Miss Troy University 2025: Results are in

Kathryn Clark photos

Miss Troy University 2025 Grace Shellhouse is crowned by Sarah Jane Houston, Miss Troy University 2024.

After a night of on-stage engagements, decorative gowns and musical numbers, Grace Shellhouse was crowned Miss Troy University 2025.

The theme for this year’s Miss Troy University pageant was “For the Love of Troy.” Throughout the night, musical selections regarding love were played to emphasize the theme.

Miss Troy University 2024 Sarah Jane Houston opened the pageant with the national anthem. Houston, along with T-Roy, then joined the ladies for the opening dance number.

“This was super bittersweet since I feel like this year has flown by, but I'm really excited for the next person to get this experience,” said Houston, a junior psychology major from Albany, Georgia. “I was really excited to see the fruition of all these young ladies' hard work.

“They've all put in so much work and effort and I'm confident that whoever the judges select will be a great representative.”

After introductions, the 12 contestants went into the on-stage conversation round, where they answered questions about how they represent and spread awareness for their community service initiatives.

A performance of “Endless Love” from Sheila Jackson followed afterwards, leading into the fitness round. The talent competition followed afterwards.

“The ladies did phenomenal, especially since it's so vulnerable when you're up here, especially some of the girls who share personal stories about how they overcame depression and anxiety,” said Lydia (Willoughby) Kirkland, former Miss Troy University who served as the night’s emcee. “Those are very difficult things to share with your peers, especially in this setting, but I thought the musical talents were wonderful and the monologues were great.   

“I'd love to see the program extend beyond this number of candidates in the future. They really set the stage for a program that's going to flourish.”

Jump rope skills, the playing of the flute and a piano performance were also part of the talent competition. Houston then performed “Defying Gravity” from “Wicked” before giving her final walk as Miss Troy University and reflecting on her year as Miss Troy.

The evening gown portion closed out the pageant, allowing the ladies to show off their charm, grace and beauty in extravagant gowns. Then, the presentation of four awards followed right before the crowning of Miss Troy University 2025.

“This has been such an amazing experience, and I'm so blessed with the opportunity to compete for Miss Troy as well as now have the responsibility of Miss Troy,” said Shellhouse, a junior political science major with a legal studies minor from Andalusia, Alabama. “I'm so excited for all the appearances that are about to come along, and I'm ready to represent Troy University with as much Trojan pride as I can.

“Always go after what you want, and don't take no for an answer.”

Shellhouse celebrated her new title by going to McDonald's with her family and friends following the pageant. See next week’s edition of The Tropolitan to read a full feature on the new Miss Troy University.