White Hall High School senior Presley Bennett is stepping into a prestigious spotlight, but her focus remains firmly on the wellbeing of her peers. After being crowned Miss Arkansas’ Teen 2026 on June 12, Bennett is utilizing her platform to champion youth mental health through her dedicated community service initiative known as Peaceful Places. For Bennett, this victory is more than just a personal achievement; it is a continuation of a cherished family legacy, following in the footsteps of her mother, Jessie Bennett, who won the Miss Arkansas title back in 2001.
The drive behind Peaceful Places stems from a sobering reality within Bennett’s own community. Motivated by the heartbreaking loss of local residents to suicide, she recognized a critical lack of accessible mental health resources for students. To combat this, she spearheaded a project at her former middle school to create specialized calming rooms designed to provide emotional support during stressful moments. This effort has already made a tangible impact, serving over 1,000 students throughout her school district and providing them with a safe space to regulate their emotions.
Beyond the borders of White Hall, Bennett is taking her mission to the national stage. Using the opportunities provided by the scholarship organization, which awarded her 13,750 dollars in scholarships, she has already traveled to Washington, D.C., to lobby for better mental health infrastructure and funding. She views the pageant system not merely as a competition, but as a vehicle for sisterhood and service that opens doors for real systemic change.
Throughout her upcoming reign, Bennett plans to travel across the state to encourage young people to prioritize their mental wellness and destigmatize seeking help. While looking toward the future and expanding her reach, she credits the unwavering support of her hometown for giving her the confidence to lead. Even after she passes on her crown next year, Bennett intends to keep fighting for expanded resources so that no student feels they have to face their struggles alone.
