Second-year Women’s and Gender Studies Major, Stella Downey, Named Miss West Chester University 2024
West Chester University student Stella Downey, was crowned Miss West Chester University during the 25th live competition held on Saturday, February 3, in Emilie K. Asplundh Concert Hall on the University’s campus. Downey is a Women’s and Gender Studies major with a minor in Special Education from Kennett Square, PA. Madelyn Rowan, Miss West Chester University 2023, completed her final duty after an incredible year of service, as she crowned Downey.
Downey is prepared to spend the upcoming year promoting her platform, Stars in the Spotlight: Shining a Light on Those of All Abilities as well as representing West Chester University in the greater community.
“I am so incredibly grateful. This is a dream come true, truly,” Downey said. “I am so excited to advocate for those with disabilities. As someone with a disability, I know how hard it is to do every day tasks, so I am so excited to uplift those in this community for the things they do every day.”
Maria Urrutia, the West Chester University advisor for Miss WCU said, “It was a phenomenal experience to see the depth in which the pageant is experienced by not only the current but past participants. I think that there is a true community that is built through the process that carries on every year. This year being the 25th year was over-the-top magic.”
Eight contestants took the stage at Miss WCU and numerous others received accolades including: the Non-Finalist Interview award going to Lauren Phonnathong from Exton, PA, as well as the Non-Finalist Talent award going to Kamie Dombrowski, an Honors College student. Additionally, Danika Elican, a biology major received the Academic award, Amija Coleman, from Washington D.C. was awarded the Congeniality Award, the Spirit Award went to Za’Mani Moore who focused on promoting Compassion in Cognitive Care, and the Women’s Empowerment Award went to Bridget Higgins-Haas a Chemistry major from Oley, PA. Top 3 awards and placements went to Amija Coleman and Danika Elican.
The event focused on celebrating WCU students across the campus, focusing on community service, leadership, and scholarship. Overall, more than $3,000 was awarded to the contestants. Participants competed in a pre-interview with judges, and on stage, competed in such categories as talent, casual wear, evening gown, as well as an on-stage interview. In addition to the categories, judges also considered each contestant’s ability to represent West Chester University during the upcoming year.
The event was hosted by former Miss Philadelphia and journalist, Holly Jones, and featured special performances from Under A Rest A Capella, WCU Dance Team, as well as from Madelyn Rowan, Miss WCU 2023.
Miss WCU was created in 1998-1999 as a residence hall activity at Killinger Hall and has since grown to a full-scale production and show that fills Asplundh Concert Hall. Since its development, the Miss WCU Scholarship Organization has provided close to $60,000 in scholarships to nearly 500 WCU women who have since become successful professionals.