Amidst enthusiastic cheering from friends and family, Meg McGuffin was crowned Miss Auburn University 2014 at Auburn High School's Performing Arts Center Saturday, Jan. 25.
This year marks McGuffin's third attempt to win the crown, having placed last year as second runner-up and talent winner.
"After three years, this is so incredible," McGuffin said. "I worked really hard and I'm still in shock, quite frankly."
Also placing in the pageant was first runner up and swimsuit winner Ashley Willis, second runner up Susanna Bagwell, third runner up Summer Myrick and fourth runner up and people's choice winner Alexandra Renfroe.
McGuffin also won talent for the second year in a row.
"I was hoping I'd be able to repeat it, but I wasn't sure," McGuffin said. "So winning talent was a really exciting part of the night, as well."
For her platform, McGuffin chose Healthy is the New Skinny, which promotes healthy body image for women. McGuffin is also the president of Auburn University Body Image Education and Eating Disorder Awareness.
"Through that we just reach out to girls on campus and encourage them to love their bodies for exactly how they were made, and to ignore society's standards of what they call beauty," McGuffin said.
"I joined last year as a member, and then this year they asked me to become president. Of course, I jumped on it, because it's something I'm incredibly passionate about."
The night was a happy occasion not only for McGuffin, but for 2013 Miss Auburn University Holland Brown, who had the chance to pass on her crown to a friend.
"Meg is one of my best friends, so that was incredible," Brown said. "I basically collapsed on stage, but it's fine. It's jut really exciting to crown my best friend."
McGuffin said being crowned by Brown was a great end to the evening.
"It was just the cherry on the cake," McGuffin said.
Keeping the crowd entertained throughout the night was Courtney Porter, former Miss Auburn University and Miss Alabama 2011. This was Porter's second year as emcee for the event.
The event was orchestrated by the SGA.
Leah Seay, assistant director of the Miss Auburn University pageant, said she thought the evening went on without a hitch.
"The pageant went really well," Seay said. "We had a lot of great girls this year. I'm really excited."
Brown also said she thought the pageant went smoothly.
"I think it went great, and I really think that for the most part, everyone really enjoyed themselves and had fun," Brown said.
Brown said she's happy to pass on the crown to someone she thinks will wear it well.
"I'm glad to give it over to Meg," Brown said. "I know she's going to do a great job."
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