the 2024 Miss Arkansas Tech University scholarship pageant on Friday, Feb. 9, at Witherspoon Auditorium in Russellville.

Daughter of Emma and Alexander Manuel and Noel Ramirez, Manuel is a 20year old junior at Arkansas Tech. She is pursuing a bachelor of science degree in elementary education.

Manuel won the Nona Dirksmeyer Memorial Talent Award, the Lindsey Ahrens McCrary Vocal Award, the On-Stage Interview/ Community Service Initiative Award, the Zachary McClure Denison Leadership Award, the evening wear competition and the Dr. Jim Collins Miss Congeniality Award during the pageant.

“It feels amazing,” Manuel said moments after receiving her crown. “I am so grateful to God. This is something I’ve been working on for the past three years. I told God I wouldn’t doubt him, and now I’m here.”

Manuel was the third runner- up in the 2022 Miss Arkansas Tech pageant and the first runner-up in the 2023 Miss Arkansas Tech pageant.

“It was a lot of hard work, a lot of dedication and a lot of long nights,” said Manuel. “My motivation is myself. I know that I’m the only one who can accomplish my own dreams, so I had to.”

Manuel’s community service initiative is “Si Se Puede: Empowerment Through Education.” Her goal is to expose minority students to information about scholarship opportunities that can help them pursue higher education.

“It’s all about advocating for students,” said Manuel, whose long-term career aspiration is to serve as a school district superintendent. “I want to advocate for their future and success.”

Manuel will represent ATU in the 2024 Miss Arkansas pageant this summer at Robinson Performance Hall in Little Rock.

“It’s been a dream of mine for a long time,” said Manuel. “I’ve never gone to Miss Arkansas, but here we go.”