After uncertainty and delays, the much-anticipated election for a new queen has finally taken place.
The FAMU community has been eagerly awaiting the election’s outcome and finally got the results after three students — Kailyn Thompson, Anissa Carby and Nevoy Shepherd — campaigned to be Miss Florida A&M University.
On Tuesday on iStrike and @famuelections via Instagram Live, the 19-year-old Thompson, a junior general health science student from Fort Lauderdale, was confirmed the winner for a second time as the 118th Miss FAMU. She captured 263 of the 428 votes cast, according to iStrike.
“Now that I have won, I am feeling grateful for the love and support I have been receiving both pre- and post-campaign. It still feels like a fever dream,” Thompson said.
The delay caused many to need clarification about what was happening, not knowing if the Miss FAMU would be announced this semester or next. Many students were caught off-guard when campaign season came around again.
Zayda Greene, a second-year business administration student from Baltimore, stepped in to make this election happen.
“Once Londe (Student Government Association president) released her executive order, the Electoral Board was able to get started right away,” Greene said. “My experience stepping into Electoral Commissioner was a very smooth and supported experience. I was able to work alongside the election and appointments committee members who gave 24/7 around the clock support and clarity. But, most importantly, I was surrounded by those who understood the duties and responsibilities, election codes to ensure we stayed ethical while trying to be swift.”
Candidate Carby believes this experience was rewarding, helped her grow and was an eye-opener.
“Relieved that this has come to an end, it was a reward for me because of my growth through the experience,” Carby said. “It should be like other colleges having a meeting, interview process with faculty and staff that are unbiased, have a speech of why you should be on the ballot, then allow you to campaign just to make the process easier.”
Now that election season has ended this semester, Thompson is ready to get to work.
“Although the main role of Miss FAMU is to recruit, I want to shed light on so many other issues we face on and off campus. One of my main priorities is to ensure that students not only vote during student elections but also in November,” Thompson said.
This isn’t too far from Thompson’s work, especially with her involvement with FAMU College Democrats.
Thompson was asked about what advice she’d give those seeking to run. “Pray. Seek God before you do anything: she said. “FAMU is a tough crowd, so be prepared. Be resilient, confident and different. It is OK to not have a big GroupMe, I didn’t even have one. It’s OK not to have a big campaign team. Trust yourself and put it all in the hands of God, and he will take care of everything.”