Story: Lisa Sollie
Avery Emory, a junior integrated marketing communications major from Demopolis, Alabama, was crowned Miss Paragon 2025 at the University of West Alabama’s annual Miss Paragon Pageant, held in April.
The event, hosted by UWA’s chapter of the Blue Key Honor Society, honors students for their exceptional leadership in academics and extracurricular activities. All proceeds benefit the UWA Student Emergency Fund, which helps students facing financial challenges, such as medical expenses, housing, transportation, and food insecurity. The fund is reviewed by a committee at the university, according to Leslie White, UWA’s coordinator of student involvement and communications.
For Emory, winning Miss Paragon was a surprising achievement, as it marked her first-ever pageant experience. “I’ve never been interested in entering a pageant before, but I decided to give it a try last minute. My best friend Kinley, who had only been in one other pageant, did the same—and we both placed. I ended up winning, and she was named first runner up,” Emory recalls.
Entering the pageant was part of Emory’s goal to challenge herself in new ways. “This year I wanted to push myself to do things outside my comfort zone. Jumping out of an airplane in January didn’t scare me, but walking across that stage? I was terrified!” she adds.
Sponsored by UWA Student Activities, Emory is an active member of the Phi Mu Fraternity and serves as honors chairwoman. She is also a dedicated member of the UWA Cheerleading squad and maintains a spot on the dean’s list. In addition to winning Miss Paragon 2025, Emory was awarded the People’s Choice Award for raising the most funds for the UWA Student Emergency Fund at the end of the night’s event. She credits her extended family for helping her.
“It’s funny because I didn’t even tell anyone I was entering the pageant, but somehow my dad’s family in Livingston found out and showed up to cheer me on. I hadn’t even told my parents, but I think a friend gave them a heads-up. The night of the pageant, both sets of grandparents, my parents, and lots of family were in the front cheering. I’m grateful they were there, because if I won, and they weren’t there to see it, I would have been in big trouble!” she laughs.
Kinley Gilley, a sophomore from Leeds, Alabama, was named first runner-up. Gilley, also an integrated marketing communications major, is actively involved in the Phi Mu Fraternity, serving as membership director and public relations chair. She’s a member of the UWA cheerleading squad and was inducted into the Order of Omega Honor Society. Her sponsor for the pageant was Phi Mu Fraternity.
Savannah Huver, a sophomore from Tuscaloosa, Alabama, majoring in marine biology, was named second runner-up. Huver is an FCA Ambassador, a member of the UWA Volleyball team, and holds several leadership roles in Phi Mu, including vice president of chapter development and academic excellence chairwoman. Huver has been inducted into Phi Eta Sigma Honor Society and one of 10 students selected for the Order of Omega Honor Society. She also received the Global Scholars Award and the Jessica Hill Memorial Scholarship. Her pageant sponsor was Phi Mu Fraternity.
Mary Clanton Webb, a junior from Marion, Alabama, majoring in sports management, was a top five finalist. Webb is active Phi Mu, serving as social chairwoman, craft committee chairwoman, and membership director. She is a consistent academic achiever, making the dean’s and president’s lists. Webb works in the Tiger Room for UWA’s athletic department and was sponsored by UWA Greek Life.
Katie Ann Abbot, a sophomore from Corner, Alabama, rounded out the top five. Abbot, majoring in psychology with a minor in special education, is a leader in the Baptist Campus Ministry and The Awakening. She enjoys intramural sports and has been on the president’s list for two years. Abbott is a member of the Phi Eta Sigma Honor Society was recently invited to join the Blue Key Honor Society, due to her academic excellence and leadership. She also works at UWA’s Campus School. Her sponsor was UWA Student Involvement and Communications.
The 2025 Miss Paragon Pageant raised $1,456 for the UWA Student Emergency Fund, a slight increase from last year.
As the 2025 winner, Emory will appear on the homecoming parade float this fall, where she hopes her grandfather will have the honor of driving her. She will also crown next year’s Miss Paragon.