Freeman named Miss UMobile

Freeman named Miss UMobile

Miranda Freeman, a music education major from Lucedale, Mississippi, won the title of Miss University of Mobile 2016 at the 51st annual pageant Feb. 6.

Freeman will represent the University of Mobile (UMobile) for the upcoming year at various events including Christmas Spectacular. She will compete for the title of Miss Alabama in June at Samford University in Birmingham.

Freeman also won the People’s Choice award during the pageant, which was held at Saraland High School Performing Arts Center. The UMobile senior performed a classical violin piece, Vivaldi’s “Winter,” for the talent portion of the competition.

Freeman, who is preparing to be an educator, will work as an ambassador for her personal platform, “Touch Tomorrow, Today.” Her goal as Miss UMobile is to touch tomorrow today by investing in the lives of children and young adults, helping them believe in themselves and discover the unique gifts and talents they can offer the world.

Investing in lives

“Being around children and students is something I always enjoyed,” Freeman said. She said research shows that investing in the lives of children has great benefits.

“The children who receive volunteer involvement on a regular basis have higher IQs and they are generally more successful in life,” she said.

Freeman has volunteered more than 900 hours in the last five years and is working on creating a partnership between UMobile and the University of South Alabama Children’s and Women’s Hospital in Mobile.

An author of children’s books, her latest book is titled “Pie in the Sky.” Proceeds from the book go to Penelope House, a shelter for victims of domestic violence and their children.

“It is a blessing and a privilege to represent the school I love so much,” she said. “I want to be someone who embodies what this university stands for.”

First runner-up was Haley Ikner, a senior communication major from Excel. Ikner also won the swimsuit portion of the competition.

Second runner up was Whitney Myers, a junior from Mobile majoring in business administration, marketing and worship leadership.

Chelsea Seitz, a senior from Mobile majoring in music education, won the talent portion.

Miss Congeniality was Samantha Daniels, a freshman from Mobile majoring in art and psychology.

(UMobile)