This month, five Auburn University students are vying to be named Miss Auburn, and two of them are Oak Mountain High School graduates. The winner will serve as an ambassador and the official hostess of the university. Campaign week at the school will begin Feb. 4 and end with voting day Feb. 10.
Caroline Beauchaine
Caroline Beauchaine
Caroline Beauchaine celebrates with her brother James on the night she was announced as one of five candidates to campaign for Miss Auburn. Photo courtesy of Caroline Beauchaine.
Public relations major
President of Alpha Gamma Delta sorority, senator in SGA and member of Omicron Delta Kappa honor society
Why did you decide to go to Auburn University?
I fell in love with Auburn during my senior year of high school. At my first Auburn football game, the Auburn University Marching Band played “Sweet Caroline,” and I felt like they were playing it for me. I knew I had to go to Auburn after that.
What made you want to participate in the Miss Auburn campaign?
I have always viewed the role of Miss Auburn with very high regard and was so honored to receive a nomination to interview for the position. As a Top Five candidate for Miss Auburn, I will campaign on a platform I am passionate about while also striving to embody all that Auburn means to me.
Did you participate in any similar activities while you were at Oak Mountain High School?
I participated in the school pageant held each year as well as Shelby County’s Distinguished Young Women program. I was also a member of the Oak Mountain Masters, a group of students who serve as the ambassadors of the school, similar to the role of Miss Auburn.
If elected, what goals would you hope to achieve as Miss Auburn?
I hope to represent the university and my peers well while continuing to improve and grow the role of Miss Auburn. I also want to make a difference across campus and in the community by fulfilling my platform.
What has been the most challenging part of this process?
This process has been so much fun, and I have received tremendous support and encouragement from countless friends and family along the way. The most challenging part has been planning a weeklong campaign that incorporates my passion and is something the entire student body can embrace.
If you could go back to high school and give yourself any piece of advice, what would it be?
Be confident in yourself! I love Dr. Seuss’s quote, “Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is You-er than You!” So many times I think back to who I was in high school and wish I had been confident in myself or an idea that I had. The pressure to conform does not go away in college, so this quote has become one that I live by. Be confident in yourself and embrace who you are and what you stand for because no one else can be like you.
Do you have any fun random facts about yourself?
I love to cook but I’m not very good. My latest challenge has been mastering French macarons!
Mi’a Callens
Mi’a Callens
Mi’a Callens said connecting with people and audiences has always her passion, which is why she chose to enter the broadcast journalism field. Photo courtesy of Mi’a Callens.
Broadcast journalism major
Miss Patriot 2015
Why did you decide to go to Auburn University?
As soon as you step foot onto Auburn University’s campus you feel a sense of unity and family. Throughout my search for a university that I would call home for the next four years, Auburn University always had a spark about it. I am so proud to call the university my home away from home.
What made you want to participate in the Miss Auburn campaign?
Having the opportunity to run for Miss Auburn is a true honor. Miss Auburn is an official hostess of Auburn University and has been a tradition since 1935. It would be an honor to have the opportunity to leave a legacy on this long-held tradition and represent the university that I love, and being a Top Five candidate allows us Top Five to leave a legacy.
Do you participate in any extracurricular activities?
I have been involved in fine arts my entire life. Dance, theater, voice and show choir are a few of my passions. I also have a personal community service platform that is near and dear to my heart. I am very involved in the Miss America Organization. I am actually Miss Patriot 2015 and I will be competing in Miss Alabama in June. The Miss Alabama and Miss America Organization mean so much to me because the organization has helped mold me into the person I am today.
If you could go back to high school and give yourself any piece of advice, what would it be?
I would have told my high school self to journal my experiences. I had so many incredible experiences that sometimes it is hard to remember some of the details. I would have loved to read those journals and have those special keepsakes.
Do you have any fun random facts about yourself?
I have a blog site entitled miasandriel.com. It is a lifestyle blog that touches topics such as fashion and wellness. It’s a wonderful creative outlet. I also have a pet hedgehog named Olive. She is super sassy and hilarious. I am a lemonade connoisseur and movie buff.
