A ‘surreal moment’ as royalty is crowned during Homecoming

Emotion was running high as Augusta University crowned the new Homecoming king and queen at halftime of the men’s basketball game against Georgia Southwestern Feb. 17.

Je’Bria Fullwood, a forward on the women’s basketball team from Greensboro, North Carolina, was crowned queen, and Jaden Scott from Jesup, Georgia, was crowned king during the festivities. The pair was elected by popular vote from the student body.

“I was very emotional when I heard my name because of the cheering and chanting for me throughout the gym,” said Fullwood, an undergraduate health, society and policy major. “I imagined this moment happening in my head, but for it to come to fruition was a surreal moment for me.”

“My emotions from being crowned 2024 Homecoming King came from an overwhelming sense of joy and appreciation,” said Scott, an undergraduate psychology major. “I was honored that my peers supported me throughout homecoming week and voted. I was able to look back at all the interactions and work I put in throughout the week and be proud of the result.”

Last year’s king and queen, Kalyb Bussey and A’nasia Monford, along with Augusta University President Brooks A. Keel, PhD, had the honor of crowning the pair, who will now serve as ambassadors for the university at various functions over the course of the next year.

“I plan to represent the university to the best of my ability by upholding the standards of collegiality, excellence, compassion, integrity, inclusivity and leadership,” said Scott. “I hope to not only contribute to creating a safe space for students, but I would also like to grow as an individual.”

“I see myself as acting as a positive and motivating representation to and for AU of what it means to surpass any goals you set for yourself, as well as being the best you while doing it,” Fullwood said.

Earlier in the week, John Blalock and Addisen Coker were named duke and duchess of Augusta University and will also be on hand for many university activities.