Madison Neal, a senior broadcast journalism major from Cleveland, Alabama, was crowned Miss Troy University 2018 during the 47th annual pageant on Saturday, Nov. 4, at the Troy Campus.

“For me, being Miss TROY isn’t just about getting my ticket punched to go to Miss Alabama, it will give me the opportunity to give back to the University and community that has become my home over the last four years,” Neal said.

Neal’s platform will be “Silencing the Stigma: Addiction Awareness.”

“I’ve had family members affected by addiction, and even though this is a hard topic, it needs to be discussed because people are dying every day,” Neal said. “Addiction doesn’t discriminate. It doesn’t matter what background you come from, once it gets hold of you, addiction affects your family, friends and everyone in your life. We need to erase the stigma through education and awareness so that people can get the help that they need.”

Ten students competed for the crown during the pageant, which was held in the Claudia Crosby Theatre.

Contestants were judged on a private interview, an on-stage question, and swimsuit, talent and evening gown portions.

Neal was crowned by Senior Vice Chancellor for Student Services Dr. John Dew, Student Government Association President Ashli Morris and Miss TROY 2017 Mary Beth Moore.

Also receiving honors were: first runner-up Brooke Whigham, a senior dance major from Mobile, Alabama; second-runner up Jayden Webb, a freshman nursing major from Enterprise, Alabama; third runner-up Jordan Dean, a junior music education major from Newnan, Georgia; and fourth runner-up Molly Grace Womack, a freshman marketing major from Trussville, Alabama. Whigham also won the Talent Award, and received a $250 cash scholarship given by Roni Holley in honor of Lesley Holley, Miss TROY 1994. Neal won the swimsuit competition. Jessica Edwards, a junior social work major from Tuscaloosa, Alabama, won Miss Congeniality.