As competition nears for many queens across the state, Miss Southeastern Crystal Gonzalez focuses on staying true to herself as she prepares for the 2014 Miss Louisiana Pageant.
Gonzalez, a Hammond native, was crowned in late November and immediately began spreading awareness for her platform working with organizations including Mothers Against Drunk Driving, Tangipahoa Reshaping Attitudes for Community Change and local high school programs, in addition to fundraising for Children’s Miracle Network and representing the university at campus and community events and activities.
Miss Southeastern Crystal Gonzalez (above right) was presented with flowers at the Campus Activities Board-sponsored trunk show. Those in attendance were delighted to show support as Southeastern’s crowned beauty prepares to pursue the title of Miss Louisiana. The Lion’s Roar / Jasmine Tate
The Campus Activities Board welcomed guests to the Student Union Theater on Thursday, June 11 for the annual trunk show, allowing attendees to watch Miss Southeastern as she practices modeling her ensembles to be judged at the pageant in less than two weeks.
Miss Southeastern Crystal Gonzalez shows off her vocal
talent at the Trunk Show. The Lion's Roar/ Jasmine Tate
With five phases of competition, contestants model various designers in an array of styles to express their individuality. Gonzalez believes she has unique characteristics which set her apart from the other contestants.
“I think I have a different look because I have a dark complexion and dark hair, so I was trying to find something that brought out my features,” said Gonzalez. “All five of them are completely different dresses from completely different designers. I wasn’t going toward any specific designers. I was going toward which ones looked the best on me.”
Anxiety is a natural element of participation she plans to relieve through preparation.
“[It’s] natural to be nervous, but I know I won’t be nervous once I’m completely prepared,” said Gonzalez. “I feel like I’m getting there and these next couple weeks are crunch time. I think the interview is the hardest part, and as long as I stay true to myself and just focus on myself for the next couple weeks, I’ll feel 100 percent prepared because I have my outfits ready and I have the modeling down.”
Although many will enter the competition with their eyes on the crown, Gonzalez is grateful for the experience and advice from former Miss Southeastern title-holders from past competitions. Lacey Sanchez, Miss Lafayette, Jennifer Jarreau, Miss Crescent City New Orleans and Renee Picou, Miss Greater Baton Rouge, will also compete for the state title.
“I’m super excited,” said Gonzalez. “It’s just fun to have people that you know going. It makes it more exciting. The great thing is that Renee and Jennifer have both been to Miss Louisiana before, and they have introduced me to other girls as well. They’ve opened up doors for me. Plus they calm my nerves because they tell me what to expect. They are always comforting.”
She recognizes the fierce competition in this year’s contestants and looks forward to strengthening connections with contestants she met at this year’s state meeting and teen pageant as well as developing new relationships.
Crystal Gonzalez models the outfits that
she will wear in the 2014 Miss Louisiana Pagaent.
The Lion's Roar/ Jasmine Tate
She chose her outfits based upon
their representation of her personality and
style. The Lion's Roar/ Jasmine Tate
“There is going to be some great competition this year,” said Gonzalez. “The girls are wonderful. I want people to know when they’re watching this that the girls you see on-stage are not only beautiful on the outside, but they’re also beautiful on the inside. That’s what makes watching the pageant even more enjoyable, knowing that every single one of these girls that compete would be a wonderful Miss Louisiana and a great representation of our state.”
She looks forward to having the support of her family and sorority sisters in the audience as well as the backing of students and her church family at St. Albert Student Center, where she has sang since she was seven years old.
Her mother Malissa Gonzalez is excited to see her represent the school and community.
“Although she’s competed in stuff before, this was her dream title,” said M. Gonzalez. “I love watching her on stage. She’s worked hard on every competition.”
The pageant will take place Thursday, June 26 through Saturday, June 28 at the WL Jack Howard Theatre in Monroe, Louisiana. For more information, tickets and contestants, visit www.misslouisiana.com.