Belton, Texas – Miss Nursing Student Association, Sophie Stockton, was named Miss Mary Hardin-Baylor 2025 on Saturday, October 19, in the annual Miss MHB Pageant held in W.W. Walton Chapel. Stockton is a 20-year-old sophomore Nursing major with a minor in Christian Studies from Houston, TX. She is the daughter of Chris and Mary Stockton.
Stockton is involved in intramural sports, is a student worker for the Student Activities Office, has participated in Global Outreach Mission Trips and Missions Emphasis Week Committee, is involved with the Emerging Leaders Institute, and served as a Cru Leader through Welcome Week. For the pageant's talent portion, Stockton performed a monologue about Eli Moore Townsend, an important person in UMHB's history.
Stockton's personal platform was "Educating on Vocational Service" because she believes there are many opportunities for all students to get involved in careers with ministry and honor God with their vocation, regardless of their major.
The reigning Miss MHB, Mia Hanks, crowned Sophie Stockton at the end of the evening's contest. Also recognized were the fourth runner-up, Jordan McBee, Miss Independence Village; the third runner-up, Kelsiy Kniffen, Miss College View; the second runner-up, Brighton Koenig, Miss Student Event Planners Association (SEPA); and the first runner-up, Londyn Weinzapfel, Miss Campus Activities Board.
A few other awards were given out during Saturday's "The Sky's The Limit" event. Miss Hispanic Student Association, Andrea Mendez, was recognized as the evening's Best Talent for playing the harp and the flute. Miss University Ambassadors, Madison Salazar, won Best Evening Gown. Miss Student Foundation, Madelyn Tipton, was awarded Best Interview, and Miss Clay Club, Scarlett Higdon, was recognized as Miss Congeniality.
This year's pageant director was Bella Ross, a 21-year-old senior Clinical Psychology major with a minor in Small Business and Entrepreneurship from Houston, Texas. Assistant Directors were Evie Parks, a 21-year-old senior Public Relations major with a minor in Marketing from Wichita Falls, Texas, and Mariana Games, a 21-year-old junior General Studies major from Carrolton, Texas.
The Miss MHB Pageant recognizes young women who demonstrate self-confidence, personality, and inner beauty. Each of the evening's 18 contestants represented a campus organization or residence hall. All contestants participated in individual interviews, a group dance number, talent presentations, and an evening gown stroll. In addition, the women were called on to talk about their individual platforms, highlighting issues of particular concern to them.
