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All Hail

Embarking on a journey down the yellow brick road to Grambling State University can be long and challenging. Ambra Brice has shown that it’s possible to accomplish your dreams in this strange and foreign place we know as “Tiger City”. 

The coronation of Miss GSU, held last Thursday evening, portrayed the many obstacles that the newly crowned queen has overcome.

“I am honored to serve as Miss Grambling,” said Brice. “It still feels unreal. It all happened so fast, so I haven’t taken it all in.”

Tiger City was based on The Wiz, which portrayed a young Brice as the character Dorothy who was frightened when she arrived in an unfamiliar place. 

Despite her barriers, Ambra, like Dorothy, was still able to attain much of what she aspired to. During her time at GSU, she has metaphorically encountered “The Lion”, “Tin Man” and “Scarecrow”, who have given her the framework to be Miss Grambling State University. 

Students, administrators, staff, family and guests filled the seats of T.H. Harris Auditorium to watch the organization and club queens in their beautiful gowns with young men as escorts. However, it was Miss Cover Girl Tiara Thomas who wowed the audience in a red sequined gown. 

“Her dress was beautiful,” said Dorothy Pogue, wife of President Frank G. Pogue. “She wore that gown very well, and it fit her physique nicely. It was like she was poured into the gown.”

A thrilling part of the occasion was the Orchesis Dance Company as they moved and grooved on stage. But it was the tin man JaQuarius Drew, a sophomore from Shreveport, who stole the show when he accidently dropped his hat during his dance and picked it up without missing a beat. 

“This was the best coronation I’ve seen,” said Reginald Mask, a senior business major from Houston. “The Orchesis really set the tone for the entire show. They made The Wiz theme come to life.”

The show was filled with other engaging performances, including Karlie Robinson, a senior from Los Angeles, who angelically sang “Home” from The Wiz.

The Royal Court was also presented during the coronation. Featured were Miss Freshman Kristian Jackson from Monroe, Miss Sophomore Joyla Smith from Grambling, Miss Junior Burgandy Hammond from Alexandria, and Miss Senior Alexandria Perry from Alexandria. 

“We are excited and proud of our lovely little queen,” said Jolynn Shaw, who is Perry’s mother. 

After the character Dorothy had attained her four vital tools – wisdom, love, confidence and courage – Brice was seen coming down from above the stage and was crowned by Stacey Duhon, vice president of Student Affairs, and Casey Byrd, assistant director of Student Activities. 

The 21-year-old senior from Gibsland said she plans on being active with anything she can. “My plan is to never say no to anyone,” she said. “If anyone wants to work with me, I will try my best to do it. “My door is always open.” 

President Pogue placed a kiss on the cheek of Miss GSU, which was a beautiful closing to a magnificent night.