Edee Boatman, a 19-year-old Cowley College student from Dexter, was crowned Queen Alalah XCIV during the annual Arkalalah coronation ceremony Friday evening at the Robert Brown Theatre on the college’s Arkansas City campus.
Boatman, an accounting student who maintains a 4.0 grade-point average, was selected from five candidates for the honor.
Ashleigh Gray of Arkansas City was named first runner-up.
A graduate of Dexter High School, Boatman works full time as a sixth-grade paraprofessional at Dexter Elementary School while attending college. She also serves as an assistant junior high volleyball coach.
Boatman is active in her hometown, volunteering with local organizations and helping organize a fundraiser for improvements to the Dexter City Pool.
One of seven siblings, she credits her family with teaching her the importance of hard work, generosity and community service.
Following graduation from Cowley College, Boatman plans to pursue a career in accounting with a local entrepreneur.
Other candidates for Queen Alalah XCIV were Carsen Carpenter of Derby, Avery Smith of Girard and Hailey Stanzel of St. George.
The coronation was part of the 94th annual Arkalalah celebration, which featured the theme “Salute to Our Heroes.”
A special tribute honored Sgt. Tyler A. Juden, a 2004 Arkansas City High School graduate who served in the U.S. Army’s 82nd Airborne Division.
Juden was killed in action in Afghanistan in 2009 and was recognized as this year’s honorary grand marshal. Arkalalah Chairman Sean Hankins presented the recognition.
The Arkansas City High School Jazz Band performed a patriotic medley honoring members of the community who have served in the military.
The ceremony also featured the return of Queen Alalah XCIII Lauren Howerton of Winfield, who concluded her year representing Cowley College and the Arkalalah tradition. Continue story below ad.
Cooper Blevins was crowned Little Mister Arkalalah, while Teagan Moore was named Little Miss Arkalalah. Meghann Borum presented the crowning.
Dr. Scott Rogers and Pastor Ryan Nichols served as masters of ceremonies.
Scholarships for Queen Alalah and the first runner-up were provided by the Arkalalah Executive Committee. An additional scholarship for the queen was awarded through the Cowley Foundation, established by Dorothy Moore Harbaugh, the first Queen Alalah.
The annual coronation brought together students, families, former queens, visiting royalty and community members to celebrate one of Arkansas City’s longest-running traditions.
