Senior kinesiology major Alexis LaPlante took up the title of Miss Southeastern 2016 after original title holder
Brianna Young recently stepped down. She will represent the university at the 2016 Miss Louisiana Beauty Pageant.
Lion's Roar/File Folder
Recently, former Miss Southeastern 2016 Brianna Young stepped down and the second runner up from the 2016 Miss Southeastern Beauty Pageant Alexis LaPlante stepped up to take her role as queen.
The crowning ceremony took place on Wednesday, Feb. 3 at 12:30 p.m. in the Student Union Theatre.
Normally, the first runner up from the Miss Southeastern Beauty Pageant would take the place of Miss Southeastern if she ever had to step down. However, first runner up junior communication major Nancy Peck holds the title for Miss Slidell 2016. This led to second runner up senior kinesiology major LaPlante to reign as the new Miss Southeastern 2016, a vision she has had since she first came to the university.
“When I was told I was the new Miss Southeastern, I was shocked,” said LaPlante. “It has been my dream since the day I set foot on this campus to be Miss Southeastern and give back to a university which has given much to me. I am blessed and honored to be given this opportunity.”
LaPlante originally began her path for the title of Miss Southeastern in hopes of gaining awards but has come to know holding the title has more importance.
“What originally led me to compete was the amazing scholarship opportunities which come with the title,” said LaPlante. “However, the more I became involved in pageants, I realized holding a title is so much more than that. It’s having the opportunity to make a difference in the university and community.”
LaPlante will use the time until the 2016 Miss Louisiana Beauty Pageant to represent Southeastern, focus on her platform for abolishing all forms of modern-day slavery and begin preparation for each level of competition for the Miss Louisiana competition.
“I intend to make the most of this opportunity because I want to represent the university the best way I can,” said LaPlante. “I understand this title isn’t about me, it’s about all the people I can reach with it. This campus can be assured they will see me being actively involved as much as possible during my reign. These next few months I will be working as hard as possible to make sure Miss Southeastern continues her legacy of success at the Miss Louisiana pageant. I know being Miss Southeastern will open so many doors and allow me to further my platform of abolishing slavery in the twenty first century at a larger level.”
LaPlante believes in the message Miss Southeastern and Miss Louisiana represent through The Miss America Organization.
“The Miss America Organization is special because it empowers young women and helps them further their education while also providing a forum to share their talents, opinions and service to their community,” said LaPlante. “I believe in everything this organization stands for and I am very honored to be a part of it.”
The new Miss Southeastern 2016 encourages all students to follow their goals and to believe no matter what may happen, they can be accomplished.
“When God puts dreams on our hearts, He is always faithful to complete them in our lives,” said LaPlante. “I would like the students of SLU to remember my story of being second runner up to becoming Miss Southeastern. Dreams really do come true if we have faith and the boldness to pursue them.”