2024 Miss Troy University dons new crown

Hair, makeup and an evening gown are no strangers to Sarah Jane Houston, 2024 Miss Troy University. After claiming two additional titles since Miss Troy, Houston is now making room in her trophy case for a new crown.

This week marks one month into a new reign for Houston. This time, she represents her home state as Miss Georgia Volunteer.

Houston says the path to a new crown was not clear at first, but through prayer and mentorship, she was led to leave the Miss America system and head toward something different.

“This was a completely new pageant system for me, one I had admired for years after watching my Miss Troy University sister, Caroline Clark, win Miss Alabama Volunteer in 2025,” Houston said. “I am so grateful that I didn’t let the fear of trying something new keep me from pursuing this opportunity.”

The queen said being a state titleholder has been a dream of hers for many years. The wait for a state title has offered her plenty of time to think of the impact she wishes to make now that she wears a state representative sash.

“I want to show young girls in similar positions that they belong in every space they dream of entering,” Houston said. “I want them to understand that their circumstances do not have to define the size of their dreams.

“If I can be the person I needed to see growing up, then this year will be incredibly meaningful to me.”

With three new titles since winning the Miss Troy University crown, Houston believes she wouldn’t be the queen she is today without Troy University.

“Troy taught me the importance of getting involved, serving others, taking chances and saying yes to opportunities that scare you.” Houston said. “Those lessons have followed me far beyond campus and into this new chapter as Miss Georgia Volunteer.”

As she looks ahead, Houston assured her fellow Trojans that state lines won’t stop her from representing The School We Love.

“I am so excited to finish out my degree this year and continue representing the university that became my home away from home,” Houston said. “I will always be a Trojan at heart. Go Trojans, forever and always!”

Houston is set to walk the stage at Miss Volunteer America representing Georgia, and Troy in her heart, in June of this year.