Seven young women have been selected to compete in the Miss Southeastern 2013 pageant for a chance at the crown.
The Campus Activities Board (CAB) has sponsored Miss Southeastern since 1970 and  this year’s pageant is set to take place on Sept. 15 at 7 p.m. in the Pottle Music Building Auditorium.
Jennifer Jarreau, who holds the title of Miss Southeastern 2012, has enjoyed the opportunity to represent the school, but looks forward to passing on her crown.
“Becoming Miss Southeastern has been one of the most rewarding opportunities that I have had the chance to experience in college,” said Jarreau. “Although I am sad to see this journey come to an end, I know that this is only the beginning of amazing experiences for me at Southeastern, and I am excited to find out who will take on the title as Miss Southeastern 2013.”
Contestants are required to have a 2.5 GPA, be in good standing with the university and be a full time student. The winning contestant will have the opportunity to compete in the Miss Louisiana Pageant in Monroe.
The pageant winner receives a scholarship and a $1,000 clothing fund, which are given to them the following year.
“As one of six children, I was immediately drawn to the incredible scholarship opportunities offered through the Miss Southeastern and Miss Louisiana Organizations,” said Bethany Putnam, one of the Miss Southeastern 2013 contestants. “Over the past year that I have attended SLU, I have further been inspired by the example that Miss Southeastern sets for her peers.  I am so excited to compete for this title and to have the opportunity to serve as an ambassador and advocate for the university that I love and take so much pride in.”
All of the contestants in this year’s pageant are natives of Louisiana. Putnam is a sophomore from Mandeville. Crystal Schayot is a senior from Slidell. Crystal Gonzalez is a sophomore and native of Hammond. Averi Harris is a sophomore from Slidell. Renee’ Picou is a sophomore from Livingston. Hailee Weber is a freshman from Destrehan. Erin St. Pierre is a junior from Larose.
“I entered Miss Southeastern because the university has already given me so much in my first two years here, so I want to give back in any way I can,” said St. Pierre. “I love everything about this university, and I would love to be able to represent it throughout the community.”
“We’re happy to extend the Southeastern tradition of having the Miss Southeastern pageant,” said Todd McElroy, coordinator of CAB. “We’re looking forward to picking a wonderful representative of the university.”
The Miss Southeastern pageant will consist of interviews, evening gown, fitness and talent segments.
Tickets are free to all Southeastern students with an ID. Tickets will be available for pick-up in the CAB office in the Student Union this week and at the Pottle Box Office starting at 6 p.m. on the night of the pageant.