Jacksonville, AL – Per the Director of Strategic Communications for JSU, Buffy Lockette, the Leone Cole Auditorium lit up with twinkling lights and glimmering ballgowns as 12 talented women graced the stage for the much-anticipated 2024 Miss JSU Pageant, marking the first major event of the spring semester. The auditorium was packed with eager spectators ready to witness an evening of glamour, talent, and inspiration.
Contestants not only competed for the coveted crown but also aimed for a two-semester scholarship, the chance to represent the university at the upcoming Miss Alabama pageant, and a range of other exciting prizes. Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management, Terry Casey, noted that this year’s pageant boasted one of the largest groups of contestants in recent memory, a testament to the growing interest among students.
The planning committee, led by Assistant Dean of Students Cody Beck, worked tirelessly over the past few years to enhance the Miss JSU experience, according to Casey. “I believe interest among students has grown accordingly,” Casey remarked.
Despite a hiccup in the evening’s hosting plans due to car trouble, the event proceeded seamlessly with Kate Hamby, JSU digital content manager, stepping in as the charming emcee. Four former Miss JSUs were present to support the event, adding to the glamour and nostalgia of the evening.
Candidates faced a rigorous judging process, with expert judges evaluating them in categories such as Private Interview with Judges, Evening Gown and Social Impact Initiative, Health and Fitness, Talent, and On-Stage Conversation.
After a night of fierce competition, Grace Ann Lundy, a sophomore majoring in early childhood/elementary education from Cedartown, GA, emerged victorious. Lundy not only clinched the crown but also won the talent portion of the competition with her captivating jazz dance performance to “They Just Keep Moving the Line.”
Amelia Tucker, a sports management major from Gadsden, secured the first runner-up position, while Chloe James, a biology major from Attalla, received the Darby Angle Acts of Kindness Award. This special award, established by Miss JSU 2019 Darby Angle, is bestowed upon the contestant who exemplifies “true kindness and grace throughout the week of competition,” as chosen by the participants themselves.
As the reigning Miss JSU 2023, Lily Grace Vernon bid a bittersweet farewell, taking her last walk on the stage. Despite only having competed in one other pageant before Miss JSU, Vernon made an impressive Top 13 placement at last summer’s Miss Alabama pageant. In her emotional address to the crowd, the secondary education major shared, “Prior to Miss JSU, I had no pageant experience, so this changed my life. Getting ready for Miss Alabama turns you into the best version of yourself. I wouldn’t trade this experience for anything in the world.”
The evening showcased not only the talent and beauty of the contestants but also highlighted the rich history of JSU women’s success on the pageant stage. Seven Miss Alabamas, including Miss America 1995 Heather Whitestone McCallum and retired JSU voice instructor Teresa Cheatham Crosby, have hailed from JSU, solidifying the university’s legacy in the pageant world.
