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Students, faculty, staff, alumni and special guests gathered for the 89^thcoronation of Mister and Miss Kentucky State University in the William Exum Center Oct. 11.

“I would not be here without the help of the Lord,” Cierra Couch, the 89^th Miss Kentucky State University, said. “I didn’t just walk into my purpose like I thought I would. I ran, stumbled, fell, got back up, cried, lost sleep and anything else you can possibly imagine. This road to queendom has been long and tough but this is only the beginning.”

Couch’s achievements at Kentucky State include being elected Miss Freshman, Miss Sophomore and Miss Junior, membership in the world-renowned Kentucky State University concert choir and the gospel ensemble. She was the recipient of the most inspirational female award from campus organization KSU Girls Rock and serves as the charter member and president of the Kentucky chapter of the national organization, Curly in College. Couch is also a member of the volleyball team.

“I am so grateful to have this privilege, to be honored at such an amazing event,” Trevor Odell Stephens, Mister Kentucky State, said. “To my 89^th Miss Kentucky State University, you have been one of my best friends since our first week on campus. You are amazing and you will get everything you worked for and deserve.”

Stephens’ campus involvement and achievements include former member of the football team, dean’s list and male junior classman of the year. He became a member of the Beta Mu chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and was elected 2017-18 Mister Junior.

Couch is a senior from Indianapolis, Indiana. She majors in business administration with a specialization in marketing. Stephens is a senior from Horse Cave, Kentucky. He majors in political science with a minor in speech.