UAPB honors royalty in crowning ceremony

The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff crowned its royalty during the Coronation Ceremony recently.

Freddiemae La’faith Thompson was crowned the 95th Miss UAPB and Joshua Watson is the 10th Mr. UAPB.

Held during the 2024 Homecoming Week at the H.O. Clemmons Arena, the theme was “‘Lights, Camera, Royalty.”

Interim Chancellor Andrea Stewart and Elbert Bennett, Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs, assisted in the crowning of the honorees, according to a news release.

Thompson, a native of Pine Bluff, is a senior pursuing a degree in biology pre-medicine.

Watson, a native of Little Rock, is a senior majoring in physical education/teaching.

The arena was filled with emotion as Thompson and Watson, both shedding tears, delivered their royal addresses.

Dean of Student Involvement and Leadership Frank Dorsey II described the event as “star-studded” and “more than a ceremony.” He instructed the audience to yell “Action!” as he counted down the moments before the royalty procession entered the arena.

UAPB faculty, staff, students and family members clapped their hands and expressed admiration as they viewed the attire worn by UAPB organizational Kings and Queens, the 2024 to 2025 UAPB Royal Court, the Queen’s Ladies and King’s Gentlemen, Junior Miss and Junior Mr. UAPB in addition to Little Miss and Little Mr. UAPB.

Sarah Elizabeth Miles is Junior Miss UAPB and Marico Hampton II is Junior Mister UAPB. Kyndal Brasfield is Little Miss UAPB and Kayson Jefferson is Little Mister UAPB.

Several individuals in the audience cheered as organizational Kings and Queens were introduced as representatives of a wide range of UAPB clubs, programs, departments, sororities and fraternities.

“Student-run organizations are truly the backbone of campus life,” Dorsey said.

A moment of reflection occurred when Kaitlyn E. Peterson, the 94th Miss UAPB, and Jonathan M. Burgess, the 9th Mr. UAPB — who served from 2023 to 2024 — took their final walk.

In preparation for the crowning of the 2024-2025 Miss UAPB and Mister UAPB, the Queen’s Ladies and King’s Gentlemen entered the arena carrying the Queen’s and King’s robes, crowns, a scepter, shoes and other unique items.

The Queen’s Ladies included Ty’Ana Appleby, Bruanna Lockett, Brooke Robinson, Summer Smith and Ja’Kaylie Crain. The King’s Gentlemen included Braelyn Starks, Weston Ashley, Vernail Simmons, Lavelle Neal and Tyler Garlington.

Class Kings and Queens are:

Derrick Luckey, Crossett – Mister Senior

Jamaria Lewis, Pine Bluff – Miss Senior

Courtney Clark, Little Rock – Mister Junior

Diamon Ellis, Greenwood, Mo. – Miss Junior

Kaleb Gray, North Little Rock, – Mister Sophomore

Kamauri Trotter, Monticello – Miss Sophomore

Alexander Harris, North Little Rock – Mister Freshman

Paris Smith-Lampkin, Pine Bluff – Miss Freshman.