Second runner-up Emily Randon wears her evening gown during the 2015 Miss Louisiana.

Photos Courtesy Michelle Roberts and Lacey Sanchez

Beauty took over the stage as 35 contestants competed for the 2015 title of Miss Louisiana. 

On June 25 and 26, the preliminaries for the beauty pageant took place at the Monroe Civic Center with finals on Saturday, June 27. 

Southeastern had multiple representations taking the stage including second runner-up Emily Randon and top ten contestants Reneè Picou and Kelly Bernard. 

Though Miss Crescent City New Orleans April Nelson was crowned Miss Louisiana 2015, Miss Southeastern 2015, Randon, was pleased to bring the spirit of the university to Monroe. 

“Representing our university is a dream come true,” said senior kinesiology major with a concentration in exercise science Randon. “As a little girl, I watched the Miss Southeastern Pageant on TV and aspired to one day wear the crown. I love the university with all my heart and am honored every day to hold the title of Miss Southeastern.”

Miss Louisiana is part of the Miss American Organization and has multiple competitive categories including swimsuit, talent, on-stage questioning and evening gown. Randon reflected on not only the most calming part of the competition but her favorite event as well.

“Because of my extensive training in ballet, I felt the most calm during the talent portion of the competition,” said Randon. “I really enjoy performing classical ballet, and I find that pageants are an outlet for me to do that. My favorite event was the Dillard’s Style Show at the mall in Monroe. We had a really fun time and got to model beautiful clothes. We also arrived in style to all of our events thanks to the sponsorship of a local limousine company.” 

Randon left the competition with no regrets and one of the reasons was through her volunteer work as well as promoting her platform “Love the Skin You’re In,” which promotes skin cancer advocacy and awareness. 

“One of my goals as Miss Southeastern is to finish my reign with no regrets,” said Randon. “That is why I have chosen to participate in every event and volunteer opportunity that comes my way. I have also found creative ways to promote my platform such as handing out sunscreen packets at SLU baseball games, giving public service announcements on the radio and working to bring shading in the public parks of Hammond.”

During the competition of Miss Louisiana, the contestants were able to make lasting memories and friendships.

“I left Miss Louisiana with many great memories and friendships,” said Randon. “The camaraderie between the girls made for a very positive environment backstage. We shared make up, acted silly and more importantly encouraged each other to strive for excellence.”

The Miss Southeastern competition will be taking place on October 24 and is one way for competitors to get on the path to compete for Miss Louisiana.

“Miss Southeastern was my first pageant, and I am so glad that I decided to compete,” said Randon. “I would like to tell those who are interested in participating to have confidence and take that leap of faith. Don’t let the fact that you are a newcomer hinder you from participating.” 

Third runner-up, Holli Conway, first runner-up Justine Ker, Miss Louisiana 2015 April Nelson, second runner-up Randon and Eva Edinger (below, from left to right) hug as Nelson proudly wears her crown as the 2015 Miss Louisiana.  
Photos Courtesy Michelle Roberts and Lacey Sanchez

Chelsea Hymel, Blake Tabor, Breanna Mann, Lacey Sanchez, Kelly Benard, Reneé Picou and Randon (above, from left to right) showed their Lion Pride at the competition in Monroe, Louisiana June 25-27. Southeastern alum Sanchez reigned as 2014 Miss Louisiana. Contestants competed in swimsuit, talent, on-stage questioning and evening gown.  Randon was awarded second runner-up while Benard and Picou were recognized in the top ten contestants.

Photos Courtesy Michelle Roberts and Lacey Sanchez