Queen Alalah

Cowley College proudly announces Kinley Botts, a Liberal Arts major from Blackwell, Oklahoma, as a finalist for the 93rd Queen Alalah. Botts, 19, is honored to be recognized among this year’s outstanding candidates.

A graduate of Blackwell High School, Botts chose to attend Cowley College after being given the opportunity to serve as a manager for the Tiger wrestling team, a role she continues to hold with pride. Alongside her involvement in Cowley athletics, she also volunteers at her nana’s church in Arkansas City, giving back to the local community during her time on campus.

Maintaining a 3.22 GPA, Botts is focused on her academic success while also babysitting occasionally during the school year. After graduating from Cowley College, she plans to further her education at a technical school to pursue a degree in sonography.

Kinley is the daughter of Randy and Kassa Botts, whom she describes as strong-willed, hardworking, and incredibly supportive. She comes from a large, close-knit family and has four siblings: Quentin (27), Hadley (25), Tanner (23), and her twin sister Kellyn (19).

When asked how it feels to be named a finalist for Queen Alalah, Botts shared, “It is a great honor and I am very grateful I have been given this opportunity as one of the finalists.”

Cowley College congratulates Kinley Botts on this achievement and celebrates her leadership, service, and Tiger pride.

Cowley College is proud to recognize DeLaney Colquhoun, a dedicated Business Administration major from Arkansas City, Kansas, as a finalist for the 93rd Queen Alalah. With a remarkable 3.81 GPA, Colquhoun exemplifies academic excellence, leadership, and community spirit.

A graduate of Newkirk High School, Colquhoun chose Cowley College to remain close to her family and build a strong foundation for her collegiate journey. In addition to her studies, she works as a teller at Community National Bank & Trust, gaining valuable real-world experience in the financial field.

DeLaney is the daughter of Nick and Dixie Colquhoun. Her father hauls fuel, and her mother serves as a dental assistant—both strong role models of hard work and dedication. She has one sister, Addie, age 18.

At Cowley College, Colquhoun is actively involved as a student ambassador and a proud member of Phi Theta Kappa. She also extends her time to the community, having volunteered at the Ark City Public Library.

Looking ahead, she plans to transfer to a four-year university to continue her business education, with the goal of becoming a loan officer or an accountant.

Reflecting on the honor of being named a finalist, Colquhoun shared, “I’m so appreciative of this opportunity. I’m grateful that my teachers and peers thought high enough of me to represent Cowley. It’s been a wonderful experience so far and I know I will have lifelong memories!”

Cowley College proudly celebrates DeLaney Colquhoun for her dedication, excellence, and Tiger pride as she represents the spirit of Queen Alalah.

Cowley College proudly announces Lauren Howerton, a dedicated Pre-Nursing major from Winfield, Kansas, as a finalist for the 93rd Queen Alalah. At just 19 years old, Howerton has already demonstrated exceptional commitment to academics, service, and leadership, maintaining a 3.7 GPA while actively contributing to both campus life and the community.

A graduate of Winfield High School, Howerton chose Cowley College after earning both a Softball scholarship and a Student Senate scholarship. In addition to representing Cowley on the softball field, she serves in the Student Senate and is a member of Phi Theta Kappa, further showcasing her leadership and dedication to student engagement.

Alongside her studies, Howerton has worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant at William Newton Hospital for over two years, gaining valuable experience in patient care as she pursues her goal of a career in nursing. After graduating from Cowley, she plans to transfer to a university to earn her bachelor’s degree in nursing, followed by a Doctorate of Nursing Practice to become an obstetrical nurse practitioner.

Lauren is the daughter of Troy and Melissa Howerton. Her father, born and raised in Arkansas City, works at GE, while her mother, a Winfield native, serves at William Newton Hospital. They have been married for 21 years. She also has two stepbrothers, Jason Howerton (40) and Josh Howerton (39).

Deeply involved in service, Howerton gives back through Student Senate initiatives, Arkalalah events, and meaningful outreach with the Cowley softball team, including greeting elementary students on their first day of school, reading with them throughout the year, and participating in special activities like cookie decorating days.

Reflecting on this honor, she shared, “Being named a Queen Alalah Finalist is such an incredible honor. I’ve grown up admiring the queens for their confidence, kindness, and connection to the community. To now have the chance to carry on that legacy and represent something so meaningful is both exciting and deeply humbling.”

