Southern Digest

Issue date: 9/25/07 Section: News

Media Credit: Brittany Thornton/Digest On Friday September 21, 2007 Jasmine Smutherman was crowned the 77th Miss Southern by SGA President Carey Ash and Interim Chancellor Margaret Ambrose.

Media Credit: Kenyetta M. Collins/ Digest Miss Southern, Jasmine Smutherman and Kerry Ash, SGA President listen attently as the newly crowned queen is serenaded by her former cheerleading teammates.

Miss Southern, Jasmine Smutherman, was crowned the 77th Miss Southern University on Friday, September 21 in the F.G. Clark Activity Center. In the minutes leading up to the coronation, Jasmine and her court prepared for their official establishment as the current royalty of the Student Government Association.

"I'm very excited, I believe that she will be a very beautiful queen and will have a very exciting reign and I look forward to a great year under her leadership," said System President Dr. Ralph Slaughter prior to the commencement of the coronation.

"I'm getting good vibes, the decorations are beautiful, and I love the outfits, the dresses compliment all the girls and the suits compliment the guys as well," said Smutherman when asked about the preparations for the big event.

The event began with great poise and elegance, and the theme "Stairway to Heaven" was indicative in the decorations. The special guests were introduced and escorted out by angelic dancers. The wings, the lights, the harps and the remainder of the decorations culminated making a reality of heaven on Earth.

"I think the decorations are really nice, looks like a lot of time and effort was put into it, I cant wait to see how they tie into the theme," explained senior Reuben Griffin.

The tradition of elegant decorations and regal gowns was apparent as the courts from visiting schools began making their way to the elevated platforms on which they resided for the coronation.

Many attending courts visited to share in the 77th crowning. Visiting courts including Xavier University, Southern University of New Orleans, Southern University of Shreveport, Miss Southern University Laboratory School, as well as the Tennessee State University Court

One of the things that was most anticipated was Jasmine's crowning.

"Jasmine's crowning is what I'm anticipating most, and I'm feeling good special vibes," explained Miss Senior, Tyrice Munson.

Smutherman made her entrance, which consisted of the appearance of her flying to the stage on wings. She looked absolutely beautiful her dress was lovely and she looked excited and ready to start her reign. Smutherman's dress was white and her court wore gold dresses.

Interim SUBR Chancellor, Margaret Ambrose crowned Smutherman, although it took a while due to technical difficulty. Assisting to help was escort and SGA President, Carey Ash. Finally the touch of Mrs. Deborah Smutherman, the queen's mother, helped to put the finishing touches on her crown, and the conclusion of the situation was an absolutely beautiful crowning and the official moment of coronation.

Many were proud and pleased but none more elated than the mother of the queen herself.

"It was beautiful, it took my breath away, it stood for everything she's been planning, the stairway and God, because she puts him first and that's what I taught her," said Deborah Smutherman, Jasmine's mother.

The event was a huge success and the students, faculty and visitors alike seemed to enjoy the coronation.

"It was beautiful just elegant and lovely, they looked so nice," said Ave' Bonham, Official Advisor to Miss Southern and Court.

The evening concluded with a gala in which music filled the air and many spent the night enjoying the festivities with the newly crowned Miss Southern University.

"The coronation was exquisitely beautiful and embodied great planning an execution," said Courtney Brooks, Men's Federation President.

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