The winners of Mr. and Ms. Nicholls, honorary titles given to students who represent Nicholls, were announced at Crawfish Day.
This year, the titles go to Jonathon Lynch, culinary senior from Ruston, and Stephanie Graebert, biology senior from Norco.
Though both said they never expected to win, they now hold honorary titles chosen by students’ vote to represent their University.
Like title-holders before them, Lynch and Graebert had much to say about their election to Mr. and Ms. Nicholls and the titles they now hold.
Q: What does it mean to you to be Mr./Ms. Nicholls?
JL: It really means, well, I would say the world, but in this case, it really means the college to me. Looking at over 7,000 people on this campus, I see it as a real honor and privilege. Some see it as a popularity contest, but I see it as an honor of being involved on campus and trying to be an example for others.
SG: Being named Ms. Nicholls is one of the biggest honors I have ever been given. I have a great love for this University and being chosen to represent Nicholls State University is something I will cherish for the rest of my life.
Q: Why do you think you were nominated?
JL: I was nominated because I have blue eyes. That’s the only reason. Some have brown, some have hazel, and that doesn’t go over well for some people. I was fortunate enough to have blue eyes. But really, you’d have to ask the people who nominated me. It came as a surprise to me.
SG: In each of my organizations, I was determined to not only be a member but become as involved as possible. I think my determination to be a leader was recognized and was the reason for my nomination.
Q: Was being nominated or winning the title ever a goal of yours?
JL: I would lie to you if I told you it wasn’t a goal for me. When I first got here, I had two goals. These were more goals for me to achieve through the Nicholls social community. Even if I didn’t get them, I would still have made great efforts to socialize on campus. My two goals were to be on homecoming court and become Mr. Nicholls.
SG: Becoming Ms. Nicholls was never a goal of mine, but what the title stands for is something I attempted to fulfill every day. As a freshman, I had a dream to be involved on campus, to excel in my major and to make a difference. The fact that I am being recognized for achieving my dreams is more than I could ever ask.
Q: Is there anyone you’d like to thank for helping you get to this point?
JL: I want to thank the students and anyone who voted for me. In particular, I’d like to thank Phi Mu sorority for nominating me. Resident Life and Housing also played a big role, seeing as I made a lot of friends through the dorms as an SA and RA. SPA helped as well.
SG: I would like to thank my sorority. When I joined Delta Zeta, I never knew all the doors it would open for me, not only on campus but throughout all aspects of my life. Without my sorority, I would not be where I am today or even who I am today. I want to thank each and every sister for being my number one supporter throughout everything that I have done these past four years. It really is an amazing feeling to have over 100 girls constantly cheering you on in your endeavors.
Q: What do you want people to remember about you?
JL: I want people to remember my blue eyes. That’s the only thing I have going for me. If they get ruined, I don’t think I’d be able to do anything else. But no, really, my activity on campus. I have a vocal personality. I would like to be remembered as someone who was involved on campus and really enjoyed being involved; it wasn’t something I had to do. I would like to be remembered for my personality, as a person who is willing to help and outgoing.
SG: If I am remembered for my love of and dedication to Nicholls State University, biology, Delta Zeta and every organization I was involved in, I would be completely content. I strived to make a difference on our campus, and if I am remembered for just trying, I could not ask for anything more.
