Arionna Woods called her win a relief after being crowned Miss Freshman on Sept. 8.

“I have had a time getting to know every freshman on campus, and I love you all so much. Thank you for your support, it feels amazing,” Woods said.

Woods, a first-year student from Atlanta, Georgia, who is earning a degree in forensic chemistry, earned the title during the Miss Freshman Pageant held in the Vivian DeShields Auditorium in the Ralph David Abernathy Hall at 6 p.m.  Known as the “Fresh Princess,” Woods carried her theme inspired by The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air throughout her campaign and pageant performances. Her talent presentation featured a hip-hop dance to the show’s theme song and “Poison” by Bel Biv Devoe.

Pageant Director Sheyenne Webb-Christburg, who has directed university pageants for nearly 20 years, said her role is to ensure the event runs smoothly while mentoring students throughout the process. She emphasized that pageantry at the university is not just about competition, but about development.

“I have long been a youth advocate, and I see a definitive need for training and mentoring our students,” Webb-Christburg said. “The village must continue to come together, and pageants provide a space to teach, mentor, and showcase the talents of our young women.”

That vision of mentorship aligns with Woods’ own goals as she begins her reign. As the new Miss Freshman, Woods said her mission is to unite the class of 2029, raise awareness about mental health, and help students adjust to college life.

“I want to create spaces for students to share their experiences and support one another,” Woods said.  “Freshman year can be a difficult transition, but no one is alone.” She added that she plans to host regular meetings and maintain an open-door policy for classmates who need advice.

The pageant featured performances from all contestants.

First runner-up Logan Lambert, a theatre major, performed a dramatic monologue. Lambert’s campaign team was not available for comment following the event.

Second runner-up India Ray, a political science major, presented a praise dance and said the pageant pushed her beyond her comfort zone.

“I am not a pageant girl at all, but I wanted to challenge myself,” Ray said. “It was a chance to meet amazing people and step into something new.”

Third runner-up Makayla Perkins, a criminal justice major, sang “Go Get It” by Mary Mary.  She said her takeaway from the event was simple. “Just do it and have fun,” Perkins said.

Fourth runner-up Julynn Collins, a finance major, recited an original poem titled Black Girl in the Snow, which reflected on her upbringing in New Orleans. Collins said she valued the growth that came from the experience.

“I came into this not with the intention of winning, but to gain experience and make connections,” Collins said. “It put me in a place where I realized I could do anything I set my mind to.”

Her campaign manager, Jonathan Gardner, said the night still felt like a victory. “At the end of the day, my girl will always be my Miss Freshman,” Gardner said. “She showed her poise, her talent, and her New Orleans flair, and that is what mattered most.”

The judges’ panel featured accomplished alumnae and community leaders who brought experience from education, the arts, and public service. Tonight’s judging panel consisted of Angela Hampton, a former Miss Alabama State University; Gina Jobe Ishman, a former Miss Bayou Classic; Tonya Speed, owner of Tonya Speed Dance Connection; and Lamika Johnson, a U. S. Air Force veteran and retired education who served as the pageant auditor.

The pageant included performances such as a monologue titled Basic Principles and a routine from the university’s Praise Dance Ministry, co-choreographed by junior Promise Brown.

Brown said the performance was an opportunity to bring ministry to the stage.

“We first created this routine for Gospel Explosion earlier this year, but we reworked it to fit the stage and requirements for this event,” Brown said. “We dance with the Lord, so everything we do is about keeping it simple, ordered, and meaningful.”

Pageant hosts Jerry Carville Jr. and Shakiya Darrington guided the evening’s program. Darrington said the event was exhilarating. “It was not about the crown. It was about goals and putting the future generation ahead of your own self-pleasures,” Darrington said.