Editor’s note: Lisa Mills, the author of this story, is a contributor to The Grand Prairie Herald.

Des Arc native Lilly Hinson will be competing in the Miss Arkansas Teen pageant in Little Rock. The pageant will be held June 8^th to 13^th. Hinson qualified to compete by winning the Miss Greater Jacksonville pageant. Though she will be competing as Miss Greater Jacksonville, she will also be representing her home, the Grand Prairie. 

Hinson is a 16-year old sophomore at Des Arc High School, and the daughter of Billy and Jane Hinson. Besides competing in pageants since she was two years old, she has been a Des Arc cheerleader for four years, and enjoys playing the guitar and singing, which will be her talent in the state pageant.

When asked what she has gained and hopes to continue to gain from pageants, Hinson said she continues to gain so much, especially from the “Miss Arkansas” pageant system. One important thing is scholarships and preparation for college interviews. 

“I have gained so much confidence, learned to present myself confidently, and learned so many skills that will help me throughout my life,” she said. Another bonus is gaining so many great friends.

Representing the Miss Arkansas system also means volunteering. Hinson said her passion and platform is “Reading for everyone.” One thing she really enjoys is putting up free book stands and keeping them stocked. She has put up several around the state and hopes to put up more. One local stand is at the Des Arc Methodist church.

“I want to make reading available to everyone, like those who don’t have local libraries or transportation to a library, and especially children who can’t visit libraries,” said Hinson.  

Recently, she volunteered with a group of state pageant contestants to cook dinner for families staying at the Ronald McDonald House. Hinson also volunteers for the Special Olympics. She recently learned about the “Arkansas Miss Amazing” pageant for girls with disabilities, which also continues to “America Miss Amazing”.  Hinson said she is looking forward to volunteering at the pageant on April 11^th, where her mom will also volunteer as a judge.

Hinson said she is so thankful for all the area sponsors who have supported her and for her family and friends who are her biggest supporters. If you are interested in helping Lilly Hinson as she represents the Grand Prairie, please contact her or her mom on Facebook.