Edee Boatman Crowned Queen Alalah at the 2026 Coronation

Cowley College and the Arkalalah Executive Committee are proud to announce that Edee Boatman has been crowned Queen Alalah XCIV during the annual coronation ceremony held Friday, October 30, at the Robert Brown Theatre on Cowley College's Arkansas City campus.

Boatman is a 19-year-old accounting student from Dexter, Kansas, is a Queen Alalah XCIV finalist at Cowley College, where she maintains a perfect 4.0 GPA. A graduate of Dexter High School, she balances her college coursework with a full-time position as a sixth-grade paraprofessional at Dexter Elementary School and serves as an assistant junior high volleyball coach. Edee is passionate about giving back to her hometown, volunteering with local organizations and helping organize a fundraiser for improvements to the Dexter City Pool. One of seven siblings, she credits her family for instilling the values of hard work, generosity and service. After graduating from Cowley, she plans to pursue a career in accounting with a local entrepreneur. Grateful for the opportunity to represent Cowley College, Boatman looks forward to making lasting memories through the Queen Alalah experience.

Ashleigh Gray was named first runner-up. Cowley College also recognizes all of this year's outstanding Queen Alalah candidates: Edee Boatman of Dexter, Carsen Carpenter of Derby, Ashleigh Gray of Arkansas City, Avery Smith of Girard, and Hailey Stanzel of St. George. Each candidate represented the spirit of the Arkalalah tradition through her accomplishments, involvement, and commitment to her community.

The coronation marked another memorable chapter in one of Arkansas City's most cherished traditions, bringing together students, families, former queens, visiting royalty, and community members to celebrate leadership, service, and community pride.

This year's coronation embraced the 94th Annual Arkalalah theme, "Salute to Our Heroes," honoring the courage, sacrifice, and service of those who have dedicated their lives to protecting others.

A special tribute recognized Sergeant Tyler A. Juden, a 2004 graduate of Arkansas City High School who served in the U.S. Army's 82nd Airborne Division. Juden was killed in action in Afghanistan in 2009. He was honored as this year's Honorary Grand Marshal, with Arkalalah Chairman Sean Hankins presenting the recognition.

The evening also featured a patriotic medley performed by the Arkansas City High School Jazz Band, paying tribute to the men and women of the community who have served their country.

The coronation ceremony welcomed back the reigning 93rd Queen Alalah, Lauren Howerton of Winfield, as she concluded her year representing Cowley College and the Arkalalah tradition.

Adding to the celebration was the crowning of Cooper Blevins as Little Mister Arkalalah and Teagan Moore as Little Miss Arkalalah. The crowning was presented by Meghann Borum, continuing another beloved tradition that brings younger generations into the Arkalalah festivities.

Dr. Scott Rogers and Pastor Ryan Nichols served as masters of ceremonies, guiding attendees through an evening of recognition, remembrance, and celebration.

Scholarships for Queen Alalah and the first runner-up were provided by the Arkalalah Executive Committee, with an additional Queen Alalah scholarship awarded through the Cowley Foundation, established by Dorothy Moore Harbaugh, the first Queen Alalah.

Cowley College extends its appreciation to the Arkalalah Executive Committee, coronation organizers, participating students, performers, volunteers, and community members whose dedication makes this annual celebration possible.

Congratulations to Queen Alalah XCIV, Edee Boatman, the first runner-up, and all the remarkable candidates who helped make this year's coronation a memorable celebration of tradition, community, and service.

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