Andalusia’s Grace Shellhouse crowned Miss Troy University

Grace Shellhouse, a junior political science major from Andalusia, was crowned as Miss Troy University during the 52nd annual pageant at the Troy Campus.

As Miss Troy University, Shellhouse earned a $7,500 scholarship, will serve as an ambassador for the University and will compete for the title of Miss Alabama later this year. Her social impact platform was “Bloom Where You are Planted,” and she performed a dance en pointe to “Torn” by Nathan Lanier. Shellhouse also won the health and fitness award.

“This has been an amazing experience. I’m so blessed with the opportunity to compete for Miss Troy, to have the responsibility of Miss Troy, to compete for Miss Alabama and to share God’s light with the kingdom,” she said. “I want to thank my parents for helping me so much with this opportunity; I couldn’t have done it without them. I cannot wait to compete for Miss Alabama and represent Troy University with as much Trojan Pride as I can!”

This is Shellhouse’s second time competing for Miss Troy University, and she encouraged others to keep pursuing their dreams despite adversity.

“Go after what you want,” she said. “Don’t take ‘no’ for an answer.”

Candidates were judged on a private interview, an on-stage conversation, health and fitness, talent and evening gown.

Makaylah Harvey, a senior multimedia journalism major from Dothan, Alabama, was First Runner Up. Gracen Murphy, a sophomore nursing major from Prattville, Alabama, was Second Runner Up and also tied for the Leslie Holley Talent Award with Keajah Lomax, a senior business management major from Phenix City, Alabama.

Kayla Johns, a freshman Nursing major from Millbrook, Alabama, was Third Runner Up followed by Chandler Paymon, a sophomore nursing major from Pike Road, Alabama, who placed Fourth Runner Up and won the People’s Choice Award.

Callie Hughes, a junior elementary education major from Echo, Alabama, won Miss Congeniality.