Queen Alalah Finalists

Karime Castillo is an aspiring costume designer and Technical Theatre Major, deeply passionate about fashion and the performing arts. Karime has a GPA of 3.34, with plans to improve it further. She chose Cowley College for its exceptional scholarship opportunities, smaller class sizes, and welcoming environment. Karime is actively involved in her college community as the secretary of the Theatre’s Act One Club and is excited to be working on the hair and makeup team for our upcoming musical. At Ponca City High School, she served as Vice President of the Key Club and volunteered regularly at a local soup kitchen. Volunteering is one of her passions, reflecting her commitment to positively impacting her community.

Catherine “Grace” Henderson is a 19-year-old from Dexter, Kansas, currently pursuing a degree in Mass Communications at Cowley College, where she maintains a GPA of 3.33. Grace’s college journey began early; she started taking classes during her sophomore year of high school. At Cowley, she has become an active participant in campus life, serving as a Student Ambassador for the college and representing the student body at various events. As the Student Director of Social Media for Athletics, she collaborates closely with coaches and athletes to create engaging content that highlights the achievements and activities of the athletic department. Additionally, over the past year, she has dedicated more than 80 hours to community service.

Born and raised in Arkansas City, Hadley O'Toole has always connected strongly to her community. At just 19 years old, she is currently a Pre-Nursing major at Cowley College, maintaining an impressive GPA of 3.79 as she works toward becoming a registered nurse. Hadley is actively involved in campus life at Cowley. She serves as the Student Senate President and a Student Ambassador. She is also a proud member of the Phi Theta Kappa honor society. Her passion for the arts shines through her participation in the Concert Choir, CC Singers, and her involvement in the Cowley theater program. Hadley is active in many aspects of her community beyond her academic and extracurricular commitments.

Born and raised in Arkansas City, Kansas, Riley Purdue has a personality driven by a passion for learning and a desire to make a difference in the world. Riley chose to attend Cowley College, influenced by the opportunity to continue playing soccer and the financial benefits offered. With a remarkable GPA of 3.93, Riley quickly established a reputation for academic excellence. Currently majoring in Engineering, Riley is gaining valuable real-world experience through a part-time position at Vector Tooling Technologies in Strother Field. A strong advocate for community service, Riley often volunteers at Burford Theatre Arts, assisting wherever needed. This dedication to helping others reflects a deep-rooted belief in giving back to the community.

Aleeyah Winegarner is a 19-year-old from Arkansas City, Kansas, currently studying Athletic Training at Cowley College, where she maintains a GPA of 3.34. Being in her hometown has helped her stay connected to her roots while following her career aspirations. At Cowley, she works in the Athletic Training room, fulfilling her scholarship requirements with over 20 hours of work each week. Looking ahead, she plans to transfer to Kansas State University to pursue a master’s degree in Athletic Training. Active on campus, Aleeyah serves as a Student Ambassador and Vice President of the Student Senate. Aleeyah has a deep connection to her community, especially with the annual Arkalalah festival, a cherished tradition in Arkansas City.