Senior kinesiology major Alexis LaPlante practices her interpretive dance routine daily as she prepares for Miss Louisiana 2016 taking place Jun. 23 to 25.
The Lion's Roar/Larshell Green

With a couple of weeks left until the Miss Louisiana 2016 Beauty Pageant, Miss Southeastern 2016 Alexis LaPlante diligently works each day in preparation to promote not only herself, but the university. 

“I have been working very hard to make sure that I represent the university in a positive and advocating light,” said senior kinesiology major LaPlante. “I am doing something every day to prepare for Miss Louisiana whether it be working out, working on my talent or practicing my stage walk and interview skills. I never knew just how much work preparing for Miss Louisiana would be, but I am so grateful for the opportunity and I want to make every day count.”

On Feb. 3 LaPlante was officially crowned Miss Southeastern 2016 and according to LaPlante, it has been one of the best years of her life.

“Miss Southeastern so far has been a crazy journey,” said LaPlante. “I cannot believe how many opportunities that have been opened for me and all of the new people and connections that I have met along the way. I have learned so much about myself, my potential and how much of a difference I can really make. I truly feel that this title has molded me into the person I am today, even if I have been Miss Southeastern for only a few months.”

Another way Miss Southeastern prepares for Miss Louisiana is through the Trunk Show.

“The Trunk Show allows those who cannot make the trip to Monroe to see everything that I will be wearing and presenting at Miss Louisiana,” said LaPlante. “I will also be performing my talent at the Trunk Show, so those who cannot make it to Miss Louisiana can see it in person. It’s also very helpful for me to practice in my actual gowns and costume in front of an audience.”

For incoming freshmen, even if beauty pageants are not what you are looking for, the campus has other opportunities to get involved. Miss Southeastern wishes for future students to get involved in as many ways as possible. 

“They have made one of the best decisions of their life by choosing Southeastern,” said LaPlante. “As a new student here, you truly have access to so many amazing opportunities and I want to encourage the incoming freshmen to take advantage of that. Your college experience is what you make it. With over 130 organizations on campus, there is a place for everyone. Miss Southeastern, for example, has been a way for me to meet so many people, serve my community and to push myself outside of my comfort zone. It is something I will never regret being a part of. You will gain a true college experience that is priceless.”

LaPlante will be graduating in the fall and according to LaPlante, she plans to apply at Southeastern for the Accelerated Nursing Program to become a registered nurse thanks to a scholarship offered to Miss Southeastern. 

Miss Louisiana 2016 will be taking place in Monroe on Jun. 23 to 25 and LaPlante wishes to acknowledge all those who have helped her follow her dreams.

“I would like to thank my fellow students, friends and family for supporting me through this incredible journey,” said LaPlante. “I especially want to thank my pageant directors, Ms. Cecelia and Ms. Veda, for guiding me and helping me through this process. They, along with the entire CAB organization, have been such a blessing. I am so thankful to have the people around me that I have.”

Miss Southeastern 2016 Alexis LaPlante wears her crown on Southeastern's campus.
The Lion's Roar/Larshell Green