Six Northwestern State University students will be competing in the 54th Annual Miss Louisiana Pageant June18-24 in Monroe.

Representing the university will be Miss Northwestern Lady of the Bracelet Maria Rome of Baton Rouge, Miss Greater Baton Rouge Emily Jackson of Leesville, Miss Bossier City Payton Curry of Haughton, Miss Natchitoches Stephanie Parker of Stonewall, Miss Benton Erica Jarlock of Covington and Miss Louisiana Port City Hannah Teutsch of Haughton.

“Each of these ladies are outstanding representatives of both Northwestern and the pageants which they won,” said Yonna Pasch, Director of Student Activities and the Miss Northwestern Lady of the Bracelet Pageant. “Each of them have competed in the Miss Northwestern Lady of the Bracelet Pageant and I know they will do an outstanding job at the Miss Louisiana Pageant.”

Rome, a psychology major, is competing in the Miss Louisiana Pageant for the first time.

“Right now I’m very excited for the upcoming pageant and the entire Miss Louisiana week,” said Rome. “I’m very focused on preparing, so the nerves have not hit yet. I am sure they will once the pageant gets closer. I have had so much support from my family and friends, and that makes me more excited for this experience.”

Rome said she has been preparing for Miss Louisiana each day since winning the Miss Northwestern Lady of the Bracelet title in January.

“I watch the news every morning and follow that up with reading articles on various news websites,” said Rome. “I go to the gym daily and practice my talent every chance I get. I am focusing on putting my best self out on that stage, as well as having well developed opinions for the interview portion.”

Rome has also been focusing on her platform, Miracle League, an organization that provides opportunities for special needs children to play baseball.

“Through volunteering with this organization I have been able to raise awareness for extracurricular activities for all children,” said Rome. “I am glad I could accomplish bringing this organization to Natchitoches. I have had the opportunity to partner with Spark Yoga Studio in Natchitoches to raise money for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. Through all of my efforts I have raised over $1000 for CMNH.”

Thirty-two contestants will compete for the title of Miss Louisiana. The finals will be June 24 at 8 p.m. and will be broadcast around the state including on KLAX-TV in Alexandria and KPHJ-TV in Shreveport. For more information on the pageant, go to MissLouisiana.com.