A new Miss Troy University is crowned
A new student was crowned Miss Troy University, beginning her reign as the university’s newest representative after a pageant celebrating Troy’s motto, contestants’ talents and their commitment to service.
Gracen Murphy, a nursing major from Prattville, Alabama, won the title after competing in an onstage interview, talent performances, health and fitness and evening wear. Each phase reflected Troy’s motto, “Educate the mind to think, the heart to feel, and the body to act,” highlighting different values of the university.
For Murphy, the crown represents a second chance at a goal she first pursued as a freshman.
“It feels surreal,” Murphy said. “I came and did it my freshman year and didn’t walk away with the crown, but I knew I wanted to try again because I grew so much from the experience and I love Troy so much.
“I’m just thrilled to be able to represent Troy in a whole new way.”
Murphy’s talent performance featured the piano, an instrument she began playing in fifth grade. The performance offered a chance to share a personal passion with the audience and her family, who attended to support her.
“I love playing piano,” Murphy said. “I started in the fifth grade, and it is really just a calm for me that nothing else is.
“To be able to get on stage and share that with so many people, and especially the people here that love me so much, like my family who has come to support me, means the world.”
Isabella Calasso, a nursing major from Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, finished as first runner-up. After placing fourth runner-up in her first pageant last year, Calasso returned this year with renewed determination.
“It feels really good because last year I got fourth runner-up, and that was my first pageant, so I was not expecting this big leap,” Calasso said. “Honestly, I put in some hard work, and I’m ready to come back next year even harder.”
Calasso also celebrated Murphy’s achievement, praising her work ethic and character.
“You are so deserving of this, and you have worked so hard, and you are the kindest soul I’ve ever met,” Calasso said. “You’ll continue to shine the way you do.”
The crown passed from outgoing Miss Troy University Anna Grace Tucker to Murphy, closing Tucker’s reign and ushering in a new representative. Tucker reflected on her experience and expressed excitement for the next titleholder.
“I’m just so excited for the next Miss Troy University and what her reign is going to be like, and all of the contestants that competed tonight,” Tucker said. “I’m just really proud of what I’ve done with my reign as Miss Troy University.”
Tucker encouraged Murphy to embrace the opportunity ahead and prepare for the Miss Alabama stage.
“Soak it up,” Tucker said. “She’s an amazing piano player, and I can’t wait to see her on the Miss Alabama stage and to know that she has a village that is going to help her prepare.”
Murphy’s role will extend beyond the pageant stage through “The Village,” the Miss Troy University community service initiative focused on women’s health. The initiative recently assembled postpartum care baskets to be distributed to women at Baptist Medical Center East.
As Murphy begins her reign, she will represent Troy University while continuing the initiative’s community service work, carrying the university’s motto into her year as Miss Troy University.
Pick up The Tropolitan next week for a full feature story on the new Miss Troy University.
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