Troy University students Braxton Daniels of Brantley, Alabama, and Bailey Bennett of Troy, Alabama, were recently named as the University’s first ever Mr. and Miss Trojan Pride.

“The Student Government Association wanted to find a unique way to honor and recognize a male and female student that is heavily involved on campus and in the community, and takes great pride in being a Trojan,” SGA Executive Vice President Carter Ray said. “Additionally, I just wanted to create another fun, special tradition at TROY.”

The Trojan Pride selection committee consists of two faculty members, two alumni and two students.

The selection committee scored the applicants based on their campus involvement, community involvement, leadership and academic excellence. The team of students and faculty members interviewed the top 25 applicants to determine the top 10.

Finally, the top 10 candidates were elected among the student body.

“The candidate receiving the plurality of the votes in the race for Mr. Trojan Pride is awarded the title, Mr. Trojan Pride,” Ray said. “The same rules apply for the race for Miss Trojan Pride.”

Ray hopes that the award encourages students to not only push for academic success, but to get involved within the community.

“I hope students will want to be awarded these positions, and I hope they apply years to come,” Ray said. “I hope these awards inspire students to get more involved on campus and in the community, and to strive to be the best person they can be.

“Students like that are what we should take great pride in at TROY.”

Mr. and Miss Trojan Pride received swords with their names and titles engraved on the blade at a banquet in March.

The criteria for Mr. and Miss Trojan Pride included the candidates to complete at least 30 credit hours at Troy University and have no less than a 3.0 cumulative grade point average.

A student organization, an athletic team, an honor society or an academic department or program nominated applicants.