Remi Landry, a mass communications major from Friendswood, Texas, won this year’s Miss LSU pageant after an electric showcase.
“This experience has been nothing short of incredible,” Landry said upon receiving her crown. “Thank you to Delta Zeta and the entire production team. This is one of the greatest honors I’ve had in my life and I look forward to fulfilling my duties as Miss LSU.”
Landry is 19 years old and a member of Kappa Delta at LSU. She enjoys equestrian riding, sewing, baking and giving back to the community.
“The world has so much to offer, and I refuse to take any opportunity for granted,” Landry’s pageant bio reads. “When I discovered this pageant, it became my focus — not just to win, but to build friendships and grow in confidence.”
Hosted annually by Delta Zeta since 1998, the Miss LSU pageant is the largest philanthropic fundraiser on LSU’s campus. This year’s pageant was held on March 23 in the Student Union Theatre and raised over $90,000.
Nikhia Sims, Miss LSU 2024, is a junior pursuing a degree in kinesiology with a concentration in pre-physician assistant. Sims has been in the pageant world showcasing her talents and passion for the stage since the age of five. She’s looking forward to passing the crown, since the Miss LSU pageant means so much to her.
“I’ve met so many people from many walks of life and made connections that will last a lifetime,” Sims said. “I was put into the position to do so by being selected to hold the title of Miss LSU. This pageant is so important, because it’s for a great cause and fosters confidence in the young women that participate in it.”
READ MORE: Halfway through her reign: A look at Miss LSU’s accomplishments and plans moving forward
Sims utilized her time as Miss LSU to be an outspoken advocate for mental health awareness. She uses enthusiasm for empowering others to make a positive impact on not only LSU, but everyone she meets. She hopes the 2025 Miss LSU winner will follow in her footsteps.
“Use this position to do as much good as you possibly can,” Sims said.
The Miss LSU Pageant is nationally recognized as a part of the Miss USA circuit and is a preliminary to the Miss Louisiana-USA Pageant. Miss LSU contestants are judged in four equal categories: personal interview, swimsuit, evening gown and an on-stage question.
The pageant aims to be a positive experience that helps contestants sharpen their skills in health, fitness, beauty, poise and interviewing.
This year’s Miss LSU featured a whopping 42 contestants from all over the world who study dozens of different majors; however, only 12 girls make it to the semifinals. Each contestant brought their own unique flair to the competitions.
Five candidates move on to become finalists. This year’s were Averi Crawford, Layla Figures, Remi Landry, Ella Cantrell and Kira Ekukpe.
Molly Gallapsy won Miss Congeniality, Abry Layrisson won Miss Photogenic, Victoria Williams won Miss My LSU, Taylor Watkins won best swimsuit, Ella Cantrell won best interview and Layla Figures won best evening gown.
Layla Figures spoke of how pivotal her journey in the pageant has been for her.
“This pageant has been different from any other that I’ve competed in,” Figures said. “I felt so loved and joyous through the entire process and appreciate everyone I’ve come to meet.”
The pageant began with an opening number performed by the girls, and each contestant introduced themselves, sharing their contestant numbers, hometowns, majors and why they deserved the crown.
The first round was the swimsuit competition, with each contestant’s special interests and favorite activities being announced as they strutted the stage, showing off their physiques. This round offered a glimpse into the contestants’ personalities and the approaches they take to stay grounded throughout their time at LSU.
The evening gown portion was next, with the host sharing each contestant’s personal values, life mottos and greatest accomplishments. The 12 semifinalists were chosen and moved on to the on-stage question round.
In this portion, contestants were asked which of the three values that LSU emphasizes (scholarship, leadership or service) resonates with them the most and how they embody it in their daily lives. Answers were then scored based on their knowledge of the chosen topic and the intelligence that went into their responses.
In the past, Miss LSU has donated thousands of dollars to local and national philanthropies such as the St. Lillian Academy, Baton Rouge Children’s Advocacy Center and many more.
