Augusta University crowns Mr. and Miss AU 

The Mr. and Miss Augusta University Scholarship Competition named this year’s Mr. AU and Miss AU during its combined competition on Sept. 20 at the Grover C. Maxwell Performing Arts Theatre.

Alyssa Pearson, a third-year undergraduate student majoring in nursing, was named the ninth Miss Augusta University, a part of the Miss Georgia and Miss America competitions, while also taking home the talent portion.

Quintus Williams, a first-year undergraduate student majoring in communications, was named the sixth Mr. Augusta University and also raked in titles for people’s choice, talent and on-stage question.

This year’s pageant theme was inspired by Greek mythology, and contestants brought forth the strength of the gods and the elegance of the goddesses to the stage.

Celebrating the contestants

The contestants showcased their strength, elegance and poise in multiple categories, including interview, talent and evening wear. Pageant organizers also incorporated a community service initiative pitch, an on-stage question and a health and fitness component.

For Miss Augusta University, contestants included Gabrielle Jenkins, a fourth-year undergraduate student majoring in nursing, who won congeniality; Mahogany Davis, a graduate student pursuing a degree in counselor education, who won the on-stage question and was named first runner-up; Samantha Reece, a graduate student pursuing a degree in kinesiology, who won people’s choice and was second runner-up; Rianna McGahee, a third-year undergraduate student majoring in communications; Kendal Hart, a second-year undergraduate student majoring in pre-nursing; and Briana Pichardo, a third-year undergraduate student majoring in business administration.

For Mr. Augusta University, contestants included Tyler Guy, a third-year undergraduate student majoring in psychology, who won congeniality and was first runner-up; Omari Matthew, a third-year undergraduate student majoring in business administration, who won second runner-up; and Deontae Jones, a fourth-year undergraduate student majoring in psychology.

The crowned winners

As Miss Augusta University, Pearson received a $1,500 scholarship, an official Miss America Organization crown, sash and trophy and coverage for entry fees to the Miss Georgia Scholarship Competition. Her community service initiative, “Serving Through Self-Defense,” aims to give everyone, especially women, the ability to defend themselves in an unpredictable world, as well as build community relations and personal resilience.

“I was in shock,” said Pearson. “The competition was tight, but I genuinely applied for the experience and to meet other girls. The overwhelming feeling of support immediately happened after hearing everyone cheering.”

Pearson also clinched the talent portion of the competition by showcasing her strength through a martial arts demonstration.

“Self-defense training can obviously make you feel safe when walking down your campus, your local street and your local schools,” said Pearson. “In addition to that, by building these community relations with the Augusta Police Station, local martial arts programs and physical education programs, we can work toward that goal of building a safer community for all.”

Pearson applied to the Mr. and Miss Augusta University Scholarship Competition to step out of her comfort zone. Being a transfer student, she struggled to get involved in extracurricular groups at her previous school and wanted to pave a different path here at AU.

“Being crowned Miss Augusta University means so much to me,” said Pearson. “Having the ability to promote my platform and represent Augusta University is a huge honor, and I would have never thought I would have had the opportunity to do this a year ago today.”

Pearson is an Intramural referee, Augustus mascot handler and an active member of Alpha Delta Pi sorority, Baptist Collegiate Ministry, Delight and the Tau Sigma National Honor Society.

As Mr. Augusta University, Williams received a $1,000 scholarship, an official crown, sash and trophy. His community service initiative, “Pillars of Promise: Empowering Tomorrow’s Leaders,” aims to empower first-generation African American male and female students or any student from a diverse background.

“Just like I am the first-ever freshman to win the prestigious title of Mr. AU, there is no other organization like ‘The Pillars of Promise: Empowering Tomorrow’s Leaders,’” said Williams. “We will foster a close-knit community to show students that you do not have to be a product of your background, and you can rise up and be empowered by any obstacle presented to you in life.”

As a first-generation college student, Williams signed up for the competition to seize every opportunity presented to him. He wanted to lead by example and show other students that you can be the change you want to see.

He is an active member of the African American Male Initiative, Jags4Jags, Rotaract Club, the Jaguar Production CREW, Pre-Law Club, Lead LLC and Connections are Everything Book Club.

“It wasn’t just a voice for me and other first-generation students, but for the entire Augusta University,” said Williams. “I wanted to show that classification does not matter. Augusta University stands for inclusivity and for one to thrive beyond normal expectations. And if I did it, you can do it, too.”