You might recognize Nia Kelley, OWJEF scholarship recipient c/o 2021, from your Sunday night television. Nia was a finalist on the most recent season of American Idol, performing in front of Lionel Richie, Katy Perry, and Luke Perry.
Nia was recently crowned Miss University of Central Arkansas 2022. She competed against 10 contestants for the main award. Singing Summertime by George Gershwin from the opera Porgy and Bess, Nia additionally won the Overall Vocal or Instrumental Performance Award.
Miss University of Central Arkansas is an official Miss Arkansas and Miss America preliminary competition.
Nia is currently a freshman at University of Central Arkansas majoring in vocal performance. She hopes to become an international singer and join the Metropolitan Opera Company of New York.
Congratulations, Nia!