On Saturday, Sept. 15 the Pottle Music Building Auditorium hosted the Miss Southeastern 2013 pageant.
The reign of Miss Southeastern 2012 Jennifer Jarreau came to an end as her crown was passed to sophomore Renee’ Picou. Picou is a member of Alpha Omicron Pi majoring in biological sciences. She was also the winner of the fitness and evening gown competitions, and the winner of the People’s Choice award.
The opening number was to Madonna’s hit song “Hollywood.” Seven hopefuls all competed for the Miss Southeastern crown, going through four onstage competitions and a personal interview offstage with the judges, but Picou was the one who walked away with the title.
“It feels awesome. I’m so excited to be able to have the opportunity to be able to represent my school and to be an ambassador. I’m definitely going to represent it to the best of my ability,” said Picou.
She will not only be able to compete for the Miss Louisiana crown, but Picou will also have a year of paid tuition, a $1,000 clothing allowance and multiple public appearances.
The judges for the evening included national body builder and former Saintsations head trainer Robert Jacob and Miss Southeastern 2006 Blair Abene. Abene was also crowned Miss Louisiana 2008.
The 1st runner up was Erin St. Pierre of Larose. The Theta Phi Alpha member, and kinesiology junior did a gymnastics floor routine for her talent. She won three other awards, including the Miss Congeniality, the Miracle Maker award and the personal interview award.
Before the winner of the crown was even announced, St. Pierre had her hands so full with awards she had to put them on the floor beside her.
“It was my first year doing it, and I wasn’t expecting to get all these awards, but it’s great! It’s been such a fun experience, and all the girls are so nice. It was amazing,” said St. Pierre.
The 2nd runner up Crystal Gonzales of Hammond is a sophomore kinesiology major and member of Alpha Omicron Pi. For her talent, she sang Céline Dion’s “I Surrender.”
The 3rd runner up was Hailee Weber of Destrehan. She is a freshman majoring in special education and a member of Phi Mu sorority. Her talent was a lyrical dance to Twilight’s Breaking Dawn theme “Turning Page,” which won her the talent competition.
Crystal Schayot, a senior in general studies with an art concentration, had a great time with her dance routine to Skrillex’s dubstep tune “Sparking Diamonds.” During the performance, she kicked the stereotypical pageant girl idea to the curb.
 “I think I did my best, and I am happy with what I did. I think I killed it in talent, too,” Schayot said backstage. The cheers, chants and yells from the crowd assured her she did what she came to do.
“I was told myself if I get that reaction, then I know I did well. Even though I didn’t get anything it was a learning experience, and I had a lot of fun doing it. I got to make friends with all the girls I didn’t know before.”
Miss Southeastern 2012 Jennifer Jarreau expressed her joy for her friend Picou.
“I love Renee’. I’ve danced with Renee all my life. She is amazing. I’m so happy that she gets to have the title of Miss Southeastern 2013,” Jarreau said.
The past year for Jarreau has been one she will never forget. Even though she has to let go of the crown, she will always remember the people she has met along the way.
“I’ll miss being able to go to campus events and represent the university as a whole,” said Jarreau. “I’ve loved every step of the journey. But, at the same time I got to do everything that I wanted to do, and it is time to pass it on.”