Alabama State University is working meticulously and rapidly to host the formal crowning of Kayla Edwards, Miss Alabama State University 2023-24 during its annual coronation ceremony.
The ceremony will be held on Oct. 3 in the Dunn-Oliver Acadome. The doors will open at 6 p.m. and the ceremony will begin at 7 p.m.
“There has been meticulous planning and preparation for the 2023 Miss ASU Coronation,” Latasha Ivey Bell, advisor to Miss ASU and the Royal Court, said. “The team and I are working tirelessly, under the direction of Mrs. Sheyann Webb- Christburg, to ensure that the event is a success.”
The theme Edwards chose, “A Golden Moment in Time,” reflects on the memorable times that Edwards has experienced at the university, experiences that she feels have molded her into the person she is today.
“I wanted a theme that was special and memorable,” Edwards said. “When searching for a theme, I came across this quote that said ‘Every moment in life is fleeting and precious, just like gold, which has value and beauty but is also limited and cannot be easily replicated.’ That resonated with me because I believe that these four years of college are very precious and you have to appreciate every moment you have.”
According to Webb-Christburg, the coronation is expected to be a nice evening of elegance.
“It will showcase many talents ranging from a live performance by the university choir, the praise dance ministry, a dance performance from some theater students, and also a couple of community presentations from the university’s alumni,” Christburg said.
The event is free and open to the public, but if anyone is making plans to, then they should incorporate the appropriate clothing into the mix.
“We’re hoping that for this coronation, students and alike will come dressed professionally,” Christburg said. “No jeans. It will be solely a dressy event with an RSVP reception afterwards.”
Webb-Christburg hopes that students attending the event will take away what it looks like to see beauty, class, and elegance.
Many plans have gone underway to produce the coronation and follow its specific theme. The emphasis will be on having a nice evening and presenting Kayla Edwards as she is being crowned Miss ASU officially.
“The event is important because it illuminates the tradition of Alabama State University and other HBCU’s Homecoming traditions.” Bell said. “I am also excited to see the hard work of the team come to fruition and the joy on Kayla’s face when she sees the final production.”
Faculty and students alike will attend the elegant event, including senior Chiffon Blair who is already excited. As the student advisor to Miss ASU, Chiffon mostly works behind the scenes.
“I like the part where she comes out and does her first walk officially as Miss ASU.” Blair said. As she has worked closely with the Royal Court in preparing for the event, Blair hopes that students will see that the coronation is a beautiful production. “I know that the praise dance ministry might do something.”
According to Edwards, she hopes her coronation will inspire others to take a leap of faith and to accomplish their goals.
“This event will remind the students and audience of the beauty and joyful moments that college life can offer and my journey will inspire them to cherish and take advantage of every opportunity that comes their way.” Edwards said. “I want people to feel inspired to bring change to the world and to ASU. My coronation should convey that anything is possible through God and that at ASU opportunity is always here.