Cowley College celebrates Lauren Howerton for her dedication, leadership, and Tiger pride, and proudly recognizes her as a finalist for the 93rd Queen Alalah.

 

Cowley College proudly announces Grace Knight, a driven Pre-Pharmacy major from Decatur, Texas, as a finalist for the 93rd Queen Alalah coronation. With a strong academic record and a 3.58 GPA, Knight exemplifies leadership, service, and excellence both in and out of the classroom.

A graduate of Decatur High School, Knight chose Cowley College after her high school track coach connected her with Coach Parker Ray, believing Cowley to be the place where she could thrive both academically and athletically. That belief proved true—Grace is now a standout member of Cowley Track and Field, continuing to grow in her athletic career.

On campus, Knight serves in multiple leadership roles, working as both a Resident Assistant and Peer Tutor. She is also involved in Phi Theta Kappa, Math and Science Club, TRIO/IMPACT as a Student Ambassador, FCA as a Worship Leader, and is a proud member of Housing Life and the Track and Field team. Her dedication to service includes volunteering at the local animal shelter and helping maintain the Wilson Park community garden.

Grace is the daughter of Rachel and Mark Knight, high school sweethearts who married in 2002 and have been a source of strength and motivation throughout her life. She describes her mother as the “brains and heart” of their home and her father as the strong, grounding presence who keeps her focused. She has one younger sister, Faith, age 16.

Looking to the future, Knight plans to transfer to the University of Texas at Tyler, where she will pursue her Doctorate in Pharmacy while continuing her track and field career.

Reflecting on this honor, she shared, “It is honestly a huge honor! This experience has really made me both realize and appreciate the impact I have made on this campus as well as this community!”

She added, “At first, when I saw my name on the voting list, I didn’t think much of it. I thought, ‘I’m just one girl out of the whole sophomore class.’ But as the votes came in and I was named in the top five, I realized how important this opportunity truly is—to recognize the impact I’ve already made and to continue building meaningful connections with the other four lovely finalists and the community of Ark City.”

Cowley College proudly celebrates Grace Knight as a finalist for the 93rd Queen Alalah, honoring her for her leadership, heart, and Tiger pride.

Cowley College is proud to recognize Caitlyn Woods, a Liberal Arts major from Derby, Kansas, as a finalist for the 93rd Queen Alalah. At 19 years old, Woods balances academics, community engagement, and her passion for dance while maintaining a 3.59 GPA.

A graduate of Derby High School, Woods chose Cowley College after being given the opportunity to continue dancing—a passion that has shaped much of her college experience. She is a dedicated member of the Cowley Dance Team and also serves the college as a Student Ambassador, representing Cowley with enthusiasm and pride.

Outside of classes, Woods works as an instructor at Ark City Dance, sharing her love for the art with younger dancers. She is also actively involved in community outreach through the dance team, welcoming students at Frances Willard Elementary on their first day of school, assisting with their Halloween parade, volunteering at the Tiger Skins Golf Tournament, and representing Cowley in the Old Settlers Parade in Mulvane.

Caitlyn is the daughter of Ty and Tiffany Woods, whom she describes as her foundation. Her mother provides guidance and encouragement, while her father inspires her with his steady faith and quiet leadership. She also has one older brother, Cody (22), whom she calls her built-in best friend.

After graduating from Cowley, Woods plans to transfer to a four-year university to earn a bachelor’s degree in child development, with the goal of becoming a Child Life Specialist, supporting children and families through medical experiences with compassion and care.

Reflecting on her Queen Alalah finalist experience, Woods shared, “I was truly so shocked when I was first named a finalist, but now that we are doing all of the photoshoots, interviews, and meeting with different groups around the community, it has just made me feel so grateful to be able to do this with four other amazing women. I wouldn't want to do this with anyone other than them.”

She also added, “Seeing how involved the community is in Arkalalah has truly opened my eyes. By seeing how dedicated each group is and what they put into Arkalalah, I am now more than ever so appreciative for all the events going on in the community.”

Cowley College proudly celebrates Caitlyn Woods for her leadership, spirit, and dedication as she represents the Tiger family as a 93rd Queen Alalah finalist.