The newly-crowned Miss Southeastern experienced her first event as a representative of the university.

Janine Hatcher, a senior business administration major, was crowned Miss Southeastern Louisiana University on Nov. 22. With her new position, Hatcher will serve as a representative for the university by participating in various events on and off campus.

The first event Hatcher attended as Miss Southeastern was the Ring Ceremony on Dec. 4. The event was held for seniors to formally receive their university rings.

Hatcher attended the ceremony with Mr. Southeastern Brian Williams, a senior communication major, and helped pass out scrolls to students who received rings.

Hatcher expressed how she felt after attending the ceremony as Miss Southeastern.

“I thought it was awesome,” said Hatcher. “I like the fact they showcase the students and all their efforts because the four year journey is very long, and it can be strenuous, and it can be a lot of pressure and you face hardships, like a lot of students mentioned in that video. But it’s also a time to reflect on your accomplishments. That’s a really cool thing about it and have family and friends in that moment as well. It’s a moment of reflection like ‘Hey, I really did it. I’m right here.’ I was thrilled to be here.”

Hatcher’s next event is a forum for equality. She explained how she will get involved.

“I have my next event on the tenth,” shared Hatcher. “I have a forum for equality in education. So, I’m really excited to be a panelist there. I also do have a Lion 4 Life, the launch they have on the twelfth. I’m excited. I’m happy to be here and happy to be a bigger voice in our school and our community.”

After attending events at the end of this semester, the native of Chesapeake, Virginia will travel to make it home for the holidays.

“I will go home, eat food, have a good time with my friends and family,” said Hatcher. “I’m excited. Hopefully, I’ll be able to get to see some snow. I only get to see them so often and this is a special time of year. I’m probably going to start some reading for my courses coming up, but that’s pretty much it.”

Hatcher talked about what she is looking forward to most during her time back in Virginia.

“So, in Virgina, there’s a place called Williamsburg. They have Christmas Town, so I’m definitely want to go to Christmas Town,” said Hatcher. “Might go take a little day trip to D.C., that’s always fun. It’s only a three and a half hour drive from where I’m from. Maybe go to the beach, they always have lights and fireworks at the beach. So, an awesome city to visit, if you’ve never been before.”

Prior to winter break, Miss Southeastern will be advocating for special education students at the ‘Creating a Marketplace of Ideas’ event on Dec. 10 at the Cate Teacher Education Center.