Supporters of Miss FAMU candidate Amanda Byrd had plenty to celebrate Friday morning after being named the 2008-2009 Miss Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University.
The results were released in front of an anxious crowd at 12:07 a.m.
“It’s all because of the student body,” said Byrd, 22, a senior occupational therapy student from Atlanta. “Without the student body’s support I wouldn’t have this position and I’ll never forget it.”
Byrd took the coveted crown with 1,051 votes, besting runner-up Scarlett Williams, who had 900 votes.
Byrd’s supporters could not have been happier.
“Byrd did that and she’s an example of how you don’t need thousands of dollars and billboards to win a campaign,” said Thaddeus Welch, 21, a senior biology and psychology student from Miami. “Amanda Byrd is the epitome of what Miss FAMU should be.”
Through the excitement and supporters chanting, “Byrd Byrd Byrd, Byrd is the word,” there were students expressing their disappointment.
“Personally I love Amanda, but I felt like she didn’t want it like Scarlett did,” said Michelle McQuinn, 19, a sophomore pharmacy student from Atlanta.
Devin Cole, 18, a freshman political science student from Tampa supported Williams, but said he is remaining positive.
“Both candidates are outstanding people; however, I chose to support Scarlett,” Cole said. “I look forward to seeing what Amanda will do for FAMU.”
Byrd’s supporters said she exemplified what a Miss FAMU should be.
Candra J. Williams, 20, a sophomore pharmacy student from Mobile, Ala., said, “I’m ecstatic Amanda won. It truly shows all you need is true desire, will, and prayer. If you have God on your side, that’s all you need.”
Williams could not be reached for comment.
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