Tori-Beth Poland ’27, a Hendrix cheerleader, won the Miss Diamond Lakes title at the Feb. 8 pageant. Poland is the first Hendrix student in 15 years to compete in the Miss Arkansas pageant. The campus community rallies behind her as she pursues the coveted Miss Arkansas title June 8-14 at Robinson Performance Hall in Little Rock.
.png "Tori-Beth Poland")
Raised in Sherwood by parents Meredith (and husband
James) Townsend and Chad Poland, Tori-Beth Poland is a junior health science
major at Hendrix. She said, “My mother always told me that diamonds come in
small packages to make me feel better; little did she know my first title would
be Miss Diamond Lakes.”
An affiliate competition of the Miss America organization,
Poland underwent five phases of competition to claim the Miss Diamond Lakes
crown. The organization requires each contestant to have a community service initiative
that they promote throughout their reign. Poland’s chosen initiative is 3D-YOU (Disabilities
Don’t Define YOU).
“My goal is to advocate and educate people on all types
of disabilities, whether they are visual or not,” Poland said, discussing her platform.
“I want to break the stigma surrounding disability and create an environment
where everyone feels comfortable sharing their own experience.”
Poland was challenged to answer questions on the spot
about her platform in both the private interview and onstage conversation
phases of the competition. Throughout the fitness and evening wear portions,
judges assessed the health, poise, and confidence of contestants. Finally, contestants
were invited to share their unique talent. Poland showed off a self-choreographed
jazz routine, demonstrating her artistry, musicality, creativity, flexibility,
and love for dance.
“Growing up,
I always admired the Miss Arkansas pageant but never felt like I fit the
typical mold,” said Poland. “That changed when I saw La'Nyce [Hemphill], Miss
Diamond Lakes 2024, compete at Miss Arkansas 2022. Her confidence inspired me
to give it a try. Last summer, I entered my first preliminary competition.
Although I felt terrified, I noticed my growth each time I stepped on stage
during a preliminary.”
Hemphill
commented on Poland’s win, saying, “One of my greatest honors was crowning the
new Miss Diamond Lakes, a young woman who once watched me compete and saw
herself in my journey. What began as admiration grew into friendship and
mentorship, proving that when we uplift one another, we create lasting legacies
of confidence, courage, and possibility.”
Poland added,
“When I heard my name called, I felt my knees buckle and tears fall because the
girl who inspired me to compete, and who continued to inspire me throughout her
reign, was the one giving me my first title.”
In addition
to Hemphill’s mentorship, Poland has gained many supporters along her journey.
She attributes her win to the support of her directors, pageant volunteers, and
fellow contestants as well as to the comfort and guidance of her family and
God.
Tiffany
Block, the pageant’s executive director, stated, “I’ve had the privilege of
seeing incredible young women step into leadership, and Tori-Beth is no
exception. She is driven, passionate, and truly deserving of this title.”
Outside of the pageant scene, Poland shines in the
classroom and beyond. She has conducted research in the Hendrix Chemistry
Department alongside Dr. David Hales on protein denaturation and will share her
findings at the American Chemical Society campus in San Diego, Calif. this month.
Furthermore, she is studying melanoma and cancer biology at UAMS, funded by the
Hendrix Odyssey Program. Poland is a part of many campus organizations,
including MD2B (pre-medical club) and the Student Athlete Advisory Committee.
She is also a part of the Hendrix Cheer Team, Dance Ensemble, and Campus Kitty.
Hendrix
Cheer Coach Heidi Phillips said,
“I cannot express how proud I am of Tori-Beth. At Hendrix, she excels in her
studies while balancing cheer, dance ensemble, SAAC, and her research projects.
She is a welcoming soul to all who come to our campus and will uphold her Miss
Diamond Lakes title with integrity and honor.”
Poland is the first Hendrix student in 15 years to
compete in the Miss Arkansas pageant. The campus community rallies behind her
as she pursues the coveted Miss Arkansas title June 8-14 at Robinson
Performance Hall in Little Rock.
About
Hendrix College
Founded in 1876, Hendrix College is featured in Colleges
That Change Lives: 40 Schools That Will Change the Way You Think About Colleges
and celebrated among the country’s leading liberal arts colleges for academic
quality, engaged learning opportunities and career preparation, vibrant campus
life, and value. The Hendrix College Warriors compete in 21 NCAA Division III
sports. Hendrix has been affiliated with the United Methodist Church since
1884. Learn more at www.hendrix.edu.
“… Through engagement that links the
classroom with the world, and a commitment to diversity, inclusion, justice,
and sustainable living, the Hendrix community inspires students to lead lives
of accomplishment, integrity, service, and joy.” –Hendrix
College Statement of Purpose