“Enchanted Nights: Into the Woods” was the theme of the coronation ceremony for Mister and Miss Saint Augustine’s University. Held the evening of Thursday, Oct. 24, in Julia Chester Emery Gymnasium and attended by students, faculty, staff, family members and alumni, the event featured pageantry, ritual, dancing, song, prayer and words of inspiration.

The Royal Court brought out the ceremony’s theme at the outset with a skit in which they appeared in regal costumes against a backdrop fit for a palace. Farewell remarks were delivered by the 2023 Miss and Mister Saint Augustine’s University, Ashley Weekes and Louis Keenan Lowndes, allowing the transition to the new Royal Court to begin.

Student Government Association President Kristoff Strachan, who presided over the ceremony, thanked attendees and financial backers, then introduced members of the Royal Court, who had the opportunity to stroll down a celebrity-style red carpet, waving and smiling, while their personal statements were played over the gymnasium’s sound system.

The last two students to enter the gymnasium were the 74^th Miss Saint Augustine’s University, Noah Alina Wheeler, and the 11^th Mister Saint Augustine’s University, Jadean Desean Hambric.

After taking their seats on stage, Mr. Hambric and Ms. Wheeler had their crowns and sashes installed by Interim President Dr. Marcus H. Burgess, assisted by Dr. Cindy Love, Associate Vice President – Student Engagement and Support Services.

“As you take on this mantle,” Dr. Burgess told the two students, “you must remember that this role is not only an honor but a profound responsibility. You are now ambassadors of our great institution. You are symbols of excellence, integrity and service. I charge to both of you, lead with purpose, serve with humility, embody excellence, uphold our tradition, and inspire and unify. Mister and Miss SAU, this is your moment. Carry the torch of leadership with dignity, grace and commitment to the future of this institution. …Congratulations.”

The ceremony also included other rituals such as the Royal Salute, the Royal Walk and the Royal Waltz. It ended with remarks from Miss and Mister Saint Augustine’s University.

“What you think, you become. What you feel, you attract. And what you imagine, you create,” Miss Wheeler said. “I have thought about this moment, I have imagined this moment, and now I am feeling this moment.”

Mr. Hambric said: “Seeing you all here just reminds me of one thing that I’ve heard before – be thankful of your situation not your circumstances. We are certainly thankful of our situation here, not the circumstances the school is undergoing. I appreciate everybody being here.”

The ceremony ended with a reception.

The members of the 2024-25 Royal Court are as follows:

MISS FRESHMAN

Shaniyah Scott• Raleigh, NC

Business Administration Major

“Believe in yourself and there will come a day when others will have no choice but to believe in you.” – Mufasa

MISS SOPHOMORE

Da’Jha Williams • Trenton, NJ

Business Administration Major

”And maybe by imagining these futures we can make them real, and maybe not, but either way, we must imagine them.”

-John Green

MISS JUNIOR

Teja-Aaliyah Williams • Nassau, The Bahamas

Psychology Major

“You never have to ask anyone permission to lead. I want you to remember that, OK? When you want to lead, you lead.” – Kamala Harris

MISS SENIOR

J’Niyah Talia Love • San Francisco, CA

Criminal Justice Major

‘If you’re always trying to be normal, you will never know how amazing you can be.” – Maya Angelou