Lillye Smith Named 2026 Miss Indian NEO at College
Smith will represent the college at campus and community events throughout the 2026-2027 academic year.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Native American
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Lillye Smith of the Keetoowah Nation has been crowned the 2026 Miss Indian NEO by the Native American Student Association at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College. She will serve as the representative for campus and community events throughout the upcoming academic year.
Why it matters
The annual pageant recognizes academic achievement and leadership among students representing their respective tribal nations. The titleholder serves as a cultural ambassador for the college and its native community population.
Three students vied for the crown before a panel of three judges at the Commons Hall Auditorium. Lillye Smith will hold the title for the 2026-2027 academic year.
The players
Lillye Smith
A member of the Keetoowah Nation who was crowned the 2026 Miss Indian NEO.
Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College
The institution hosting the pageant and the college that Smith will represent.
Landry Roland
A member of the Cherokee Nation named as the pageant runner-up.
Miranda Parra-St. John
A member of the Osage Nation who competed in the pageant.
Zoe Sitsler
The previous Miss Indian NEO who held the title before Smith.
The details
Contestants were evaluated by three judges on their poise, academics, leadership, and performance in traditional Native dress. Lillye Smith succeeds the previous titleholder, Zoe Sitsler, following the event held in the Commons Hall Auditorium. Landry Roland was selected as the runner-up, with Miranda Parra-St. John also competing.
Timeline
October 22, 2026: The Miss Indian NEO pageant took place at Commons Hall Auditorium.
2026-2027 academic year: Lillye Smith will represent the college at campus and community functions.
Beyond the 305
The pageant follows the established programming traditions of the NEO Native American Student Association, which sponsors the event to foster student engagement. This year's selection continues the college's record of promoting leadership through the student-led organization.
Students and community members can expect to see Smith representing the college at various official functions throughout the academic year. The title serves as a focal point for upcoming campus events and student outreach.
The takeaway
Lillye Smith will serve as the college's representative, highlighting the leadership potential of students from the Keetoowah, Cherokee, and Osage nations. Keep an eye on the college's campus calendar for appearances by the new Miss Indian NEO throughout the year.
Further reading
For more on local community culture, visit the Native American section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Newstalk KZRG.
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