The next contestant to be featured as part of our series, "The Road to Miss Arkansas," is Kathryn Barfeld, the current Miss Texarkana Twin Rivers! Continue reading to learn more about Kathryn and her journey towards the crown!

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Please share with our readers your  platform along with a brief description of what it is.
My platform is entitled, “ Energizing YOUth: Promoting Healthy Habits in Children and Teens”. My personal platform advocates for small, easy-to-adopt changes that can result in major health improvements. As a future healthcare professional, it is my goal to change the way we approach the concept of health. The percentage of overweight children in the United States is growing at an alarming rate, with 1 out of 3 kids now considered overweight or obese. Simply put, our children are becoming fat, unhealthy and have a shorter life expectancy than their parents. I am passionate about this cause because living a healthy lifestyle is crucial to creating a healthy mind and healthy body.

How long have you competed in pageants? How do you think you’ve personally grown with all your prior pageant experience?
I started competing in the Miss America’s Outstanding Teen organization as a high school student. Looking back, I am a completely different person from the shy, young girl that competed in her first pageant seven years ago. I am more well-rounded and confident in my abilities, thanks to this organization. The lessons you learn as a contestant in the Miss America Organization are truly invaluable. I have gained so much confidence from the countless interviews and appearances I have experienced as a titleholder. Even long after I have given away my last crown, I know the lessons I have learned from competing in pageants will stay with me for years to come.

In regards to your platform, why did you choose to go with this particular one?
At a young age, I struggled with my weight and was bullied numerous times for my appearance. Gym class became the most dreaded part of the school day and I isolated myself from any physical activity. One of my best friends rescued me from this difficult time by inviting me to her dance studio for a class. I slowly discovered that dance was one of the many ways to exercise and have fun simultaneously. Although my middle school gym class days are long over, I will never forget those experiences because they have allowed me to speak to children on a personal level and develop my platform even further, rather than see myself as a victim of the situation.

How has working alongside your platform made you into a stronger person?
As someone who struggled with their appearance and weight at a young age, I hope to be an inspiration for kids who may be having the same experience. I want to be that person for them that I wish I had when I was younger. Working with kids across the greater Texarkana area has taught me to be brave and bold in my actions. There is never a goal or a dream that is too big or far away.

What have you learned from your current Miss Arkansas Savannah Skidmore as well as our Miss America Savvy Shields, which you hope to carry with you if you were to win the title of  Miss Arkansas?
Miss Arkansas Savannah Skidmore has taught me to soak in every moment of representing this great state. Truly get to know the people of Arkansas and learn their stories. The job of Miss Arkansas is to make everyone feel like the single most important individual in the room and she has done just that. Savannah has done an amazing job of filling some incredible large shoes. I am most inspired by Miss America Savvy Shield’s dedication to her platform. Health is also one of my greatest interests and I have loved watching her implement her message on local, state, and now national level. Just like Savvy, I have a passion for changing the way our generation views health and fitness.

As a title-holder, what is one of the single-most important messages, which you think you convey to your followers?
It may sound cliche, but “never give up”. I competed for several years before winning my first prelim. I never gave up because I believe in this organization so much and I realized the benefits of it early on. Because I am a competitor in the Miss America Organization, I am a better speaker, performer, and advocate. These are skills that can easily be applied to many areas of life, even after my pageant days are long over. I want to use my story to convince more women to compete and encourage and uplift those who are.

If you were to win the title of Miss Arkansas, what is the one thing which you would strive the hardest to accomplish?
If I were to become the next Miss Arkansas, I would make it my priority to visit every elementary school in the state to present my platform, “Energizing YOUth: Promoting Healthy Habits in Children and Teens”. I want to work with young children specifically because they are at a time in their lives when they are starting to develop crucial eating habits. My platform focuses on small, easy-to-adopt changes that can result in major health improvements. As a future healthcare professional, it is my goal to change the way we approach the concept of health. The percentage of overweight children in the United States is growing at an alarming rate, with 1 out of 3 kids now considered overweight or obese. Simply put, our children are becoming fat, unhealthy and have a shorter life expectancy than their parents. I am passionate about this cause because living a healthy lifestyle is crucial to creating a healthy mind and healthy body.

Imagine you’re competing for Miss America, and your roommate has never visited Arkansas; how would you describe your state to your roommate?
Being the “Natural State”, Arkansas definitely encompasses some of the most beautiful and historical parts of the country. Arkansas is home to historical bathhouses in Hot Springs, the diamond mine in Murfreesboro, the first national river in the United States, and countless state parks for recreation. Not to mention, the hospitality that Arkansans offer is second to none. No matter where you’re from, Arkansas will feel like home to you.

If you could place three items in a time capsule, which represent the women of today, what would they be and why?
I would place a tube of lipstick, a pair of heels, and an agenda. Women have worn lipstick for thousands of years, dating all the way back to Cleopatra. I believe lipstick represents both the woman of today, as well as our history. I would also place a pair of heels and an agenda in the time capsule. They both represent the busy, working-woman of today’s society. More women are entering the workforce, while juggling a busy life at home, as well. Life, like a pair of heels, can be a balancing act sometimes. The agenda, of course, represents women becoming more involved and leading more in the workplace.

Because of media, many people tend to look at pageant with a very scrutinizing opinion; For you. personally, what have been some of the biggest benefits of being a part of the Miss America Organization. And how would you share the positive nature of pageants with others who may not be familiar?
I would not be the woman I am today without the Miss America Organization. Over the years, I have developed as a speaker, performer, and advocate. I was very shy growing up but now I feel comfortable speaking and performing in front of thousands of people at a time. These are all skills that are not easily learned in a classroom and take some practice to perfect. Miss America is not your stereotypical “beauty pageant” by no means. While she is beautiful, she is also talented, intelligent, and well-rounded.

The name of this magazine is Bravura.  “Bravura” is an artistic word for exceptional; in your opinion, what makes you “bravura”?
What makes me “bravura” is that I am versatile and well-rounded. From a young age, I was exposed to many different hobbies and activities. I am a trained dancer, baton twirler, and flutist. Although I was never the best, I have taken dance lessons my entire life from the time I was 3 years old. As a pre-teen, I joined the school band, where I learned to play the flute and twirl a baton. Although I have several talents, playing the flute will always be my passion because it gives me the ability to create my own music. I will always cherish my very first flute because it actually belonged to my aunt! Music is something than runs in my family and and we can all enjoy together.

Where can fans follow you on social media?
Instagram: katbarfield. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MissTTR/.

What advice do you have for those who want to take part in pageants?
Do it! I strongly encourage any woman to give the Miss America Organization a shot. Even if you discover pageants aren’t for you, you will walk away having tried something new. I guarantee you will make new friends and learn so much about yourself along the way. The “world” of pageants can be a little overwhelming at first, but everyone is so welcoming and wants to see you succeed. I would be more than happy to talk with anyone looking to get started in pageants.

What words of thanks do you have for those who have helped to bring you to where you are today  – a member of the Miss Arkansas Class of 2017?
Competing in the Miss Arkansas Pageant has been a goal of mine for years. It is totally surreal now that my dream is about to come true! I would not be here if it weren’t for my support system. My family, friends, and directors have been there every step of the way to cheer me on and give me constructive criticism when I need it. To them, I say “thank you” from the bottom of my heart because it truly takes a village to get a girl ready to compete for the title of Miss Arkansas! I am beyond thrilled at what I have accomplished within the last year and I cannot wait to represent them this summer at Miss Arkansas.

What final words, if any, do you have for the readers of Bravura Magazine?
Thank you for choosing to spotlight the Miss Arkansas contestants!