Interview: 2025 MISS ARKANSAS TEEN Amelia Lisowe prepares to take final walk at Robinson Center

At just 15 years old, 2025 Miss Arkansas' Teen Amelia Lisowe has already accomplished more than many people do in a lifetime. A dancer, choreographer, nonprofit founder, scholarship recipient, and national titleholder, Lisowe is proving that age is no barrier to making a meaningful impact.

As her year of service as Miss Arkansas' Teen comes to a close, Lisowe is preparing to spend next week at the upcoming Miss Arkansas competition, helping with events, thanking sponsors, and supporting the next group of contestants who will follow in her footsteps.

Her journey to the crown began when she won the title of Miss Greater Little Rock's Teen and advanced to the state competition. Despite being one of the youngest contestants and competing for the first time, she captured the title.

"I really thought I was just getting my feet wet," Lisowe said. "I didn't expect to win."

The Miss Arkansas Organization has opened countless doors for her. Throughout her year of service, she traveled nearly 18,000 miles, competed at Miss America's Teen, and earned four full-tuition college scholarships along with more than $20,000 in additional scholarship awards.

One of Lisowe's favorite aspects of the experience has been the relationships she has built.

"The connections have been incredible," she said. "I have friends, mentors, and supporters all across the state. Whether I need advice, help with scholarships, or even a last-minute costume, there's always someone willing to help."

A Mission That Started With a Nightlight

While many titleholders spend years searching for a community service platform, Lisowe began hers when she was just eight years old.

Her nonprofit, Lisowe's Lights, provides nightlights to children in foster care around the world. What began as a simple idea has grown into an international organization that has donated more than 38,000 nightlights across all 50 states, 10 countries, and every county in Arkansas. The organization has also generated more than $250,000 in product and monetary donations.

The inspiration came from her own childhood.

"I was scared of the dark," Lisowe explained. "I thought if I was scared in my own home, then a child entering a new foster home would be even more afraid."

When she found herself too young to volunteer with many organizations, she decided to create her own opportunity to help.

"If they wouldn't let me volunteer, then I was going to create something myself."

Today, Lisowe's Lights has ambassadors across the globe, including volunteers in the United Kingdom, Australia, and South Africa. These "Ambassadors of Light" organize nightlight drives, packing parties, and community outreach projects to spread the organization's mission.

The nonprofit has also expanded beyond nightlight donations. Lisowe now hosts events for foster families, including princess tea parties, breakfasts with Santa, pageants, and overnight experiences at local fire stations. Earlier this year, the organization held its first event in Northwest Arkansas, with plans for continued expansion.

National Recognition

Lisowe's efforts have earned attention far beyond Arkansas.

A local news story about her nonprofit eventually caught the attention of national media outlets, leading to features on Good Morning America, NBC Nightly News: Kids Edition with Lester Holt, and People Magazine.

One particularly memorable experience came when Jennifer Hudson invited her to appear on The Jennifer Hudson Show.

"They flew us to Los Angeles, and it was such an incredible experience," Lisowe recalled. "Jennifer Hudson also donated $2,500 to Lisowe's Lights."

The national exposure helped grow the nonprofit even further by attracting volunteers, donors, and ambassadors from around the country.

Dance, Theatre, and Life Beyond the Crown

When she isn't traveling the state as Miss Arkansas' Teen, Lisowe spends much of her time dancing.

She trains at Dance Dynamics and participates on Bryant High School's dance team while also competing nationally with her studio team.

The arts have always been a major part of her life. As a child, she performed in productions such as Sleeping Beauty Kids, Madagascar, The Jungle Book, and Annie. Later, she discovered a love for choreography and began creating dances for productions including High School Musical, Annie, and Mary Poppins. She is currently preparing to choreograph Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella.

Though she once loved being center stage, Lisowe admits she now enjoys working behind the scenes.

"I think I like being a little more behind the scenes now," she said. "I definitely get plenty of time in the spotlight these days."

She even recently made a cameo appearance in Stage 13's production of Mean Girls, stepping back onto the stage for a memorable guest appearance.

Looking Ahead

While Lisowe's ultimate goal is to one day become Miss Arkansas, she still has a few years before she can compete.

In the meantime, she plans to continue building Lisowe's Lights, growing its reach, and expanding opportunities for foster children around the world.

As for college and future career plans, she is keeping her options open.

"It changes about five times every week," she laughed.

One thing, however, is certain. Whether she's wearing a crown, teaching choreography, speaking to community groups, or organizing nightlight donations, Amelia Lisowe is already making a remarkable difference.

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