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Miss Wichita, Manhattan, KS (2026)

05/23/2026

Today I achieved a goal and ran my very first half marathon.

To me, the Miss America Fit initiative is about growth the growth we see within ourselves every single day. There was a time when I couldn’t run one mile, let alone 13.1. Today was proof that growth happens one step, one day, and one challenge at a time. It’s not always linear, but if you keep working, keep pushing, and keep believing in yourself, you can accomplish things you once thought were impossible.

I chose to run the Bill Snyder Highway Half because Manhattan was always more than just a college town it was home for four incredible years. What better way to reflect on and honor everything Manhattan and K-State gave me: opportunities for growth, memories that shaped me, and the chance to become the person I am today. And I took it. 💜

05/21/2026

Visited my 8th graders one last time 🍎

This semester taught me so much, and I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to learn alongside such amazing staff and an incredible cooperating teacher, Mr. Smith. Thank you for your guidance, mentorship, and the countless lessons that will stay with me throughout my student teaching career.

Most importantly, these students made such a lasting impact on my life. Every laugh, lesson, and memory shared in that classroom will stay with me forever, and each one of them will always hold a special place in my heart.These students are the future and I could not be more blessed to teach them 💙✨

05/20/2026

The crown is beautiful, but the scholarship opportunities behind it are truly life-changing. 👑🎓

One of the things I am most grateful for through the Miss America Opportunity is the incredible emphasis placed on education and empowering young women to pursue their dreams. As I celebrate graduating from Kansas State University with my Bachelor of Science in Secondary Chemistry Education, I’m reminded that this journey has always been about so much more than a title.

These photos represent hard work, perseverance, leadership, and the opportunities that scholarship can provide. Wearing my Miss Wichita sash alongside my graduation stole is such a special reminder that I never had to choose between my education and my passions I was able to pursue both.

So thankful for every opportunity, every lesson, and every person who has supported me along the way. 💜✨

05/19/2026

Taking the time to introduce my very first Kansas Sunflower and highlight one of my favorite parts of the Miss Kansas Organization, the incredible mentorship program we have for young girls across our state 🌻✨

Meet Kara McCubbins!

Kara is 11 years old and proudly represents Kechi, Kansas. She has such a strong spirit and determination already at such a young age. Her favorite hobby is weightlifting (specifically deadlifting)

She dreams of one day graduating from West Point Military Academy and becoming an Officer in the U.S. Army 🇺🇸

When asked what she’s most excited for during Miss Kansas week, Kara said she “can’t wait to reconnect with old friends, meet new ones, and most importantly support her favorite role model, Miss Ashlynn” 🥹💛

Programs like Kansas Sunflower are so special because they remind us that mentorship matters. Being able to encourage, support, and inspire the next generation of young women is truly one of the greatest honors. I already know Kara is going to accomplish incredible things, and I am beyond excited to have her by my side this year 🌻

05/19/2026

This weekend, I officially graduated from Kansas State University with my Bachelor of Science in Secondary Chemistry Education. 💜

As I walked across that stage, I couldn’t help but reflect on how much this journey has meant to me. Higher education is so much more than earning a degree it’s about growth, perseverance, discovery, and learning how to use your gifts to make an impact on the people around you. There were long nights, difficult exams, lesson plans, early mornings, moments of doubt, and so many challenges along the way, but every single step shaped me into the person I am today.

Scholarship and education have always been deeply important to me because they create opportunities that can truly change lives. Education gives people a voice, confidence, and the ability to inspire future generations. As someone who will soon step into the classroom as an educator, I carry an even greater appreciation for the power that teachers and learning have in shaping the future.

I am incredibly grateful for every professor, mentor, classmate, family member, and friend who supported me throughout this journey. None of this happened alone. To be able to combine my love for science, communication, and mentorship into a career that allows me to serve others is something I will never take for granted.

