News

Officials at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College (NEO) announced that Jennifer Peñate from KODE Action 12 News will serve as emcee for the 2014 NEO Homecoming Pageant on Thursday, Oct. 9 at 7 p.m. in the Fine Arts Auditorium.   “Homecoming is always a special moment on college campuses. I feel honored NEO reached out to me for this event. I am thrilled to meet all the pageant contestants and look forward to a fun and memorable evening,” Peñate said.

Peñate is an award-winning reporter and evening anchor for KODE Action 12 News, the ABC affiliate out of Joplin, Mo. where she currently resides. She grew up in Rogers, Ark. and earned her bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Arkansas in 2011. Her greatest passion lies in keeping the public informed. Peñate has covered everything from light-hearted stories about compassion to reports on murders and animal cruelty. Since working at KODE, Peñate has functioned as the Miami reporter focusing on the area’s news including the latest happenings on the NEO campus.  The community is invited to attend the NEO Homecoming Pageant and admission is free.

“NEO’s homecoming pageant is a cherished tradition that provides a public platform for our candidates to showcase their spirit as part of NEO’s character-building homecoming royalty competition. This year’s ‘Have a Heart’ themed event will feature a local celebrity as emcee, candidates’ responses to meaningful questions, entertainment and live polling for Mr./Miss Congeniality,” said Rachel Lloyd, chair of the royalty pageant.