To some, it’s destiny. To many, it’s an honor. To others, it’s a gift. As last Thursday rolled around in a dimmed Assembly Center, the eyes of the university watched LaKesha Ross officially be crowned Miss GSU.With an extravagant stage set up, Ross was nearly beside herself as President Horace Judson crowned her.
“Oh my God; this is really happening,” Ross said when asked what she was thinking.
Ross fought back tears as she heard her pre-recorded message play over the speakers, thanking those important in her life.
“My parents have really been there for me through thick and thin and my ups and downs,” Ross commented after the Coronation. “I thank God for blessing me with such Christian parents, believers, providers, and shoulders on which I lean.”
As they sported their crimson dresses, the rest of the Royal Court was also crowned. LaDonna Williams, Kanesha Carter, Amyra Chapman and Rachel Hickerson were crowned, respectively, Miss Freshman, Miss Sophomore, Miss Junior and Miss Senior.
The organizational queens were also crowned in the elaborate celebration.
Ross was the center of attention as the night ended, receiving greetings from all of her friends, family and students who wanted random pictures with her. Ross was happy to oblige, smiling during it all.
“It feels great,” she exclaimed. “It’s a dream come true. God has really been good to me, to the point that I cannot just tell it all. I thank him each and every day from the bottom of my heart for these moments.”
As it was her night of pleasure, Ross wants to help fight AIDS with her platform, “One night of pleasure can be a lifetime of pain.”
“I want to let everybody know that safe sex is the answer and always wrap it up,” she said of her platform. “We all know that AIDS is one of the leading causes of death in the African-American community. To stop all of that, we need to play it safe by practicing either safe sex or no sex.”
As Ross enjoyed her night of happiness, she made sure not to forget those who came.
“I would like to thank each and every one of you for attending the night of my dreams,” she said. “You all have really made this a night to remember.