St. Louis Metro Contestant and SIUE Alumna Halie Hebron Earns Top Honors at Miss Missouri 2025
July 25, 2025, 4:29 PM
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville alumna Halie Hebron earned the title of First Runner-Up at the Miss Missouri 2025 competition receiving multiple honors recognizing her excellence, leadership, and artistry.
Hebron, from O'Fallon, MO, is the first recipient of both the Simone Esters Mentor Award, voted on by teen contestants, and the Photogenic Award in the Miss division. She began competing in the Miss America Organization in 2018. Since then, she has held many titles, including Miss Missouri’s Outstanding Teen in 2020. Her Miss Missouri ranking marks a significant milestone in her journey through the pageant world, when she earned the title of Miss Audrain.
Hebron recently earned her Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design and Photography (’24). She channels her passion into her community service initiative called “Art Rx: Art for All,” dedicated to making art accessible across Missouri. Her vision includes supporting local artists by providing studio resources, collaborative spaces, and creative opportunities to help individuals and organizations thrive through artistic expression.
Hebron spoke with the SIUE Newsroom about her experience and the road to becoming a top finalist at Miss Missouri.
How would you describe yourself?
I would say I am very vibrant, outgoing, and versatile! I love being out in my community and working with others. I am ready to jump into any role in which I am needed and enjoy being helpful.
From Miss Audrain to first runner-up at Miss Missouri, what inspired you to take the first step into pageantry, and how has your journey evolved along the way?
I am the youngest of five girls, all of whom have competed in Miss America Opportunity. We’re actually celebrating our 20 years of competing here this year! I have grown up around the organization, but I started my journey in 2018 as Miss Kirksville’s Outstanding Teen. I have competed twice in the Teen division and four times in the Miss division. My sisters were a huge part of my inspiration to compete, and they (along with my entire family) continue to be a huge part of my support system! They’re the best! Now, I’ve seen the impact I can make (and apparently have made) on the next generation of competitors. Over the past three years, I’ve put effort into fostering a community of girls that feel prepared for their competitions and know that it’s okay to have goals while celebrating the successes of their competitors. That’s been my biggest motivation: being a role model and sharing my resources.
What challenges did you face throughout the competition process, and how did your time at SIUE help prepare you to overcome them?
With such a developed support system, I receive a lot of opinions. For some, that can be incredibly overwhelming. As a former captain of the SIUE Dance Team and especially in the art program, I learned to take criticism and opinions as an opportunity to grow. This has been the most valuable skill I’ve been able to bring into my professional career.
How would you describe yourself?
I would say I am very vibrant, outgoing, and versatile! I love being out in my community and working with others. I am ready to jump into any role in which I am needed and enjoy being helpful.
From Miss Audrain to first runner-up at Miss Missouri, what inspired you to take the first step into pageantry, and how has your journey evolved along the way?
I am the youngest of five girls, all of whom have competed in Miss America Opportunity. We’re actually celebrating our 20 years of competing here this year! I have grown up around the organization, but I started my journey in 2018 as Miss Kirksville’s Outstanding Teen. I have competed twice in the Teen division and four times in the Miss division. My sisters were a huge part of my inspiration to compete, and they (along with my entire family) continue to be a huge part of my support system! They’re the best! Now, I’ve seen the impact I can make (and apparently have made) on the next generation of competitors. Over the past three years, I’ve put effort into fostering a community of girls that feel prepared for their competitions and know that it’s okay to have goals while celebrating the successes of their competitors. That’s been my biggest motivation: being a role model and sharing my resources.
What challenges did you face throughout the competition process, and how did your time at SIUE help prepare you to overcome them?
With such a developed support system, I receive a lot of opinions. For some, that can be incredibly overwhelming. As a former captain of the SIUE Dance Team and especially in the art program, I learned to take criticism and opinions as an opportunity to grow. This has been the most valuable skill I’ve been able to bring into my professional career.
You’ve received multiple honors, including the Simone Esters Mentor Award and the Photogenic Award. What do these recognitions mean to you personally and professionally?
Those were two amazing awards to win. The Photogenic award was an honor because The Devines (photographers) do such amazing work. I am so thankful for all the hard work they put into their girls, and that they captured a photo that showcased my personality! The Simone Esters Mentor Award was INCREDIBLE! As a former teen, I know how important that connection between the Miss and Teen contestants is. I have been blessed to have great examples as a teen and the privilege to mentor many teen delegates! I got teary-eyed onstage; I was being called for that award because these girls are truly incredible, and to know that I’m making a difference in their lives is so sweet and special! They’re like my kids!
With your mission, “Art Rx: Art of All,” can you share more about this community service initiative and what impact you hope to make through your work in the arts?
Art Rx: Art for All is a nonprofit organization that I began in 2019 to talk about the peace of mind that I felt from participating in art programs. This has grown into an organization that makes a difference across the state of Missouri by advocating for arts resources at the state and federal levels and volunteering time and resources on the local level. I have had the privilege to work with many organizations and individuals that help their communities through the arts, including but not limited to the Columbia and St. Louis Children’s Hospitals, St. Louis Women’s Safe House, Audrain School District, and Artists First STL. I can’t wait to explore more opportunities throughout the state as arts programs continue to fight for funding.
What advice do you have for SIUE students, especially those who are hesitant to step out of their comfort zones and take on ambitious goals like pageantry?
Find your friends that will encourage you even when you fail. Talk about what you’re passionate about and learn to enjoy new experiences. It’s hard to take a leap, but it’s a lot less scary when you have friends and family around you!
Looking ahead, what are your future pursuits?
With the generous scholarships (≈ $26,000 in total🎉) I have earned from the Miss Missouri Scholarship Organization, I am looking into going back to school for my master's degree in education. I’ve also been considering moving to New York to attempt a career in musical theatre, but we’ll see which one comes first! I’m just so grateful for this incredible organization that has provided me with the financial freedom to pursue my dreams.
With her winning spirit, Hebron’s perseverance, commitment and self-assurance are an inspiration to fellow SIUE students to pursue their passions and make meaningful changes in their communities. Congratulations, Halie!
PHOTOS: Halie Hebron during her “Moulin Rouge” pageant performance; (second from left) Hebron, Miss Missouri First Runner-Up
With the generous scholarships (≈ $26,000 in total🎉) I have earned from the Miss Missouri Scholarship Organization, I am looking into going back to school for my master's degree in education. I’ve also been considering moving to New York to attempt a career in musical theatre, but we’ll see which one comes first! I’m just so grateful for this incredible organization that has provided me with the financial freedom to pursue my dreams.
With her winning spirit, Hebron’s perseverance, commitment and self-assurance are an inspiration to fellow SIUE students to pursue their passions and make meaningful changes in their communities. Congratulations, Halie!
PHOTOS: Halie Hebron during her “Moulin Rouge” pageant performance; (second from left) Hebron, Miss Missouri First Runner-Up
