Third-Year Communication Sciences and Disorders Major, Lily Kilgore, Named Miss West Chester University 2026
West Chester University student Lily Kilgore was crowned Miss West Chester University (WCU) during the 27th live competition held Saturday, February 7, in Emilie K. Asplundh Concert Hall on the University’s campus. Kilgore is a communication sciences and disorders major with a deaf studies minor from Lititz, PA. Gabby Kopczynskie, Miss WCU 2025, completed her final duty by crowning Kilgore.
Kilgore, who is also a member of the Incomparable Golden Rams Marching Band Color Guard, is prepared to spend the upcoming year advocating for accessible education and representing West Chester University in the greater community. Her Platform was “Every Mind Matters: The Importance of Accessibility in Education.”
“I can’t wait to work with so many organizations on and off the WCU campus to make education more accessible for everyone,” she said.
Ten finalists took the stage at Miss WCU. The event celebrated students across campus, focusing on community service, leadership, and academic excellence. Scholarships totaling more than $4,500 were awarded to the contestants. Participants competed in talent, casual wear, and evening gown categories, and completed an on-stage interview. Joining Kilgore in the Top 3 was Ariana Lane, a third-year media and culture major, and Omnia Tagouma, a third-year communications major.
The event was emceed by Miss WCU 2016, Ashley Lyles, and featured special performances from Under A Rest A Cappella, WCU Dance Team, as well as WCU’s mascot Rammy.
“I’m still in shock and cannot believe I won, but I’m so excited for this upcoming year,” Kilgore said.
Miss WCU is supported annually by the WCU Pageants Student Organization, the Miss WCU Alumni Chapter, local businesses, and numerous volunteers. Miss WCU was created in the 1998-1999 academic year as a residence hall activity at Killinger Hall and has since grown into a full-scale production and show. Since its development, the Miss WCU Scholarship Organization has provided more than $70,000 in scholarships to hundreds of WCU students.