Avi’Yam Jordan
MC Practicum Student
Are you the next Miss JSU? As the reign of Déja DeAnna Knight, 2013-2014 Miss JSU, draws to a close, ladies at Jackson State University who also dream of wearing the crown, are invited to an interest meeting at 6 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 21st in the Student Center, room 3210.
This year’s Miss JSU pageant will have a slightly different format than previous pageants with a few new additions.
“There will be a bit of a flare to the opening and a new phase of competition. The school will love it,” said Knight, who is not revealing specific details at this time.
Attitude and demeanor are important factors for young ladies interested in becoming the next Miss JSU. Knight said that anyone running for the crown should naturally be approachable and relatable, which is what students at the university look for in a queen.
A senior computer science major from Texas, Knight stated that she has gained valuable knowledge about what it takes to build a prosperous environment at Jackson State and reflects on some of her highlights as queen.
“This year, being a part of an SGA that truly grew to become a family was amazing. Football season was a blast, and my involvement with the youth in the community has been rewarding. It’s like there’s magic in the Miss JSU title and what you say resonates so much more when they hear it coming from a queen,” said Knight.
The future attorney has many other achievements to add to her memories as JSU’s queen.
Her ‘race to excellence’ included being honored by the Jackson City Council on Oct. 8, 2013 with a resolution sponsored by Ward 3 Councilwoman, Larita Cooper-Stokes. The resolution noted her high academic standing as an honor student, a Dean’s List scholar every semester and a member of Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society.
Knight was also a part of many organizations on campus, including MADDRAMA, JSU Dance Ensemble, SGA and a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
She offers this advice to the next queen.
“Be true to yourself. Never lose you in the title. Use this year to represent the university to the best of your ability no matter where you go; you are one of the university’s biggest marketing tools. Never forget that,” said Knight.
Some students know what they want in the next Miss JSU.
“Someone that will represent the college well and is proactive in student affairs. Someone that is also familiar with the surroundings and knows what is going on in the Jackson community” said Alzeda Pickett, a senior majoring in professional interdisciplinary studies from Bolton, Miss.
Jasmine Ayers, a senior majoring in computer techonlogy and physical education from Houston, Texas. said: “I look for individuality and someone who relates to all students on campus rather than individuals they already know..”
