Alabama State University crowned its 86th Miss Alabama State University on Tuesday, Sept. 30, in the John Garrick Hardy Center Ballroom. The event, which began at 6 p.m., brought a large number of students, faculty, alumni, families and visiting royal courts to witness one of the university’s most cherished traditions.

Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management Malinda Swoope, Ph.D., opened the program by welcoming the audience and reminding them of the significance of the moment.

“We gather to uphold tradition and to celebrate the dawning of an era defined by grace and purpose,” she said. “A queen at Alabama State University is more than a crown. She is a representative of dignity, a model of leadership, and a reflection of the strength and brilliance of Hornet Nation.”

Guy entered the ballroom in a white sequined gown with a cathedral train that stretched nearly four feet long and six feet wide. Cherry blossom arrangements lined the aisle as she made her way to the stage, where she waltzed with President Quinton T. Ross Jr., Ed.D., and later with her father, Dwight Guy. Assistant Vice President Rakesha Hines, Ph.D., and Swoope attached the train to Guy’s apparel, while Assistant Director of Student Life David Hammond Jr. presented her with the royal scepter. Ross then administered the oath of office, formally beginning her reign.

Rooted in Christian faith, Guy quoted Proverbs 3:5-6 as she addressed her fellow Hornets.

“Every step I take with this crown is guided by faith, by purpose and by love,” she said. “You are enough. I was destined for this, and I was called for this.”

She also thanked her parents, Romani and Dwight Guy, for their constant support, and expressed gratitude to her advisors in the Office of Student Life and to past titleholders who inspired her journey.

Reflecting on the coronation, she said, “The event was amazing. Thank you to Miss Sharpe for the design because it was everything I wanted and more. I was very nervous, but it went by so fast. I feel great and so honored.”

She admitted she felt the symbolic weight of the role while walking in her train.

“I felt like Beyoncé,” she said with a smile. “But heavy is the head that wears the crown.”

Her vision extends beyond pageantry.

“I want students to know that I do more than wear a crown,” Guy said. “I represent them, and I am committed to advocacy and student success.” She also shared her long-term goal of becoming a sports broadcaster. “Please catch me on ESPN, NFL and NBA.”

Students and guests described the coronation as both elegant and inspiring.

Student Government Association Vice President Joshua Davis, a senior criminal justice major, said, “I am proud of her. To see her go from freshman year to becoming Miss ASU is a humbling journey. She deserves this.”

Caitlin Hunter, a sophomore rehabilitation services major, said, “This was my second coronation, and I loved seeing how everyone came together to support our queens. My advice to students is simple: embrace the experience.”

Family members also celebrated the moment.

Kimberly Walker of Durham, North Carolina, said, “Sidney comes from a family of queens, and I had to travel to be part of this experience.  We love you, Sydney. Well-deserved.”

Her mother, Romani Guy, called it a dream fulfilled: “Sidney wanted to follow in the footsteps of other queens in our family. Tonight, we saw that dream come true. Continue being great.”

The event also included support from Tuskegee University’s Royal Court.

Miss Tuskegee University, Vion Hunt, said, “Sometimes I feel like I am not enough, but God gave me the courage to walk in this role. I am proud of Sydney and so happy to be here.” Mr. Tuskegee University, David Larkin, added, “I have been living my purpose, just being a leader that men and women can look up to in service and dedication. I think ASU is doing just fine with Sydney as its queen.”

Guy addressed her peers directly.

“This crown belongs to all of us,” she said. “Every late-night study session, every long walk across campus, and every moment you wonder if you are enough, know this, you are. You are chosen, you are capable, and you are worthy of every dream in your heart. Because there is truly no place like ASU.”