Senior Aniyah Jones was crowned Miss GSU at the Homecoming Game last Saturday. Alongside her, J’Pierre Bolling was elected Mister GSU. The Signal reached out to Bolling, but has yet to receive a response.
Jones decided to run for Homecoming Court because she wanted to “create a platform that encourages Georgia State students to embrace the challenges of their collegiate journey.”
Additionally, she wanted to give students the opportunity to discuss how Georgia State has allowed them to “dismantle barriers and succeed beyond expectations.”
Throughout her time at Georgia State, Jones has noticed that many students feel left out of events around campus. To combat this, Jones spent time at the Atlanta and Perimeter campuses to engage and connect with fellow students. She believes this “won the hearts” of the students.
While winning the crown was not her top priority, Jones says the experience was “surreal.” Jones’ main focus was spreading her personal mantra and campaign slogan, “R.I.S.E.,” which stands for “remain indestructible and seek elevation.”
As Miss GSU, Jones says she plans to host an event next month to discuss ways to help students “R.I.S.E.”
Unlike Jones, not many hold the bragging rights to say they have been chosen to represent 53,000 of their peers. Jones describes this as “an honor and a privilege,” and she does not take the title lightly.
Through the rest of the school year, Jones plans to host events through the Royal Court and strives to cultivate a sense of community within the university.
“As a collegiate, trials are inevitable,” Jones said. “But as a Georgia State student, it is our duty to ‘R.I.S.E’”
