On the evening of November 25, 2007, in the city of Bentonville, the audience at the Arend Arts Center welcomed Miss Washington County, Rachel Howells, as the new Miss Arkansas USA 2008.
Rachel, a resident of Fayetteville, Arkansas, is a 21-year-old student at the University of Arkansas-Fayetteville majoring in biology. Upon graduating with a BS in biology, she will continue her education at the University of Arkansas Medical School College of Pharmacy with plans to become a pharmacist at Arkansas Children’s Hospital. She is currently employed as a model for designers including: Sherri Hill, Tony Bowls, and Mon Cheri Bridals.

She is also employed as a motivational speaker and mentor for children dealing with the emotional stressors of divorce. As a child of divorce, Rachel’s firsthand experience enables her to connect to children in a way others cannot. She answers their questions, listens to their fears, and offers her friendship to ensure that no child suffers the guilt of believing divorce is his or her fault. Whether speaking to an assembly of students about different types of families or with one child struggling with anger, Rachel enjoys sharing her time, her heart, and her voice with the people of the “Natural” state.

Rachel supports many charities with her time and resources. Some of these include, but not limited to, Christmas is for Caring, NASCAR Speedway Children’s Charities, Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, and the Good Samaritan Food Bank of Alma.

In her free time, Rachel enjoys reading and shooting skeet. She is also highly trained in dance including 18 years in tap dancing, and she has worked with New York choreographer, Shea Sullivan. She is also trained in ballet, ballet en pointe, and jazz. She also enjoys doing crossword puzzles, working out, and playing tennis.

Rachel has competed in the Miss Arkansas America pageant for four years, and won the titles of Miss White River, Miss Arkansas Valley, and Miss Sorority Pledge Queen to name a few. When asked what it is about pageants that she loves, Rachel says, “Pageants are a springboard for young women, providing them with a venue to express their thoughts, talents, and personality and giving them the poise and self-confidence to achieve their dreams.”
Rachel is the daughter of Curtis and DiAnna Howells who have shared 16 years of marriage. She has two younger siblings: Morgan, 13, and Eli, 9.

Rachel plans to use the title of Miss Arkansas USA 2008 to share the importance of helping children cope with divorce. She is available for interviews, speaking engagements, emceeing events, autograph signing, or any other hosted event.

She will represent Arkansas at the 2008 MISS USA pageant this April in Las Vegas. The MISS USA pageant will be televised live on the NBC television network.