An Oklahoma college student has been crowned the new Miss Ultimate USA, bringing the national title home after competing in Orlando this summer.

Arianna Matthews, an acting major at the University of Oklahoma’s School of Drama, was the only contestant from Oklahoma in the July pageant. She said she was drawn to the Miss Ultimate USA system because of its emphasis on service, empowerment, and authenticity.

“I found out that the system’s values stood a lot with mine,” Matthews said. “It’s about empowering, encouraging, and uplifting women.”

Platform: Tics and Truth

Contestants in the pageant were asked to choose a service initiative. Matthews’ is called Tics and Truth: Embracing Authenticity, inspired by her own experience living with Tourette's Syndrome.

“I used to hide that part of my

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