Author: Deonshay Danson
Special to the Times
The annual Miss Alabama State University Coronation celebrated queens and womanhood, as senior theatre arts major CharaieCelia Hamilton was crowned Miss ASU.
Alabama State University’s talented student body was on full display Thursday, Oct 13, as CharaieCelia Hamilton was crowned Miss ASU 2011-2012.
The Miss ASU Coronation, held in the Dunn-Oliver Acadome, was themed “A Celebration of Queens: Embracing the Legacy of Womanhood.”
The University Choir led by Joel Jones and the Dramatic Guild set the mood for the occasion and entertained the audience of students, faculty, staff, alumni and other supporters with spirited music and dance.
Attendees were visibly moved, as theatre arts students recited Beaulah Richardson’s 1950 poem, “A Black Woman Speaks,” and danced to a modern rendition of Nina Simone’s “Four Women.”
Prior to the introduction of the new Miss ASU and her Court, more than 40 campus queens were introduced, representing residential halls, campus organizations and the Pan Hellenic Council.
And then the moment finally arrived, the presentation of Miss ASU and her court.
Second Attendant Kayla Nicole Stone, a criminal justice major from Sylacauga, first graced the stage, followed by the First Attendant Jasmine Chambers-Patterson, an English education major from Mobile.
As the audience waited for their first glimpse of the new Miss ASU, students from the Zelia Stephens Early Childhood Center appeared, serving as flower girls and bearers of the scepter, crown and robe.
Hamilton emerged dressed in an elegant white ball gown, poised to accept her position as Miss ASU, and to dance the traditional waltz with President William H. Harris.
While the previous Miss ASU, Angel Moore, was not on hand for the occasion, she sent a heartfelt message to her ASU family and to the newly crowned Miss ASU.
“My family consists of my mom, siblings and Alabama State University,” Moore said. “Thank you for supporting and developing me into Miss ASU, and to Miss CharaieCelia, you are truly a queen.”
Being crowned Miss ASU was the realization of a longtime dream for Hamilton, who has wanted to pursue the crown ever since she attended the 1998 Miss ASU Coronation as a child.
The Montgomery native is committed to serving her community as an active member of People’s Baptist Church, where she hopes to create a dramatic ministry.
She also works with K.E.E.P Productions, a modeling program for young girls, and Making of a Lady, a non-profit organization that mentors young girls.
Hamilton says her accomplishments are the result of her strong faith and perseverance.
“I am just truly blessed, and that’s all I can really say,” Hamilton said. “I just want to thank God for blessing me with the opportunity to be Miss Alabama State University.”
