TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida A&M University’s legacy of leadership and tradition shined brightly during
the annual Coronation Ceremony hold Sunday, Oct.12, inside Lee Hall Auditorium. The
vent crowned the 119th Miss FAMU and the 26th Mister FAMU, officially launching what
became an unforgettable 2025 homecoming week on the Hill.
The coronation theme, “A Night in New Orleans,” brought Southern flair to the ceremony,
blending pageantry and cultural pride in a celebration that embodied the spirit of
FAMU’s long-standing royal tradition.
FAMU’s 13th President Marva Johnson poses with student leaders during the coronation
that kicked off homecoming. (Photo by Treyvon Eugene/FAMU)
The coronation introduced this year’s royal court, each member representing the values
of scholarship, service, and leadership that define the FAMU experience:
Miss FAMU Edwina Fleuridor, Mister FAMU Miles Howard, King of Orange and Green Gucciany Toussaint, Queen of Orange and Green Tamia Williams, Miss Senior Sheridan Bates, Miss Junior Delya Harris, Miss Sophomore Deonna McKinzie, Miss Freshman Staci Turner, and Miss Graduate Chandler Gaskin.
Before a packed audience of students, faculty, alumni, and community members, the
royal court graced the stage in elegant formal wear, symbolizing excellence and unity
across generations of Rattlers.
Mister FAMU Miles Howard and Miss FAMU Edwina Fleuridor proudly stand representing
the student body. (Photo by Treyvon Eugene/FAMU)
Mister FAMU’s Message
For Howard, the moment was about more than a title; it was a testament of faith, growth and
purpose. Howard shared that his decision to run for Mister FAMU stemmed from a desire
to be a light for others and reflect God’s love through his leadership.
Throughout his journey, he said, the experience taught him several lessons, including
discipline and professionalism. Howard also emphasized that the role has challenged
him to lead with integrity and remain grounded in his faith, even through moments
of uncertainty.
“Pray for me, pray for the university, and pray that I can continue to represent FAMU
with humility, excellence, and faith,” he closed.
Miss FAMU’s Moment
For Fleuridor, receiving her crown marked the culmination of faith, perseverance, and personal
growth.
“Coming to FAMU as a first-generation Rattler, I truly believed that I was going to
come in, get my education, have a little fun, and get out. But, you know the saying,
tell God your plans and you’ll hear Him laugh. Oh, and I just know He was rolling,
laughing at the sound of mine,” Fleuridor said. “Even though I said I’d never run
a campaign, not in this life or the next, I ran not one, but two.”
She expressed gratitude for the experiences that shaped her and the opportunity to
serve the university she loves. “I don’t take this crown lightly,” she said. “As the
119th Miss Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, I promise to lead with
humility, to serve with intention, and to be resilient where God has placed me. I
promise to pour into our campus the same way it poured into me.”
The 119th Miss FAMU Edwina Fleuridor is crowned by the 118th Miss FAMU Kayla Jada
Thompson. (Photo by Treyvon Eugene/FAMU)
A Celebration of Leadership and Culture
The evening seemed to capture the essence of Homecoming. A lively second line performance
filled Lee Hall with excitement, and the crowd joined in, celebrating together in
true New Orleans style.
Throughout the night, speakers reflected on the importance of legacy and leadership
within the FAMU community. The coronation not only introduced the 2025 Royal Court
but also reminded attendees of the University’s mission to develop students who lead
with confidence, compassion, and excellence.
Members of the Royal Court shared reflections that underscored fulfillment and gratitude.
King of Orange and Green Gucciany Toussaint and Queen of Orange and Green Tamia Williams
(Photo by Treyvon Eugene/FAMU)
“Serving on the Royal Court this year symbolizes perseverance. During my freshman
year, I would have never imagined myself running a campaign at such a huge university,”
Harris said. “It truly boosted my confidence that if you have faith and stay true
to yourself, you can accomplish anything.”
Harris shared that she hopes her FAMU journey inspires others to achieve anything
they put their mind to and that patience is key.
“Being crowned Miss Junior was a goal I’d been working toward for a long time, so
the moment was definitely filled with pride, relief, and joy,” she said.
Turner said the second line was her favorite part of the evening. “I literally cannot describe
it. I had so much fun doing it; it really felt like I was in New Orleans for real.
It was so great and so fun; I would want to do that part a million times,” she said.
As the FAMU community reflects on the success of Homecoming 2025, the coronation stands
out as a beautiful and meaningful kickoff. The ceremony set the tone for a week filled
with Rattler pride; honoring tradition while inspiring the next generation of leaders
to “strike, strike, and strike again.
Queen of Orange and Green and her court beam with Rattler Pride. (Photo by Treyvon
Eugene/FAMU)
Media Contact:
Rachel James-Terry
Senior Director of Strategic Communications
rachel.jamesterry@famu.edu