In less than two weeks, Miss LSU 2024 Nikhia Sims will pass her crown to the next Miss LSU. With the 2025 pageant just around the corner, we take a look back at what the past year has been like for her.
Sims is no stranger to beauty pageants, having competed since the age of 6. Her mother, her biggest supporter, inspired Sims to pursue her passion for pageantry.
Sims shares what motivated her to enter the Miss LSU pageant.
“I knew I wanted to compete before I even got here, and I grew up watching the Miss LSUs compete at Miss Louisiana USA,” Sims said. “They have always been so kind, and I knew it was a sisterhood I wanted to be a part of.”
Being crowned Miss LSU is a moment Sims will never forget. She instantly became a prominent figure, not only in the LSU community but also in Baton Rouge.
Over the past year, she has attended numerous events on and off campus to support the community. Sims was recognized at the State Capitol, where she worked, surprising many of her coworkers.
In addition to this recognition, Sims participated in several other notable events. She joined Girls on the Run, an empowerment program for girls, where she painted the faces of young participants at a 5K event.
During the last home game of the football season, Nikhia was honored at halftime in front of hundreds of thousands of Tiger fans. She reflects on the experience as one she will always remember.
“Everyone dreams of stepping into Tiger Stadium on a Saturday night, and it was surreal getting to be on the other side and not in the stands,” Sims said. “I will think about that night for the rest of my life.”
Earlier last month, Sims attended the NFL Honors in New Orleans during the Super Bowl. She had the honor of sitting next to LSU legends Joe Burrow, Malik Nabers and Justin Jefferson.
Being in the spotlight is no easy task, but Sims reveals how she has navigated the pressure.
“I have had to really live by doing it scared because all eyes are on you,” Sims said. ” You can’t just not show up, so you might as well do it and let that fear drive you.”
Her time as Miss LSU has helped her evolve into the best version of herself and gain new perspectives. Through her journey of self-growth, Sims has inspired others to pursue their dreams, no matter how big.
” I would just tell them to do it, even if you are doubting yourself, even if you are scared. Like I said, do it scared,” Sims said. “You never know what could come out of the opportunity.”
Although her reign as Miss LSU is ending, her legacy will remain enduring and unforgettable.
The 2025 pageant will take place on Sunday, March 23, at 4:30 p.m. For tickets, visit the Miss LSU pageant’s Instagram page.