S of O Graduate Wins Miss Missouri Teen

A School of the Ozarks Graduate wins a state competition and will use the opportunity to promote a community service program.

The complete release from College of the Ozarks is below:

School of the Ozarks 2026 graduate Anna Hall was crowned “Miss Missouri's Teen 2026” during the 56th annual Miss Missouri Pageant.

Representing Miss Southwest's Teen, Hall earned the title after competing in private interview, talent, fitness, evening wear, and on-stage conversation. As Miss Missouri's Teen 2026, she will spend the next year traveling throughout Missouri, speaking at schools, participating in community events, and promoting her community service initiative, Project Wallflower. She will also represent Missouri at the Miss America's Teen competition.

Hall said hearing her name announced as the winner reminded her that perseverance and faith are worth holding onto.

"My first thought was, 'Thank you, Jesus,'" Hall said. "It was a big step to come back and know that maybe God wasn't done with my story."

During the competition's final on-stage question, Hall shared a message that reflects the purpose she hopes to carry throughout her year of service.

"Visibility is incredible, but impact is meaningful," Hall said.

Project Wallflower focuses on helping young women overcome social anxiety and build confidence through mentorship. Hall created the initiative after overcoming her own struggles with social anxiety in middle school. She hopes to expand the program by developing a curriculum that can be used by local titleholders in classrooms across Missouri, allowing the initiative to reach more students.

Dr. Brad Dolloff, dean of School of the Ozarks, said Hall's character has always set her apart.

"I think there is a stereotype of pageant contestants that isn't always positive," Dolloff said. "Anna displays both internal and external beauty. She loves Jesus, and it shows. She is fun, down to earth and engaging. Anna is serious when appropriate, funny but not silly, and patriotic without being pushy."

Dolloff said Hall's success reflects both her family's influence and the mission of School of the Ozarks.

"As a classical Christian school, School of the Ozarks believes God gives children to parents, and we have the blessing of coming alongside parents to help disciple their children," Dolloff said. "Anna's parents and older sister have provided training and served as outstanding examples for her. Our classical Christian model also emphasizes developing students' rhetorical skills. Anna has done that, but beyond her ability to speak well, you know what she says is genuine. She is drawing water from a deep well."

Looking back on her journey, Hall hopes others are encouraged by her experience.

"God has a perfect plan for you," Hall said. "A 'no' is not always forever. Just keep going."

Hall plans to attend Ouachita Baptist University, where she intends to study biology and pre-medicine before pursuing a career in radiology. Throughout her year as Miss Missouri's Teen, Hall hopes to encourage young people to overcome anxiety, grow in confidence, and use their gifts to make a difference in the lives of others.