Campus Connection

UWL senior shares passion for music, community as Miss La Crosse Oktoberfest 

By Brad Quarberg, emeritus distinguished university relations specialist

If Jenna Martin gets her way, every student will have access to music education — regardless of financial barriers. And the new Miss La Crosse Oktoberfest is already on her way to making that happen. 

Martin, a UW-La Crosse senior majoring in communication studies, has led Bingo-inspired “Singo” nights, coordinated fundraisers and collaborated with local organizations to raise more than $6,000 to make music more accessible. She also created the annual Shining a Spotlight Show Choir Scholarship, which provides financial assistance to students in her hometown of Sparta. 

“Thanks to the incredible generosity of our local community, we have proudly awarded five scholarships, and with their continued support, the next two years are fully funded,” says Martin. 

This summer, Martin partnered with the La Crosse Loggers to host a fundraising night to help La Crosse students. The event raised more than $500 to establish scholarships for students in the La Crosse Show Choir Program.

Martin earned the 2026 Miss La Crosse Oktoberfest title during the annual scholarship program Saturday, Sept. 12, at UWL. She competed alongside 12 other delegates in five categories: interview, fitness, evening gown, talent and on-stage question-and-answer. 

With her background in communication studies, Martin aspires to build a career as a sideline reporter for the NFL. She currently works as an audio-visual intern with Kwik Trip and can be spotted on fuel pump advertising. 

Martin has loved music from an early age, singing at church, school and competitions. For her talent during the competition, she sang “I Will Prevail” from the musical “Wonderland.” 

The vocal performance aligned well with her social impact initiative, Shining a Spotlight on Music Education. 

“I can’t help but feel a sense of pride when I stand up on stage and captivate the audience,” she says. “It’s always been more than singing, it’s performing.” 

Martin became interested in the Miss America Organization at an early age. Her grandparents, George and Marlene Martin, were actively involved in the Miss Sparta Pageant program and Butterfest for 30 years. She was crowned Little Miss Sparta in 2013, Miss Sparta’s Outstanding Teen in 2018 and Miss Sparta in 2024. 

When her reign as Miss Sparta ended, Martin turned to the La Crosse pageant. She was first runner-up in her first competition in 2025 before capturing the title this fall. 

“I’m beyond grateful to represent my newfound hometown throughout my year of service,” she says. 

Along with giving Martin confidence, extensive public speaking skills and more, her Miss America Organization participation has provided almost $12,000 in scholarships, including $8,600 from the Miss La Crosse Oktoberfest Scholarship Program alone. 

“My journey in this organization has been unique because I’ve had the privilege of representing two local festivals while also representing the organization,” she says. “Having the affiliation with these two very important communities has provided me with lifelong friendships, amazing mentors and people who I talk to every single day.” 

Martin looks forward to her upcoming year representing Oktoberfest and La Crosse, including a trip to the Miss Wisconsin scholarship competition in June 2027. That winner will advance to Miss America. 

“What I’m looking forward to the most is Oktoberfest week and being able to experience all of the traditions and, of course, sitting in the maple leaf on the float for the first time,” she says. 

Martin calls herself a “people person” and encourages festgoers to seek her out to talk. 

"Share your story because the thing that makes festivals so special is the people in them,” Martin says. “I want to create as many meaningful connections as I can throughout my year of service.” 

 The rest of the 2026 Scholarship Program winners 

1st Runner-up: Drew Bender, UW-La Crosse; Madison, Wisconsin 

2nd Runner-up: Kiana Lomen, UW-Madison; La Crosse, Wisconsin 

3rd Runner-up: Avery Manthe, UW-La Crosse; Marshfield, Wisconsin 

4th Runner-up: Hailey Ness, licensed EMT with Tri-State Ambulance; Osseo, Wisconsin