TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Jalin Smith, a senior from Huntsville, Alabama who is majoring in psychology, was crowned Miss Stillman College 2013-2014 on September 27 in Birthright Alumni Hall.
To reflect the theme of the coronation, “A Glamorous Life,” CCP Events/EventScapes decorated Birthright in luminous silver and white tones. Highlights of the program included a formal procession of 20 campus queens in floor-length gowns; a musical medley by Courtney Cunningham; a dance performance by The Dazzling Tigerettes; and a poem by Alyssa Gant.
Smith was serenaded by Tre’ Finklea, and crowned by Interim President Dr. Peter Millet, who was assisted by Vice President for Student Affairs Dr. Sharon Davis-Whittaker. Smith was also bestowed with gifts from a procession of presidents representing diverse campus organizations.
Stillman’s Student Government Association President Rio Jackson welcomed guests, and Miss Stillman 2006-2007 Jessica Cable presided over the occasion. In addition, Miss Stillman 2012-2013 Jessica Nathan took her Final Walk during the program.
As Miss Stillman, Smith hopes to increase school spirit while also increasing self-esteem among young people, and she believes that there is a strong relationship between the two. “Our student leaders are always so excited and involved. I want to see that enthusiasm in everybody on campus. If you’re comfortable with yourself and have confidence, you don’t mind doing things like cheering for others. And when you cheer for others, it encourages them. It makes them feel that they aren’t just winning for themselves, but for the entire school. It’s okay to cheer at a game and be loud. It’s okay to stand out and be different.”
Smith, who is an honor student and a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, recently spoke about self-esteem to youth at a YMCA in Tuscloosa. She says that society’s focus on weight and other physical characteristics often causes people to have low self-esteem, and she states that it is “important to discuss these issues.”
“Being selected as Miss Stillman gives me an opportunity to speak up and be a role model for others,” says Smith. “When I was looking for a college to attend, I visited Stillman during Tigerfest and I fell in love with the campus, the staff and the faculty. But I didn’t know any other students. On my first day, I told my mother, ‘Maybe I made the wrong decision.’ She said, ‘Give it a week and if you still want to come home, I’ll come get you.’ A week later, I said, ‘No!’ I didn’t want to leave because I love it here. We’re really a family. People say that often. But, at Stillman, it’s very authentic.”
After she completes her B.A., Smith plans to pursue a Ph.D. and become a child psychologist.
She is a member of Madkins Chapel Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America and a graduate of Columbia High School in Huntsville, Alabama.
