Avery Smith Finds Her Place Through Creativity, Leadership and Service

For Avery Smith, finding her place at Cowley College has meant more than succeeding in the classroom. It has meant finding opportunities to create, lead, serve and build connections with the people around her.

The 19-year-old Mass Communications student from Girard, Kansas, is one of five finalists for Queen Alalah XCIV. With a 3.93 GPA and a growing list of campus activities, Smith has embraced the many opportunities Cowley has provided since arriving on campus.

“I’m so beyond honored to be a part of a tradition that is so rich in the history of Ark City,” Smith said. “I am also so blessed to have a community that surrounds me with endless amounts of support and thinks of me highly enough for an honor like this.”

Smith chose Cowley after receiving a scholarship for Mass Communications. During her campus visit, she quickly realized Cowley was somewhere she could see herself thriving—not only in the classroom, but in her day-to-day life.

That decision has led to a busy and rewarding college experience.

Smith is involved in Media Club, where she serves as photo editor, as well as Hope Squad, Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), Student Senate, Student Ambassadors and the Resident Assistant program. She also works as a library work study in Renn Memorial Library.

Outside of her campus responsibilities, Smith runs her own photography business, Avery Marie Photography, giving her another opportunity to combine her creativity with her passion for storytelling.

Her involvement extends beyond Cowley, as well. Smith has volunteered at Angels in the Attic, helped with American Legion apple pie baking and participated in World Kindness Day activities at a local elementary school. She also attends Northside Baptist Church and is involved with Northside Young Adults.

For Smith, those experiences have helped shape a college journey centered around connection and community.

Her parents, Julie Beeman and Joseph Smith, have also supported her along the way. Her mother works as an Extension agent with Kansas State Research and Extension, while her father works as a maintenance technician for Watco. As an only child, Smith has built a strong network of friends, mentors and community members throughout her life.

After graduating from Cowley, Smith plans to continue her education at Kansas State University, where she hopes to pursue a degree in advertising and public relations.

Before that next chapter begins, she is enjoying the opportunity to experience something that connects her to her current community in a new way.

Over the five weeks leading up to Coronation, Smith 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 Smith, being part of that tradition is about more than the possibility of wearing the crown. It is about being surrounded by a community that has encouraged her and having the opportunity to give something back in return.

On Oct. 30, Smith will join Edee Boatman, Carsen Carpenter, Ashleigh Gray and Hailey Stanzel on stage for the Queen Alalah XCIV Coronation. Whatever the outcome, Smith is embracing the experience as another opportunity to lead, serve and tell the story of a community that has welcomed her.

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