Kira Pendleton of Tonkawa was crowned Miss NOC Tonkawa 2023 Tuesday night at the Kinzer Performing Arts Center.

She was crowned by Miss NOC Tonkawa 2022 Emma Valgora and Miss Oklahoma 2022 Megan Gold.

Pendleton received a $1000 scholarship expense award, Miss America crown and pin, sash and a bouquet of longstemmed red roses. She will advance to the Miss Oklahoma Scholarship Pageant in Tulsa next June.

She is a freshman majoring in post-secondary education with a degree in music education. Her talent was the performance of “Pulled” from the Addam’s Family. Her Social Impact Statement was “Second Chances for Furry Friends.”

First runner-up for NOC Tonkawa was Regan Clapper from Pawnee, Oklahoma. She received a $600 scholarship expense award.

Second runner-up to Miss NOC Tonkawa was Kennedy Brown from Ponca City, Oklahoma who received a $400 scholarship expense award.

Others in the Miss Tonkawa Scholarship Competition were Yessinia Aguilar, Ponca City; Makayla McCullough, Alva, Oklahoma; Alyssa Walker, Ponca City; Hayley Spaeth, Okeene, Oklahoma; and Mikaila Kraus, Okarche, Oklahoma. Each received a $250 tuition waiver participation award.

Candidates were judged in artistic expression, presence and poise in evening wear and on-stage question. Earlier in the day they were individually interviewed by the judges.

Dr. Edward Dixon, NOC Fine Arts Division chair, served as master of ceremonies the evening. Miss Oklahoma 2022 Megan Gold performed for the audience.

Special entertainment was by Miss NOC Tonkawa 2022 Emma Valgora.

NOC President Dr. Clark Harris, presented an official portrait to Miss Valgora.

The Miss NOC Enid competition was also held, the winner was Kaycee Babek of Meeker, Oklahoma.