Meet Homecoming Queen Haleigh Roberts
Roberts found her passions and her people at Mississippi College.
Senior marketing major Haleigh Roberts has been named Mississippi College’s 2024 Homecoming Queen.
The Southaven native knew MC would be her home after touring campus. She sensed the community woven into every aspect of the university and longed to be a part of it.
Upon arrival in the fall of 2021, Roberts immediately gravitated towards the hustle and bustle of campus, rushing Laguna Social Tribe and becoming a sweetheart for Kokoa Men's Service Club. These two groups instantly became her family.
“I would not trade [them] for the world,” Roberts said, referring to the men of Kokoa. “I feel so comfortable being who I am around them, and the same goes for Laguna. They just kind of brought out a version of myself I didn't know existed, but a version of myself that I think is [my truest self], and they just bring out the best in me. I’ve been able to find and improve myself.”
Roberts’s time in Laguna would lead to her most meaningful relationships. The influence of several girls within her tribe gave Roberts a vision for who she wanted to become. Gracie Phillips and Marion Whiting, née Pohl, the vice presidents responsible for her process class, were inspirations for Roberts, who assumed the same position two years later. This role has been among her favorites throughout her four years.
“I loved being vice president of recruitment with my friend Ali Hyde,” Roberts said. “I loved getting to walk our girls through the process, getting to be there for them and be a sister for them, and be someone to lean on if they needed help. That was a very rewarding experience for me.”
Additionally, Roberts’ unique passion for sports photography earned her a job on MC’s Marketing and Communications team. After undergoing two knee surgeries in high school, Roberts wanted to continue being involved in her sports teams, so she picked up an old camera and started taking photos. She developed a love for photography, which she desires to pursue after graduation. Her dream occupations include taking photos for a professional football or baseball team.
The photographer was also accepted into the Freshman Leadership Initiative Program (FLIP) with a desire to learn more about leadership. She fell in love with Dance Marathon, an annual fundraising event for Children’s of Mississippi, and continued being a part of the team. Now, she serves as the program’s Director of Marketing and Communications.
Roberts has remained busy throughout her time at MC, though it has not come without its challenges. Roberts has learned how to balance everything and still do things with excellence. The challenges were worth experiencing if it meant giving back to the community that gave so much to her.
“I've been so blessed to have a strong community to hold me up and to encourage me…,” Roberts said. “Now, it's such a cool thing to look back and, like, take a step back and see what all the Lord's done, because he's just so faithful in time. He doesn't do anything by accident. And I'm so blessed to be where I am because I literally couldn't have done it without His grace and with His love.”
Roberts and the rest of the homecoming court will take center field during halftime of the football game against Erskine University on Saturday, October 26, at 4pm.
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