The Echo | November 7, 2018

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Wednesday November 7, 2018

Volume 113 Issue 10

Junior Pansy Johnson crowned homecoming queen “I’m just going to be myself. I’m going to be the leader I’ve always been, and I’m going to allow people to see me as me.”

by Lauren McCabe Staff Writer

The Estes Stadium fell into silence Saturday night as the crowd awaited the name of the new UCA crown. “Your 2018 UCA Homecoming Queen is … Pansy Johnson,” the announcer boomed over the intercom, as the field camera panned to Johnson, her face captured in a moment’s shock before she broke out in tears as the crowd’s roar echoed in the stadium. “It feels so surreal. I’m beyond honored, and I’m beyond blessed,” Johnson said as she strolled off the field in awe and with a smile that could have lit up the night. “I’m really at a loss for words right now and very emotional. It’s the best feeling in the world, and I’m taking it all in.” It was even more of a special treat for Johnson to have been escorted by her grandfather, Tony Lee O’Guinn Jr., who said that although he lives away from his granddaughter, he is reminded of her positivity every time he talks to her. “It’s been exciting watching her grow into a

young woman and taking responsibility, as well as just being herself,” O’Guinn said . “It’s been overwhelming with [Homecoming Week], but she’s been a trooper, and I’m proud to have her as my granddaughter.” Johnson, a junior broadcast journalism major and public relations minor, is from Fordyce, Arkansas. She was sponsored by the Theta Mu chapter of the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority. She is also a member of the Minority Mentorship Program Executive Board and the Student Orientation Staff. Johnson felt grateful for everyone who supported her on the road to being named the 2018 Homecoming Queen. “[The support] has been outstanding,” Johnson said. “Alumni and sorors came down just to see me, [as well as my] advisers, my friends and my family. I’m so thankful for all of them.” Johnson campaigned alongside eight other homecoming court finalists and said that her true mission was to stand out from the rest. “I campaigned really hard on social media platforms [such as] Instagram and Facebook. I pushed my flyers, [and] I gave out cupcakes,”

Johnson said. “I tried to go the extra mile, and I think everything else fell into place.” Friends and supporters crowded around Johnson as she gripped flowers in her shaking hands and held back tears. Those taking photos of the homecoming court fixed her crown upright and placed her beside President Houston Davis for a photo-op. “[To those who voted for me], thank you, thank you, thank you. I can’t say that enough,” said Johnson. “I enjoyed the parad[ing], tailgating and being able to share the court with amazing girls. It’s been a wonderful experience.” As for her plans to hold her position as homecoming queen, Johnson only has one goal. “I’m just going to be myself. I’m going to be the leader I’ve always been, and I’m going to allow people to see me as me.” O’Guinn told of the hope he has for his granddaughter as she takes on representing UCA. “I hope she continues to stay grounded and stay true to who she is,” he said. “It was wonderful to see her enjoy that moment [of crowning] because she truly deserves it. She truly is a wonderful person.”

photos by Lauren Swaim

[Top left] (Left to right) Bruce D. Bear, senior Homecoming Maid of Honor Mattie Schanandore, President Houston Davis, junior Homecoming Queen Pansy Johnson and Sugar Bear pose for a photo at last Saturday’s Homecoming game. [Bottom left] Alumna Ashlin Stock, UCA’s 2017 Homecoming Queen, with Johnson. [Middle] Johnson is overcome with emotion as she learns that she has been named the 2018 Homecoming Queen with her escort, her grandfather Troy O’Guinn Jr. [Top right] Stock congratulates Johnson after she wins the title of Homecoming Queen. [Bottom right] (left to right) Junior Wendy Magbanua, senior Megan McAfee, senior Madeline Moix, senior Hannah Howard, junior Pansey Johnson, senior Mattie Schanandore, senior Sarah Grace Brown and senior Colleen Weidman pose for a Homecoming Court photo during halftime.

mpus Life: HOMECOMING

ucks Maid anew: of Honor: ations Senior complete Mattie Torreyson Chanandore crowned shop of Honor Maid 43page 2 4 page

NEWS

CAMPUS LIFE

SPORTS

John Mulaney: Emmy award-winning comedian riffs on UCA history 4 page 3

Fall Fest: Food, fun, rides on an unseasonably warm fall day 4 page 5

Sugar Sistas: Five seniors dominate volleyball team’s stats 4 page 9


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