September 18, 2024
East Texas Baptist University held the annual Miss ETBU Pageant on Saturday, September 14, in Baker Chapel at the Rogers Spiritual Life Center on the ETBU campus. Sponsored by ETBU’s Student Government Association, this long-standing tradition highlights the exceptional qualities of the University’s female students, showcasing their commitment to Christian values, poise, and scholarship.
Junior Christian ministry and mental health major Molly Segrest, from Wylie, Texas, was crowned the 68th Miss ETBU. Sophomore elementary education major Maddie Lozano was selected as First Runner-Up and Miss Congeniality. Sophomore biology major Makenna Lockhart was voted Audience Favorite.
“Being crowned Miss ETBU represents much more than a title,” Segrest said. “It's an opportunity to serve as an ambassador of Christian faith and values. It means embodying the mission of the University by reflecting Christ’s love, integrity, and humility in every interaction. It’s a platform to demonstrate servant leadership, live out your faith boldly, and impact the community positively, while pointing others toward Christ.”
Segrest currently attends New Beginnings Baptist Church in Longview, Texas. During her time on the Hill at ETBU she has been involved in Pom, Women’s Ministry Titus Groups, Alpha Lambda Delta honor society, and the Thrive Peer Mentor program. After graduation Molly hopes to pursue a career as a Christian counselor.
This year’s Miss ETBU Pageant featured 11 contestants, each of whom exemplified excellence both in and out of the classroom. In the days leading up to the ceremony, each contestant underwent a formal interview, and ETBU faculty and staff participated in an online vote to contribute to the selection of this year’s top five finalists.
Contestants participated in a choreographed dance at the start of the ceremony, walked the stage in formal wear for contestant introductions, and participated in a question-and-answer segment with the panel of judges. Later in the evening the top five finalists delivered passion speeches, providing insight into their personal stories and current and future aspirations.
In the final moments of the event, reigning Miss ETBU and Spring 2024 graduate Sarah Rezendez reflected on her experience with the contestants before crowning the new Miss ETBU.
“It has been such an honor to have served as Miss ETBU,” Resendez said. “It has been a privilege to serve this campus and the community of Marshall in this role. With a year full of amazing opportunities, I will be forever grateful for this experience. I loved taking part in service opportunities at Marshall ISD and serving alongside medical ministries with Mission Marshall. Some of my favorite moments have been spending extra time with students, faculty, staff, and alumni, getting to know everyone on a deeper level. I count myself lucky to represent this University that has impacted me more than I could have imagined.”
Following the event, Director of Student Engagement Daniele Brock offered a reminder of the vision of the Miss ETBU Pageant.
“We hope Miss ETBU is a transformative experience that extends far beyond the event itself,” Brock said. “Our desire is for the young ladies to deeply reflect on their faith, values, and goals which leads to a stronger sense of identity in Christ. As for leadership development, Miss ETBU is provided with numerous opportunities to cultivate and demonstrate essential leadership skills: public speaking, interpersonal skills, and Christian servant leadership. These experiences not only serve Miss ETBU well during her tenure but also equip her with valuable skills for her future endeavors. Through this role, she actively participates in fulfilling ETBU’s mission of developing Christian servant leaders.”