Bowling Green, Kentucky, August 2, 2025
News Summary
Mattie Barker has been crowned Miss Kentucky USA 2025, having strong ties to Bowling Green. Known for her advocacy in children’s mental health, she aims to raise awareness about anxiety. Barker’s journey includes her educational background in Bowling Green and her previous title as Miss Kentucky Teen 2020. The community shows pride in her achievements as she prepares for the Miss USA competition. Alongside, Ariana Rodriguez is preparing for the Miss America pageant and Hannah Rager is competing for Miss Kentucky.
Bowling Green, Kentucky – Mattie Barker was crowned Miss Kentucky USA 2025 during the annual competition held in Ohio. Barker, who has strong ties to Bowling Green, currently resides in Louisville and is recognized for her advocacy for children’s mental health.
Barker’s journey began in Bowling Green, where she attended Briarwood Elementary, Drakes Creek Middle, and graduated from Greenwood High School. During her high school years, she was actively involved in the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) and previously held the title of Miss Kentucky Teen in 2020.
As the newly crowned Miss Kentucky USA, Barker aims to raise awareness about mental health issues among children. Her personal experiences with anxiety inspired her commitment to this cause. She stresses the importance of recognizing the signs and symptoms of anxiety and encourages young individuals to seek help when needed.
Barker expresses deep gratitude for her hometown, stating that it played a significant role in shaping her identity. She intends to represent Kentucky positively at the upcoming Miss USA pageant, showcasing the strength of her community.
The excitement surrounding Barker’s accomplishment is shared among the residents of Bowling Green, who have expressed their pride in her achievements and continue to support her journey. Meanwhile, the local media plans to provide updates on Barker’s progress as she prepares for the Miss USA competition later this year.
In related news, Ariana Rodriguez, who was crowned Miss Kentucky on June 14, 2025, is preparing for the Miss America pageant in Orlando, Florida. Rodriguez, a dedicated student of Social Work and Psychology at the University of Kentucky, received a $20,000 scholarship from the Miss Kentucky Scholarship Foundation. Notably, she is the first Miss Kentucky to emerge from the foster care system and has established The Lucky Ones Foundation to support foster children.
Also competing in future events, Hannah Rager from Muhlenberg County aims to become the next Miss America. Rager, who was crowned Miss University of Louisville, is set to compete in the Miss Kentucky 2025 pageant, scheduled from June 11-14 at SkyPAC in Bowling Green. A junior at the University of Louisville majoring in marketing and sports administration, she has already made significant contributions to her community through various initiatives, notably raising over $2,000 for pediatric cancer research.
Rager’s advocacy work includes launching “Shatter the Silence: Opi-End It,” a campaign dedicated to raising awareness about addiction and reducing its stigma. This endeavor was motivated in part by the tragic loss of her cousin to opioid overdose. Her consistent involvement with organizations like Champions for a Drug-Free Muhlenberg County has further solidified her commitment to these critical issues.
As these young women prepare for their respective competitions and continue their advocacy work, the Bowling Green community remains proud of their accomplishments and eager to support their journeys.
FAQ Section
Who is Mattie Barker?
Mattie Barker is the newly crowned Miss Kentucky USA 2025, who is known for her advocacy work in children’s mental health.
Where did the Miss Kentucky USA competition take place?
The competition was held in Ohio.
What is Barker’s background?
Barker grew up in Bowling Green, Kentucky, and graduated from Greenwood High School. She has been involved in various community activities and was previously Miss Kentucky Teen in 2020.
What initiatives is Barker focusing on as Miss Kentucky USA?
Barker plans to advocate for children’s mental health, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and addressing anxiety issues.
What other titleholder is mentioned in the article?
Ariana Rodriguez is the current Miss Kentucky who is preparing for the Miss America pageant and has established The Lucky Ones Foundation for foster children.
Who is Hannah Rager?
Hannah Rager is a competitor in the upcoming Miss Kentucky pageant and has a strong background in advocacy, particularly concerning addiction awareness.
Key Features
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Titleholder | Mattie Barker – Miss Kentucky USA 2025 |
| Event Location | Ohio |
| Advocacy Focus | Children’s mental health awareness |
| High School | Greenwood High School |
| Previous Title | Miss Kentucky Teen 2020 |
| Other Titles | Ariana Rodriguez – Miss Kentucky, Hannah Rager – Miss University of Louisville |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
WKU Athletic Teams Achieve Academic Excellence
WKU Women’s Tennis Coach Greg Davis Competing in INTENNSE League Dual
WKU Women’s Tennis Achieves ITA All-Academic Team Status
WKU Women’s Tennis Achieves Academic Excellence
Severe Weather Impacts Millions Across the U.S. This Weekend
WKU Football Players Earn Spots on C-USA Preseason Watch List
Small Plane Runs Off Runway at Bowling Green-Warren County Airport
FIU Panthers To Face Competitive Schedule in CUSA
Kentucky Women’s Basketball Adds Transfer Josie Gilvin
21-Year-Old Arrested in $1.2 Million Corvette Theft
Additional Resources
- WNKY: Miss Kentucky USA 2025
- Wikipedia: Miss Kentucky
- Bowling Green Daily News: Teen Competition
- Google Search: Miss Kentucky USA 2025
- WBKO: Miss Kentucky 2025 Pageant
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Pageant
- Lex 18: Meet Miss Kentucky 2025
- Google News: Ariana Rodriguez Miss Kentucky
- WBKR: Hannah Rager Miss Kentucky 2025
- Google Scholar: Children’s Mental Health
Author: STAFF HERE BOWLING GREEN WRITER
The BOWLING GREEN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBowlingGreen.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Bowling Green, Warren County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the National Corvette Homecoming, International Festival, concerts at SKyPAC, and sports events at Beech Bend Park. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce and the African American Museum Bowling Green Area, plus leading businesses in automotive, apparel, and healthcare that power the local economy such as General Motors Corvette Assembly Plant, Fruit of the Loom, and Med Center Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERELexingtonKY.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
