NATCHITOCHES – The University Programming Council at Northwestern State University will present the 64th Annual Miss Northwestern – Lady of the Bracelet Scholarship Program on Thursday, Sept. 30 at 4 p.m. in the A.A. Fredericks Auditorium. Those attending are asked to follow university regulations and to wear a mask at all times in the building.

Admission is free but donations will be accepted for the Children’s Miracle Network.

Seven candidates will compete in the scholarship program, which is a preliminary for the Miss Louisiana Competition. The candidates are Abigail Nelson of Pineville, Marissa Rowsey of Haughton, Makenzie Scroggs of Marksville, Sheridan Duet of Thibodaux,  Bailey Willis of Opelousas, Emma McElwee of Many and Chileigh Mitchell of Lafayette.

The winner will receive more than $8,000 in scholarships and prizes.

Nelson is a sophomore early childhood education major and is the daughter of Mike Nelson and Julie Nelson. She was a President’s List student at NSU. Nelson is active in the BCM and Educators Rising. She was Tioga High School Student of the Year and was Miss Campus Beauty. Nelson was a two-time NCA National Champion

Rowsey is a freshman criminal justice major and is the daughter of Kymberly & Sean Rowsey. She was a magna cum laude graduate of Haughton High School.

Scroggs is a sophomore dance major and is the daughter of Rebecca and Derek Scroggs. She is a member of the Demon Dazzlers, Dance Organization of Students and the Presidential Leadership Program. At Avoyelles Public Charter School, Scroggs was National Honor Society treasurer, a top 10 graduate, CLI Ambassador, Elite Competition Dance Team Member and National Talent Winner.

Duet is a senior hospitality management and tourism and new media, journalism, and communication major and is the daughter of Dayna and Kenneth Duet. She is a member of Sigma Sigma Sigma Sorority, Demon Volunteers in Progress and is a President’s Leadership Program mentor. She has been a freshman orientation leader and is a member of Alpha Lambda Delta and the  Order of Omega. Duet is student coordinator for the NSU Food Pantry.

Willis is a sophomore secondary education major and is the daughter of Christopher and Alvada Willis. She is a member of the President’s Leadership Program and is Student Government Association student affairs commissioner. She is a freshman orientation leader and a member of Alpha Lambda Delta.

McElwee is a sophomore history major and is the daughter of Archie and Melissa McElwee. At NSU, McElwee is a member of the Catholic Student Organization and is a  University Planning Committee member. She was chosen as Sabine Parish Student of the Year, Miss Many High School and Student Body president. McElwee won the American History Award and was a UDA All-American Dancer and academic letterman recipient.

Mitchell is a sophomore secondary education major and is the daughter of Cormick “Tazz” and Evangeline Mitchell. She is a member of the Spirit of Northwestern Marching Band and the University Programming Council open committee. She is a member candidate of Tau Beta Sigma sorority. At Northside High School, Mitchell was a magna cum laude student and Viking of the Year and Student of the Year. She served as student body president.