Joy Watson Captures National HBCU Queen Title
|
Posted By: Sofía Montiel on January 04, 2023 NEWBURGH – There was something just so “confirming” about the moment for Joy Watson…one that further seemed to symbolize the importance- beauty of her life-altering journey. Watson, representing her Virginia State University campus as the 94th elected Miss VSU, was in Atlanta, Georgia at the prestigious 37th Annual Miss NBCA Hall of Fame competition, aimed at crowning the National Champion. Aware from her dance coach that a VSU alumni, one who had also been a member of The Trojan **** Dance Team, had gone on to win Queen laurels at another HBCU (Historically Black College University), Virginia Union University, Watson had no idea she would actually bump into her at this year’s National Competition. Holding the Queen title for her school from 2013-14, this former VSU student was indeed on hand, proudly representing as a past winner. The planets aligned, Watson discovered who she was, and there was an immediate, unforgettable forged bond.
“There was just this instant connection when I found out who she was,” recalled Watson about the serendipity encounter. “It was just so confirming that we both met up as Queens.” As the week unfolded and participants completed; talent, speaking, question and answer and formal wear segments, Watson would achieve the illustrious honor of becoming her school’s first ever National Queen. The lofty distinction further included such gems as; the wearing of a historically symbolic crown and sash, $3500 scholarship as well as a custom gown and suit created by one of the judges. Deeply grateful for these tangible rewards that accompanied the honor, Watson cannot express enough how much the entire ongoing journey of being a Queen and the connections-family it has created mean to her. “This whole experience has really shown me how all the hard work paid off,” explained Watson, a Presidential STEM Scholar who carries a perfect 4.0 GPA with a dual major in mechanical engineering technology and mathematics as well as a minor in dance. “I built a real sisterhood with the other Queens who I gained very unique experiences with during the National week of competition and still stay in touch with.” Elected to serve as Queen of the multi-position Court for Virginia State her junior year, Watson, who is addressed as “Ms. Watson” or “Ms. HBCU,” captured the April Pageant laurels, moving on to next receive the national title namesake this past September at the National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame Competition of Black College Queens at the Hyatt Regency in Atlanta, Georgia. After participating in the preliminaries, Watson then became a final 10 contestant, followed by a final 5 one, and was ultimately down to just a two candidates remaining status with a Howard University student. The arduous process, along with the special connection and profound significance of her HBCU involvement, made the winning announcement even sweeter. “HBCU’s are communities that breed and create Black Excellence,” said a proud Watson. “Being selected to serve as a representative of HBCU’s across the nation is an honor, but more importantly a privilege, I won’t take for granted.” The daughter of two Newburgh business owners, Desiree and Frederick, Watson is a graduate of John S. Burke High School in Goshen. She danced for about 10 years at the Newburgh Performing Arts Academy. In addition to her collegiate academic and dancing success, she also serves on the Executive Board for the National Society of Black Engineers. She will continue to hold her Ambassador role, whose responsibilities are in many ways that of a full-time job, throughout the fall of 2023, after her May, 2023 graduation. The honor far surpasses a title. Rather, it’s something she wants to employ to empower not only students on her campus, but all HBCUs, keeping them united, strong and meaningful in all ways possible. “The networking opportunities I have been able to have are amazing, having the opportunity to learn from some truly impressive role models,” said Watson. “This involvement as a Queen, and being able to go to the Nationals for a week of events, priceless workshops, outreach and scholarship opportunities, is an experience you can’t get anywhere else.” SOURCE HUDSON VALLEY PRESS If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
 |
Sofía Montiel
HBCU Connect, Customer Success Engineer Spelman College class of 2017 Member Since November 2022 |
Comments
More From This Author
Latest HBCU Queens
 |
River Parishes Represented in 2023 Debutante CotillionLAPLACE – Three young ladies from the River Parishes are among nine debutantes who will appear in the ballroom at Xavier University Center on Saturday, February 11, 2023 at the Original Illinois Club’ ...more
Sofía Montiel • 1,723 Views • January 5th, 2023 |
 |
Delaware State University Crown Jason Smith And Jewel Phillips As The 2021-2022 Mr. And Miss DSUIn a historic Coronation Ceremony, Delaware State University crowned Jason Smith and Jewel Phillips as its 2021-2022 Mr. and Miss DSU.
The Oct. 16 ceremony was a historic Del State Coronation as Ms ...more
Kennedy Williams • 5,332 Views • October 20th, 2021 |
 |
New Miss ASU Crowned During a ‘Night in Harlem’Hinesville, Georgia, resident Kendra Angion, a senior majoring in secondary education, was officially crowned the 82nd Miss Alabama State University at Tuesday’s Coronation in the Dunn-Oliver Acadome. ...more
Kennedy Williams • 4,953 Views • October 7th, 2021 |
 |
Congratulations to the 2021-22 Mister and Miss Albany State UniversityAlbany State University is excited to officially present our 9th and 79th Mister and Miss Albany State University! Congratulations Cregory Nance and Briana Adams. The royal coronation was held October ...more
Kennedy Williams • 18,635 Views • October 5th, 2021 |
Popular HBCU Queens
 |
Miss Alabama State UniversityWetumpka resident Arianna Elizabeth Thompson will reign as Miss ASU 2018-2019
The royal line of succession is in place and a new Miss Alabama State University and her court were chosen at a grand p ...more
Reginald Culpepper • 30,104 Views • April 17th, 2018 |
 |
Miss Texas Southern UniversityTexas Southern University is pleased to announce its Campus Royalty for the 2019-2020 academic school year. Adunola Rachel Olaydoyin Osinuga, a junior speech communication major from Chicago, Illinois ...more
Reginald Culpepper • 29,134 Views • May 1st, 2019 |
 |
Miss Jackson State UniversityMiss Jackson State University 1984 - Lisa Cain ...more
Reginald Culpepper • 25,009 Views • December 8th, 2011 |
 |
Miss Coppin State University 2005Miss Katrina Griffin
Hometown: Baltimore Maryland
Classification: Senior
Major: Nursing ...more
Reginald Culpepper • 24,366 Views • March 24th, 2006 |
 |
HBCU Queens and Kings’ Konnection Conference 2009 - Winston Salem State University8th Annual Leadership for Queens and 5th Annual Kings’ Konnection
Alabama State University, Bowie State University, Central State University, Delaware State University, Florida Memorial University ...more
Dr. Briscoe • 22,639 Views • July 20th, 2009 |
