There are several different titles an Auburn woman can claim as a student.
Miss Auburn, Miss Auburn University and Miss Homecoming are programs run through SGA. Miss Panhellenic crowns a woman from Auburn Greek Life.
Miss Auburn is a time-honored tradition starting at Auburn in 1934, which selects a female student to be the official Auburn University hostess, according to SGA’s website.
“She serves alongside the SGA President and the executive team,” stated SGA’s website. “She is an honorary member of the War Eagle Girls and Plainsmen. And she works directly with a Freshmen Leadership Program, whose mission seeks to turn her platform into action.”
Anna Shepherd, assistant director of Miss Auburn University, said the scholarship program is a preliminary to Miss Alabama.
“Miss Auburn University is a scholarship program where the girls compete in swimsuit, evening gown, talent, interview and on-stage question,” Shepherd said.
Miss AU competes through the Miss America system, according to Shepherd.
“The winner will represent Auburn throughout the year and will compete for the title of Miss Alabama in the summer,” Shepherd said. “She is available for appearances throughout the city and is considered the female equivalent of Aubie.”
Miss Homecoming candidates can be nominated from student organizations and clubs and, according to SGA chief of staff Olivia Tofani, “SGA has the opportunity to nominate a Miss Homecoming representative.”
The top five candidates then choose a platform, and the student body votes on a winner, who is then announced during halftime at the homecoming football game in the fall.
Taylor Wesley, Miss Homecoming 2015, said her favorite part of winning Miss Homecoming was receiving support from her fellow students.
“I looked up at the stadium, and I couldn’t help but cry of happiness because I realized how much support I had received from everyone in those stands,” Wesley said.
Jill Moore, director of Greek Life, said the Miss Panhellenic pageant is a competition for women in sororities involving an interview, campus wear and formal wear portions, as well as a composite score based on academics, campus involvement and sorority involvement.
“The Miss Panhellenic pageant is about representing Auburn’s Panhellenic community,” Moore said.
Rather than receive a cash prize or scholarship, the winner wins a plaque and crown so proceeds can go to charity, according to Moore.
“We want to ensure that our Miss Panhellenic winner is well-rounded,” Moore said. “All proceeds from the evening go to benefit a philanthropic cause.”
Miss Panhellenic contestants do not sign themselves up for the competition, according to Moore.
“Each chapter nominates its own representative, and each contestant wears a sash made by her sorority sisters,” Moore said. “This way we get to recognize that each of Auburn’s sororities have awesome women who can represent themselves and their sororities.”
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