Susanna Bagwell’s jaw dropped as the announcement was made that she was Miss Auburn University 2016.
“I was completely shocked,” Bagwell said. “To finally have that moment was incredible. It still feels surreal.”
Bagwell, junior in math education from Birmingham, Alabama, performed a ballet en pointe to “Ragtime.” Her platform, “Confidence and Character for Life through Education,” is committed to funding education for all students, regardless of income.
With the pressure of the Miss Auburn University pageant out of the way, Bagwell is committed to focusing on her platform.
“The first thing I really want to do now is spread my platform,” Bagwell said. “I want to continue working with the Boys and Girls club of Auburn- tutoring three hours a week and getting them prepared for any tests or problems they might have.”
Last summer, Bagwell worked with Grace House Ministries, an organization dedicated to providing Christian homes for girls from crisis backgrounds.
“I got to be their math enrichment teacher,” Bagwell said. “We spent one and a half hours each day doing math.”
Coming to Auburn, Bagwell said she became acutely aware of the inequality problems in education for those living in poverty.
“I want to make everyone see the importance of education in providing a positive future,” Bagwell said. “That’s my calling and my role.”
Along with juggling schoolwork and preparation for Miss Alabama in June, Bagwell is a member of Kappa Delta sorority, College of Education student ambassadors, in the Cardinal Key honor society and an Auburn University Tiger Paw.
“I have absolutely no regrets,” Bagwell said. “I will be busy, but I was given this opportunity for a reason and I’m excited to balance everything.”
She said she never would have made it so far without the overwhelming love and support from friends and family.
“My biggest supporters have definitely been my parents,” Bagwell said. “They have always allowed me to chase after any and every dream.”
But her greatest inspiration, Bagwell said, came from her two sisters.
“My older sister competed in Miss Alabama when she was eligible,” Bagwell said. “And my little sister is still in high school and never doubted I could do it.”
After organizing a plan of action, Bagwell hopes to raise money for Children's Miracle Network.
“I want to raise a lot of money for my platform, maybe set up a goal at some point,” Bagwell said. “The week of Miss Alabama, I will have the opportunity to work with the Children’s Miracle Network and visit hospitals.”
Bagwell’s duties as Miss Auburn University will require her to attend certain campus events such as “Hey Day” and represent the University at requested community events.
“First and foremost, I am most looking forward to serving
Auburn,” Bagwell said. “I’ve been saying ‘war eagle’ since the day I could talk
and I’m really excited to spread my platform and represent Auburn University.”
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