Trojans named Mr. and Miss Trojan Pride

Rhea (left) and Brown (right) pose with their Trojan Pride swords. Contributed photo

Mr. and Miss Trojan Pride were officially crowned at this year’s homecoming pep rally during the Troy Men’s Basketball game on Monday.

Trey Brown, a junior physical education major from Eufaula, Alabama, and Mackenzy Rhea, a junior marketing major from Crestview, Florida, were selected for the titles and shared their excitement for the honor and what it means to them.

“I honestly don’t think it has settled in yet. This is something that I’ve wanted since I went to school here,” Rhea said. “It’s been somebody from Crestview for the past two years, so I just wanted to keep that tradition alive, and it just means the world to me to support the Trojans like this.”

Brown shared a sentiment about continuing the strong legacy of Mr. Trojan Prides.

“When I think about past Mr. Trojan Pride winners, how they carry themselves and the things they have done, it shrives something in me, so being in the place that they were at, I get to share that same legacy and memorable moment of getting the Trojan pride sword,” Brown said. “There’s no better feeling than being in the best school in the land.”

Brown also defined what Trojan Pride means to him.

“School pride goes beyond this award and beyond this campaign, it’s how you carry yourself each and every day, and now that we do have the title, what are we going to do with it, you don’t stay stagnant, but continue to get better every single day,” Brown said. “We want to influence the next generation to continue to go out there and reach for the skies.”

Rhea shared that pride to her means showing up.

“Being a Trojan is just showing up to everything and being full-hearted in it, not just showing up 80% of the time, but 100% every time because you never know who needs it most,” Rhea said. “I think showing up is not just for an athletic event, but showing up in the classroom, showing up with leadership positions, just being there for everyone who needs you.

“I don’t think that this is a title that me and Trey just want, but a way to represent the school we love.”

The two also discussed what motivated them to take part in the competition to begin with and the importance that Troy has had in their lives.

“Troy has built me and who I am; I was a completely different person before I came to Troy, and so just to give back to the school we love,” Rhea said. “I know everyone says this, but I truly mean that Troy has given me everything, so just to do this and show how much Troy means to me means everything.”

Brown shared a similar sentiment about how much Troy means to him.

“It wasn’t about the campaign; it was just me showing my love for this school,” Brown said. “This school gave me so much that I can never pay it back.”

With a variety of homecoming events planned for the rest of the week, Mr. And Miss Trojan Pride shared they look forward to positively influencing their peers and continuing the legacy.

Rhea and Brown shared closing messages for the Troy community.

“Go Trojans, and show up to everything,” Rhea said. “We have a great school, and just because me and Trey have the swords that say we are Mr. And Miss Trojan Pride doesn’t mean your Trojan pride has to stop.”

Brown emphasized authenticity and connection for his fellow Trojans.

“Be yourself, being authentic will get you way further than you know,” Brown said. “Value every connection, every friendship, every conversation that you have, because one day you never know what that friendship, conversation or anything that you do can take you.”