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Introducing the 2018-19 Mr. and Miss WSSU

From left: Jonathan Morris and Christina Harris, the 2018-19 Mr. and Miss WSSU, will be crowned during coronation on Oct. 17

Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) will crown a new queen and king on Oct. 17. In anticipation of the big event, Archway caught up with the 2018-19 Mr. and Miss Winston-Salem State University to discuss campus life, this upcoming year, and more.

Miss WSSU Christina Harris

Hometown: Greensboro
Major: Biology

Q: What does it mean to you to represent the university as Miss WSSU?
It truly means the world to me to be blessed with the opportunity to represent my beloved university. I know that I now represent something much bigger than myself. I represent a legacy of excellence created by the alumni, administration, and student body of this great university. This honor means that I must do all that I can to perpetuate the vision Simon Green Atkins had for WSSU and wholeheartedly serve the student body and the Winston-Salem community.

Q: What is your platform, and how do you plan to use it to serve the WSSU community?

My platform is R.I.S.E. - Rams Ignite Service and Excellence. With this platform, I would like to build upon the foundation of our institution – “Enter to Learn. Depart to Serve.” –  by creating opportunities for the student body to engage in service activities on campus and in the Winston-Salem community that correlate with their own personal goals and interests. I also seek to highlight student excellence in and outside of the classroom and encourage students to live up to their greatest potential by utilizing the resources and opportunities provided to us here at WSSU.

Q: What do you hope will be your legacy and contribution to the university this year?

In naming this year’s royal court, “The People’s Court,” I hope to leave a legacy of campus royalty that serves selflessly and truly seeks to connect with the people we serve on a daily basis. I also hope to establish an annual Winston Women Empowerment Week during the spring semester that will seek to uplift and motivate the female population here on campus.

Q: What is your favorite WSSU tradition?
My favorite WSSU tradition is the “So Hard to be a Ram” song. I sing it from the heart because I mean every single lyric!

Q: This year’s homecoming theme is “Forever Red.” What does “Forever Red” mean to you?
I see “Forever Red” as a deeply rooted love and passion for Winston-Salem State University that will be in our hearts for the rest of our lives. We will always appreciate that WSSU helped mold us into the young women and men that we were destined to become. It is where we obtained the knowledge and opportunities to be successful throughout life. “Forever Red” signifies the feeling of forever being indebted to our dear SU.

Q: If you could have a superpower what would it be?
My superpower would be to read minds. I think it would be pretty interesting to see what’s going through everyone’s head.


 

Mr. WSSU Jonathan Morris

Hometown: Washington, D.C.
Major: Business Administration

Q: What does it mean to you to represent the university as Mr. WSSU?
It really feels like a dream I’ve been living since I was elected in mid-April. Who would have thought that little Jonathan Morris from Todd Place would ever be Mister Winston-Salem State University? I take pride in this title – not only because of the lineage it has – but because I know where I came from. I remember having doubts about even getting into WSSU because I didn’t have the grades. The school worked with me, and for that, I am grateful and will do anything I can to give back to my university. I can’t do anything but thank God for this opportunity and for him allowing me to represent this school as Mr. WSSU.

Q: What is your platform, and how do you plan to use it to serve the WSSU community?
My platform is H.E.A.R.T. – Humor, Empowerment, Authenticity, Relatability, and Transparency. This platform is comprised of characteristics that I feel leaders should have. The ability to smile, empower, be real, and most importantly, be relatable and transparent with the community you’re helping.


Q: The buildings on WSSU’s campus are named after some extraordinary people. If you could have a building on campus named after you, what types of services would it provide?
My building would be real cool, honestly. The services will have a home vibe to it. There will be relaxation massage chairs because nobody knows the true struggles we go through on a daily basis. Sometimes, people go to their rooms and cry because their day was hard. My building will serve good comfort food every day after 8 p.m., and Sunday dinners every Sunday. Some students don’t eat because they don’t have money, swipes, and/or they’re in class all day and the caf’ is closed. Sunday dinners are solely because who doesn’t like a good Sunday dinner. Chicken, mac and cheese, collards with some half and half (lemonade and sweet tea mix) to wash it down. You can’t go wrong with that. The last service I would have is full size beds with memory foam cushions for everyone. Everybody deserves a good bed to rest and nap on after a long day of classes. All these services will allow students to come together and build community within each other and from there the school would be taken to high heights.

What is your favorite chill spot on campus?
My favorite chill spot on campus would definitely be the high chairs facing the basketball gym in DJR. I have met so many people in that area – friends that I now call family. It’s like the center of DJR. You have the good brothers hooping, people getting food, and just everybody interacting with each other.

Q: What is your favorite WSSU tradition?
KR (Kenneth R. Williams Auditorium) events. The energy in KR is just unmatched. It’s just like a big family reunion where all your cousins come to town and you link up with them to have a good time. It’s a judgment free zone where everyone can be themselves. I still remember when I portrayed Marvin Sapp for the Ram Choice Awards and gave a mini-sermon. There was so much energy behind me that I really felt like “Pastor Jon.”

Q: If you could have a superpower what would it be?
My superpower would be teleportation. I’m pretty fast for my size, ask anyone who has seen me run. Sometimes, I wish I could just go somewhere instantly. Don’t you wish when you’re bored on a Saturday afternoon that you could just teleport to the beach or somewhere fun? Yes, it would definitely be teleportation for me.

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