Watts to be featured in upcoming national magazine
By MINIYA SHABAZZ
GSU Media Bureau
One of Astra Watts’ dreams is becoming reality.
The Miss Grambling State University, Watts will be one of 10 campus queens from historically black colleges and universities to be featured in Ebony, a national magazine focused on an African American audience. Watts will represent GSU, and be a role model for young girls who want to be campus queens and princesses.
Watts is thrilled when she heard the news a few days ago (Friday). “I cannot say thank you enough to the many supporters who have voted tirelessly and encouraged others to do so throughout the entire competition,” said Watts, 21, a New Orleans native and a senior biology major at GSU. “This is a great milestone as a queen, but more importantly, a great opportunity to showcase our beloved institution.”
Watts competed against more than 60 HBCU campus queens. People voted for their favorite queens up to three times each day during the contest, which ended Wednesday (Jan. 18). The 10 winners will receive an all-expenses paid trip for a photo shoot, and the winners are scheduled to be featured in the September 2017 issue of the magazine and on the Ebony campus queens website.
GSU President Rick Gallot said Watts’ win is big for her, and the university.
“We’re thrilled that Astra has made the Ebony list of the top ten HBCU campus queens,” he said. “This will be a great experience for her, and a wonderful chance to put GSU on the national map again. People need to know that young, talented people like Astra can choose Grambling State and achieve dreams. Great queen. Great student. Great student leader.”
David “Rusty” Ponton, interim vice president for student affairs, is not surprised that Watts won. “This is a wonderful exclamation point to an already storied reign for Astra,” he said. “We here at Grambling State University are extremely happy for and proud of Astra. She represents the best qualities found in our outstanding students at our great university.”
The Ebony competition showcases black excellence at HBCUs through the campus queens. Each provides a bio, a list of activities and a video. “Great role models who are conscious of their communities, resolute in their beliefs, dedicated to their goals and committed to the importance of education,” the magazine writes about the contest.
Other winners include Miss Southern University at New Orleans, Miss South Carolina State University, Miss Mississippi State Valley University, Miss Albany State University, Miss Southern and A&M College in Baton Rouge, Miss Dillard University, Miss Florida A&M University, Miss Jackson State University and Miss Xavier University of Louisiana.
Watts said she could not have won without strong support. “A special thanks to my family, friends, alumni, the Grambling State University media bureau, my Alpha Kappa Alpha sorors, KTAL news, FOX33, KNOE news, KSLA, KGRM radio, The Gramblinite, the Ruston Daily Leader and my entire Grambling family,” she said.
“It’s about Grambling State University,” added Watts. “Having our institution featured in such an illustrious magazine will create more exposure. Our goal is to share GSU with those around the world.
Watts can be a positive role model for young princesses who can’t wait to become a queen one day.
“One little girl who will pick up an Ebony Magazine can take a look into my world and see why I love Grambling State University. This will not only boost recruitment efforts, but also enrollment.”
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