This chapter may be ending, but another one is just beginning and I cannot wait to see where it leads. Here’s to continuing to learn, grow, lead, and inspire wherever life takes me next. 🎓✨

05/14/2026

Curiosity, connection, and a whole lot of brain power 🧠💜

I had the incredible opportunity to take part in a sheep brain dissection alongside some amazing leaders from Kansas State University including First Lady Sally Linton, Provost Jesse Perez-Mendez, Dean Debbie Mercer, Dr. Todd Goodson, Dr. Spencer Clark, Dr. Roger Schieferecke, and of course my professor Dr. Staples!

Getting to explore the complexities of the brain in such a hands-on way was not only fascinating, but such a powerful reminder of how impactful experiential learning can be. Moments like these are why I love education and science so much learning becomes unforgettable when curiosity leads the way. 🐑✨

05/10/2026

Happy Mother’s Day to the woman who has been my biggest supporter, loudest cheerleader, and constant source of strength through every season of life. 🤍

No matter where life takes me the stage, the classroom, the countless rehearsals, appearances, road trips, and long competition days my mom has always been there beside me encouraging me to dream bigger, work harder, and never stop believing in myself. So much of who I am today is because of the example she has set for me through her kindness, resilience, grace, and unconditional love.

People often see the girl on stage, but they don’t always see the woman behind her. They don’t see the sacrifices, the late nights, the endless support, and the love that makes all of this possible.

Thank you for teaching me how to be confident, leading with compassion, and showing up for others even when no one is watching. Thank you for believing in me long before I learned to believe in myself.

Today and every day, I celebrate you. I am endlessly grateful to call you my mom. Happy Mother’s Day to the woman who inspires me daily. I love you more than words can say. ✨🤍

05/08/2026

Yesterday I had the incredible opportunity to see the role of Miss in action firsthand, and it made me even more excited for July! ✨ Getting a behind-the-scenes look at the heart, purpose, and responsibilities that come with being Miss Kansas was so inspiring and reminded me just how impactful this organization truly is.

I’m so thankful to the Miss Kansas Organization and Riley County High School for allowing me to tag along with Emily for her final SAFE presentation of her reign. Watching her pour into students and lead with so much grace and authenticity was such a special experience.

And somehow, without planning it at all, we accidentally matched… which honestly made the day even better ✨ Great minds think alike!

05/05/2026

Happy National Teacher Appreciation Day!!! and cheers to Teacher Appreciation Week 💛

I couldn’t let this moment pass without recognizing and showing appreciation to the five incredible teachers who have been in my corner throughout my student teaching journey this semester. There have definitely been challenging moments, but having such supportive, encouraging, and inspiring people beside me has made all the difference. They’ve not only made this experience easier they’ve made it meaningful.

If you know a teacher (or had one who changed your life), take a moment to show them some love this week. What they do every single day goes far beyond the classroom they are shaping lives, building confidence, and making a lasting impact on the world. 🍎✨

05/04/2026

I could never forget to highlight the incredible local businesses that make Pratt, Kansas so special 💛

I’m so excited that my Miss Kansas decorated shoe will be on display for the next month at Simply Southwestern! This shoe is deeply personal to me centered around science, which is such a huge part of my life, both in my career path and my passions.

But I just want to take a second I want to celebrate how truly welcoming this space is. From the workers to the shoppers, and even the children who came through the doors, everyone was so kind, friendly, and full of genuine community spirit. It’s the kind of place that makes you feel instantly at home. And those are the memories that last forever

Grateful to share a little piece of my journey in a place that represents so much heart, connection, and support for local community ✨

05/03/2026

Today is day 2 at Miss Kansas orientation, we stepped into what it truly means to serve learning the roles, the responsibilities, and the impact of wearing the title.

We’re not just preparing for Miss Kansas week… we’re preparing to lead, to represent, and to make a difference 💙

Miss Wichita

05/23/2026

05/21/2026

05/20/2026

05/19/2026

05/19/2026

05/14/2026

05/10/2026

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