(Watch Video) Saint Augustine’s University Holds 71st Annual Coronation

RALEIGH, NC — Saint Augustine’s University held their Coronation last night, Wednesday, Sept. 22nd, in Emery Gymnasium. McKenzie Estep, a senior Political Science major from Rocky Mount, NC, became the 71st Miss Saint Augustine’s University, while Benjaman London, a senior Theater Art major from High Point, NC, was crowned Mr. Saint Augustine’s University.

Estep felt ecstatic about being crowned Miss Saint Aug. She explained that she will use her skills and abilities, as well as her love for the university to make sure that she ‘leads and reads’ like a real queen.” Estep’s goals are “to enhance student involvement and to make sure the school is seen around the world.” Her advice to potential queens is to “never tip your crown. Don’t let anybody tell you NO! You always find a way! If one door closes, build another!” She is a three-time student leader as well!

Her best friend, Mariah, who is a senior at UNC-Chapel Hill, was very excited about the honor. On her winning, she said, “It’s been the most spectacular moment in my life, honestly. We’ve promised each other as seniors that we would be there for everything.” She added, “Anything can come from Rocky Mount and you can make the best of anybody…and she [Estep] has definitely shown that. She’s the best person ever!” They grew up together and on her determination, Mariah explained, “When she’s going to win something, she’s going to put her mind to it!”

London was very enthusiastic about the honor. He was quoted as “being elated.” He added, “I”m getting ready to do some events and I’m here to show that Saint Aug is nothing to play with!” His goals are to make himself and the student body to be “perfect academically.” In addition to this, he explained, “I want everybody to go to class and I want everybody to be at events.” He hopes to spread light on the university to increase enrollment and he stated, “we’re a smaller number with a bigger heart…And that’s what I want to do for the school.”

Jalen Baker, Director of Student Engagement, said, “Man, the coronation was an amazing event. The queen was beautiful, the king was authentic. Plus, the campus came out to support.” He added, “This coronation was like no other and I’m very proud of our students today for pulling this off.” On Saint Aug, he explained, “Each year, Saint Aug is increasing to be a better institution. Each day is making it a better SAU.”

St. Augustine’s University 2021 Homecoming Coronation (Videographer: Marika Daniel):

 

Here is the Mr. and Miss Saint Augustine’s University Coronation roster:

Mr. and Ms. Campus Activities Board — Jose Flores and Tania Howard
Ms. UNCF — Nyema Archer
Mr. and Ms. Faulkcrest — Jalen Hill and Jennifer Hunt
Ms. Student Ambassador — Ari White
Mr. and Ms. International Student Ambassador — Dominique King and Danielle White
Ms. SAFE Falcon — Ms. Saundra and her escort — Mr. Robert Walton
Ms. Divine Dancers — Ms. Kayla Blackman and her escort — Mr. Shawn
Mr. and Ms. Academic Achievers — Mr. Shawn Lane and Mrs. China Barwell
Mr. and Ms. SGRho — Mrs. Indi Sorbeth
Mr. and Ms. STEM — Nathan Spain and Sharra B.
Mr. and Ms. Bluechip — Malachi Dixon and Pressence McNeil
Mr. and Ms. NCNW — Andrea Taylor and her escort — Kenneth Armstrong
Mr. Latham — Terrence Wesley
Ms. Weston — Naveah Edwards
Mr. and Ms. SSMB — Anthony Jenkins and Kanesha Bell
Mr. and Ms. Chapel Scholar — DiMaggio Bethel and Lauren Stubbs
Ms. NSBE — Ms. Deja Faulcon and her escort — Jevon Moses

Mr. and Ms. Freshman — Burke Lattiker IV and Kayle Poole
Freshman Class President — Ashanti Bowser

Mr. and Ms. Sophomore — Keenan Liles and Shimani Cole
Sophomore Class President — Elijah Thomas

Mr. and Ms. Junior — Deonte Barnes and Se’Nette Simpson
Junior Class President — Jeremy Jeter

Mr. and Ms. Senior — Akil Green and Tierra Alexander
Senior Class President — Serenity Drakeford

Montrell Davis, better known as DJ Trellz, was playing music throughout the coronation. Davis is a native of Greensboro, North Carolina, and is an alumnus of Winston-Salem State University. He works at the university as the Assistant Director for Student Engagement.

Saint Augustine’s will play their homecoming game on Saturday, September 25. The football game is at 1:00 pm against Chowan University, at the George Williams Athletic Complex on their campus. Tickets are on sale online or at the Box Office.