Miss Northwestern, Teen Bring Home Numerous Honors from Miss Oklahoma
June 12, 2025
Jessica Davis, Miss Northwestern 2025, poses with her Miss Oklahoma 2025 health and fitness and evening gown preliminary awards.
Northwest Oklahoma sat on the edge of their seats June 7 as the top five finalists were announced in the 2025 Miss Oklahoma competition at Rose State College in Midwest City.
Jessica Davis, a sophomore nursing major from Woodward and Miss Northwestern 2025, was named Third Runner-Up to Miss Oklahoma in her rookie year of competition.
“Being my rookie year, I had no idea what to expect,” Davis said. “This has truly been one of the most life-changing experiences I’ve ever had. I met some of the most hardworking, talented, and intelligent women, and I gained so many new friendships through this journey. When I first arrived at the hotel, I had no clue how fast the week would fly by. I feel so lucky to have had this opportunity, and I’m incredibly proud of how far it took me.”
Paige Fischer, Northwestern bursar and executive director for the Miss Northwestern Organization, said anyone who has ever been to Miss Oklahoma or Miss Oklahoma’s Teen, knows that the competition is fierce.
“It takes tremendous dedication and courage to compete at the state competitions for Miss Oklahoma and Miss Oklahoma’s Teen,” Fischer said. “The young women competing truly are the best and the brightest in Oklahoma.”
Davis also received preliminary awards in both Health and Fitness and Evening Gown.
“Winning Health and Fitness was one of the goals I set for myself at the beginning of the year, so I was honored to receive that preliminary award,” Davis said. “When I won Evening Gown and made Top 5, I was in shock. I exceeded my own expectations and couldn’t be happier with the outcome.”
In addition, Davis was named Rookie of the Year, won the Rookie Interview Award, and earned the Community Service Initiative (CSI) “On the Rise” Award for her commitment and work toward her CSI titled, “Unplugged: Disconnect to Reconnect,” which encourages people to put down their phones and live with intention.
Davis is the daughter of Cynthia and Brendon Davis of Woodward.
“I cannot say thank you enough. If it weren’t for all the people who stood behind me and supported me, there’s no way I would have made it as far as I did. It truly takes an army, and mine showed up all year long.”
Davis also praised Miss Oklahoma 2025, Tessa Dorrell.
“From the very first moment I met her, she took me under her wing and made sure I always had a friend,” Davis said. “She is so deserving, and I think I can speak for everyone when I say we are so excited for her and can’t wait to see all she does with her year.”
Madeline Ryerson, Miss Northwestern Teen’s 2025, poses for a photo at the Miss Oklahoma’s Teen competition.
Madeline Ryerson, Miss Northwestern’s Teen 2025, also earned high honors at the Miss Oklahoma’s Teen competition.
“When I loaded my car a couple of days before check-in, I was bubbling with nerves,” Ryerson said. “But my nerves subsided when check-in day came, and I had the opportunity to meet so many amazing girls from all over the state of Oklahoma. From early hair and makeup days, dance practice, learning walking patterns, eating together, and ultimately performing on the Miss Oklahoma’s Teen stage, my week was full of learning experiences and unforgettable memories. I will never forget this experience and the person that I’ve become because of it.”
Ryerson received a Non-Finalist Talent Award at the competition for her vocal performance of “Beyond My Wildest Dreams” from “The Little Mermaid.”
“I love to sing and act, and being able to do that on a much grander stage was such an unforgettable experience,” Ryerson said. “The adrenaline and excitement were contagious. Praying together and putting yourself out there with a group of incredible girls is indescribable.”
Ryerson is the daughter of John and Amy Ryerson of Alva.
“I would like to thank my family for encouraging me to try something new and to become the best version of myself,” Ryerson said, “My parents and my sister have been my biggest cheerleaders throughout the year!”
Ryerson also offered thanks to Fischer, Davis and her family and Northwestern Star Lawsyn Howard and her family.
“Paige is constantly full of light and guidance,” Ryerson said, “My Miss, Jessica Davis, and her sweet family have been so amazingly gracious to me throughout this experience. Jessica’s potential and capabilities never cease to amaze me. My Star, Lawsyn Howard, and her family made this year extra special and getting to see her lights up my day.”
Miss Northwestern’s Teen 2025 Madeline Ryerson (left), Miss Northwestern’s Star 2025 Lawsyn Howard (center), and Miss Northwestern 2025 Jessica Davis (right), stop for a photo at Miss Oklahoma 2025.
Fischer said she could not be prouder of both Davis and Ryerson.
“I was able to witness the hard work and sacrifice that both Jessica and Madeline poured into this opportunity,” Fischer said. “I know that many little girls in the audience found a new dream to chase as they watched Jessica and Madeline take the stage for each phase of the competition. The cherry on top of all of the excitement and success during the week was having Lawsyn Howard, Northwestern Star, there to be a part of all of the fun, too.”
Miss Northwestern 2025 Jessica Davis (left) and Miss Northwestern’s Star Lawsyn Howard (right) smile for the camera during an event.
Both Davis and Ryerson were inspired and encouraged by the support from their northwest Oklahoma communities.
“Every time I stepped on stage, the crowd erupted,” Davis said. “It was so empowering to walk out knowing I was supported by so many people – even those who couldn’t be there in person. I received countless calls, texts, messages, and prayers of encouragement, and I truly wouldn’t have made it through the week without them.”
Ryerson felt blessed and grateful for the support and opportunity.
“I’m so blessed to live in a community full of support and love,” Ryerson said. “A huge thanks for all of the encouraging phone calls, notes, and gifts. I’m also grateful to Northwestern for providing this opportunity; being able to represent my local university has been such an honor. I am truly lucky to live in Alva, Oklahoma.”
Throughout the week, Fischer received lots of praise on behalf of Davis and Ryerson.
“I proudly wore buttons with the girls’ pictures on them, and I could not go anywhere without people stopping me and telling me how impressed they were with the Northwestern titleholders,” Fischer said. “Jessica and Madeline are more than local titleholders; they are phenomenal role models who made a lasting impression on so many, and they represented Northwestern in an extraordinary light.”
For more information about the Miss Northwestern competition visit www.nwosu.edu/miss-nwosu or contact Fischer at plfischer@nwosu.edu or (580) 327-8533.
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CONTACT FOR RELEASE:
Sean J. Doherty, University Relations Specialist
sjdoherty@nwosu.edu | (580) 327-8480