Homecoming Court Finalists 2008

Emily Edwards

Emily Edwards is a senior in accounting. She is a member of Kappa Delta sorority, vice president of chapter relations in the panhellenic council, chairman of the panhellenic judicial board, a member of Financial Management Association and a member of Order of Omega. She was nominated by Kappa Delta.

Edwards said she is looking forward to the competition as a fun part of the process.

“Every girl is equally involved and equally qualified to win,” she said. “This is just a fun experience and fun competition.”

Edwards said that a commitment to the university is essential to her.

“I love UT, and I am coming back to get my master’s here,” she said.

Edwards said that she would welcome the opportunity to unite people, especially Greeks and non-Greeks.

“My personality is one that brings people together,” she said. “Homecoming is about bringing people together. I would especially like to be able to unify Greeks and non-Greeks more,” she said.

Interviewing for internships for the summer has proved to be vital in preparation for this process, Edwards said.

“I’ve been preparing to graduate, doing interviews, and just having to be in business mode to communicate with other people,” she said.

Excited about the competition, Edwards said she feels honored to be in the top five.

“I’ve already won in my book. I’ve had so much fun with it,” she said.

Mary Braddock

Mary Braddock is a senior in college scholars with an emphasis in non-profit leadership. She is a member of Sigma Kappa sorority, Student Alumni Associates, president of Mortar Board National Honor Society, editor for Student-Tennessee and involved in Senior Gift. She was nominated by Sigma Kappa.

Braddock said she is surprised that she was chosen for the top five for Miss Homecoming and said she appreciates the opportunities UT has given her to grow as a person.

“I am from a very small school back home, and I can’t tell you how shy I was coming into UT,” she said.

A turning point for Braddock was being an orientation leader, she said.

“I didn’t know where I would fit coming into UT, but to have the chance to be in front of people, singing and dancing, with being an orientation leader has been so amazing,” Braddock said.

Braddock said getting a degree emphasizing non-profit organizations shows how much she desires to serve other people.

“I have a huge heart ready to be emptied for others,” she said.

Braddock said she tries to live by the motto that every day one has the choice to give or to take.

“I’m looking for what’s better for the group,” she said. “It is my number one goal to represent (UT students) in a sincere and positive way.”

Natalie Lester

Natalie Lester is a senior in hotel and restaurant management and tourism with a minor in business. She serves as president of Student Alumni Associates, vice president of administration in Delta Delta Delta sorority, a member of the Mortar Board National Honor Society, a member of The Cross and a member of 2008 Chancellors Associates.

She was nominated by Student Alumni Associates.

Lester said that all the girls were equally qualified with unique gifts.

“We all have different strengths, and that’s why we were chosen for the top five,” she said.

Through The Cross, Lester has been on several mission trips including five alternate spring/fall break trips.

“I think the true volunteer spirit is about being a servant leader,” she said.

Lester said she also reaches out to underclassmen through her sorority and as an SGA mentor.

“I have a strong relationship with the students and am honored to be in this position,” she said.

Lester said that coming to UT was a life-changing experience for her.

“I would change nothing about my experience here,” she said. “In every experience there’s problems, but I have no regrets.”

Lester said winning Miss Homecoming would be exciting.

“I would be so honored to represent friends, panhellenic and my family,” she said.

Because UT is a strong tradition in her family, Lester said she wanted to carry on this tradition.

“(Homecoming Queen) is a wonderful tradition at UT and I like carrying it on,” she said.

Maria Williams

Maria Williams is a senior in mathematics. She is the training and evaluation chair for Ambassador Scholars, Secretary for Student Alumni Associates, a member of Alpha Phi Omega, an alternate spring break trip leader, involved in the Chancellors Honors Program, a member of the Mortar Board National Honors Society and a tutor for the math tutorial center. She was nominated by Ambassador Scholars.

Williams is the only non-greek candidate in the top five for Miss Homecoming.

“There’s not just one path to success at UT,” she said. “You don’t have to fit the mold to accomplish what you want.”

Through the encouragement of upperclassmen, Williams said she started early her freshman year getting involved in different things on campus.

“I tried out for a lot of different things my freshman year which has shaped my time here,” she said.

Because this meant so much for Williams, she said she encourages underclassmen to do the same.

“Many of the same people or same type people are involved,” Williams said. “I would like to see more people of different backgrounds get involved in stuff on campus.”

Williams said that she encompasses many different aspects of UT student life.

“I do the whole nerdy thing with math, but I’m also involved in many other things,” she said. “I’m different from the norm by being the only non-greek in the top five and being (a) minority.”

Meghan Blackwell

Meghan Blackwell is a senior in finance. She is vice president of SGA, vice president of panhellenic recruitment, standards for Phi Mu sorority and a member of Order of Omega Honors Society. She was nominated by Phi Mu.

Through her sorority, Blackwell said she has been very involved serving the community in her years at UT.

“Being a volunteer is about benefiting your community— not just the UTK campus but the Knoxville community as well,” she said.

By serving as vice president for SGA, Blackwell said she has been better prepared for the process of becoming Miss Homecoming.

“Through SGA elections, I’ve realized things like it’s okay to see your face somewhere that’s not the best picture of you,” she said. “It has given me a thicker skin.”

Blackwell acknowledged all the girls as being highly qualified, but her friendly demeanor helps her stand out.

“I’m very approachable and adaptable to any situation and very friendly,” she said.

Coming from a small town, Blackwell said that coming here was overwhelming in some ways.

“It’s amazing to have the opportunity to get involved in all these things — not necessarily the name Miss Homecoming — but making an impact on so many people,” she said.

By already representing the UT student body through SGA, Blackwell said she has gained experience.

“I have represented (the student body) in other aspects which I hope shows the true Vol spirit,” she said.