White Hall senior named Miss Arkansas’ Teen 2026, advocates for student mental health. (PHOTO: Presley Bennett)
WHITE HALL, Ark. (KATV) — A White Hall High School senior is representing Arkansas across the state while working to improve access to mental health re
Presley Bennett, crowned Miss Arkansas’ Teen 2026 on June 12, is using her title to promote youth mental health awareness through her about mental health re
“We had lost people in our community to suicide, and so I really wanted to kind of work on the community mental health re
Through a project at her middle school, Bennett helped develop calming rooms designed to support students’ emotional well-being. The project has served more than 1,000 students in her school district.
As Miss Arkansas’ Teen, Bennett is also working to expand mental health advocacy beyond her hometown. She has traveled to Washington, D.C., to advocate for mental health re her to make a difference
“I’ve gone to D.C. to advocate for mental health refor me because of this organization,” Bennett said
Over the coming year, Bennett will make appearances across Arkansas while promoting her initiative and encouraging young people to prioritize mental wellness.
She said the support she has received from her hometown has made the experience especially meaningful.
“I’m extremely grateful to all of Arkansas, especially White Hall, for pouring into me and for making it such a special place,” Bennett said.
Bennett hopes to continue expanding her work so more students can find the mental health support they need, even after her year as Miss Arkansas’ Teen ends.
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