On April 15, Solange Nessa Sayers, a native of the West Indies in St. Lucia, was announced as Miss Grambling State University 2010-2011 by a sweeping majority of student body votes. Unlike the contenders and their campaign managers resting in their seats in Grambling Hall, waiting to hear the results, Sayers was too nervous to go into the building, so she sent in her campaign director and friend to listen to the results instead.”I remember seeing a flash of red . My friends were sprinting out of the building, running over to the event (Outrageously Red). I still had no idea what that meant. It wasn’t until I heard the announcement over the loud speaker when I had realized I won the title. I could hardly walk. I was in tears and overjoyed with emotion. The feeling is slowly beginning to sink in.”
After being officially crowned as Miss Grambling, the nursing major will implement her platform entitled POW- Passing On Wisdom. “As I am a potential graduate, more than half of the students I came to Grambling with my freshman year are no longer here. I would like to raise the graduation rates here and assure the freshman that there is a sufficient amount of assistance here, that will guide them in the correct direction, rather than giving them a campus tour upon arrival. I would like everyone to be able to reach out to the freshman so they will be able to feel comfortable as students here.”
While here at GSU, Sayers has afforded her membership to numerous campus organizations, some including Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, International Models Society, National Society for Leadership and Success, senator of the College of Professional Studies for the SGA, Student Nurses Association, and the Catholic Student Organization.
When she has free time away from school and organizations, Sayers enjoys reading, relaxation, traveling, and most importantly, meeting people.
As most undergraduates have memories during their collegiate times, Sayers’ most memorable experience was during her freshman year.
“It was at the first football game. Myself and other classmates were to attend it for our First Year Experience class. On arrival to Grambling, I had heard about the Tiger Marching Band, but never had the opportunity to be so close to them like I was when they were ‘breaking down.’
“This was one of the moments where I was truly proud to call myself a Gramblinite,” Sayers said.
Most would be unbeknownst to know that our soon to be crowned Miss Grambling is not your average age of a college senior, but her age is not an encumbrance towards her character. “I find joy in being able to help others.”
Sayers’ postgraduate plans are to locate a school that will accommodate an international student towards her doctoral degree in the field of nursing research.