While 18 young women competed for the crown at the Miss UNA Scholarship Pageant Jan. 23, junior Jocelyn Barnes took it home.

Joyful cheers erupted as Miss UNA 2015 Rachel Wammack crowned Barnes. 

Barnes said she encourages any women considering the pageant to compete next year. 

“Don’t be afraid to ask for help and give it everything you have,” Barnes said.

Wammack said she enjoyed her final walk as Miss UNA 2015.

“Those girls are the most talented group of girls,” Wammack said.

Junior Victoria Roose won first runner up, and Mary Katherine Holloway won second runner up. Freshman Harper Canaday won third runner up.

Junior Bryant Mcgee said his favorite part of the pageant was the talent portion.

Sophomore Jessica Coffey said she enjoyed the talent part as well, particularly Lauren Blue’s tap dance routine. 

Look for a full story on tonight’s events in the Jan. 28 edition of The Flor-Ala.