Edee Boatman Balances Academics, Career and Service While Embracing Queen Alalah Experience

For Edee Boatman, growing up in a small town has taught her the importance of hard work and being there when others need a helping hand.

The 19-year-old accounting student from Dexter, Kansas, is one of five finalists for Queen Alalah XCIV. Between maintaining a perfect 4.0 GPA at Cowley College, working full time and volunteering in her hometown, Boatman has learned to balance a demanding schedule while making time for what matters most to her.

A graduate of Dexter High School, Boatman now works as a sixth-grade paraprofessional at Dexter Elementary School and serves as an assistant junior high volleyball coach, giving her the opportunity to support and encourage young people in the same school district where she grew up.

Boatman chose Cowley College because of its proximity to home and the academic scholarship she received. Commuting to campus allows her to continue her education while maintaining her responsibilities in Dexter.

Although her full-time work schedule keeps her from participating in clubs and activities at Cowley, Boatman finds other ways to stay involved.

Over the summer, she helped organize and carry out a fundraising project to purchase new supplies for the Dexter City Pool. She also continues to volunteer with organizations and activities she participated in during high school.

Her commitment to helping others reflects the values she learned from her parents, Steve and Gina Boatman. Her father works at General Electric, while her mother is a stay-at-home mom.

"They are some of the most hardworking, generous, and friendly people I know, and I am blessed to be their daughter," Boatman said.

Boatman is one of seven siblings. She has five older siblings—Kaden, 29; Ellie, 26; Emma, 25; Essie, 23; and Kaleb, 21—and one younger sister, Eislee, 17.

After graduating from Cowley, she plans to use her associate degree in accounting to work for a successful entrepreneur in her area whom she admires.

While Boatman is accustomed to balancing her responsibilities at school, work and home, being named a Queen Alalah finalist has presented an entirely new experience.

"I feel honored to be named a Queen Alalah Finalist," Boatman said. "It was quite the surprise finding out that I had been selected and initially thought this experience would be a little out of my comfort zone, but I am so grateful for this opportunity and I plan to make the most of it!"

Over the five weeks leading up to Coronation, Boatman and the other finalists will meet with local service organizations, appear on radio shows, participate in Chamber Coffee, take part in formal and themed photo shoots, attend Dodgeballalah and the Queens Tea, and experience other Arkalalah traditions.

For Boatman, the opportunity offers a chance to step outside her usual routine, meet new people and create lasting memories.

"I am so excited for all of the memories I will make through this experience," she said.

As she prepares for Coronation, Boatman is especially appreciative of those who have encouraged her along the way.

"I am truly blessed to be surrounded by everyone I have in my life and I hope they all know how truly grateful I am!" Boatman said.

On Oct. 30, Boatman will join Carsen Carpenter, Ashleigh Gray, Avery Smith and Hailey Stanzel on stage for the Queen Alalah XCIV Coronation. Regardless of the outcome, she is embracing the opportunity with the same dedication and enthusiasm she brings to her work, education and service to others.

Hunter Ferguson | Integrated Communications Specialist
Cowley College
125 S. 2nd Street
Arkansas City, KS 67005
hunter.ferguson@cowley.edu