CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. – Alyssa Walker, a sophomore from Greensburg, Ky., majoring in psychology, was crowned Campbellsville University’s Valentine Pageant Queen during the annual Valentine’s Pageant Feb. 15 in Ransdell Chapel. Walker also won Best Talent.
The Campbellsville University campus gathered in the Ransdell Chapel to uphold a tradition that has been alive for 83 years. The event kicked off with Gabriel Maurer and Tebello Machinini welcoming the eager crowd on behalf of the Campbellsville University Student Government Association (SGA). Vice President of Event Programming Machinini stated that, “There has been a lot of time and effort put into this pageant, and many people are to be credited. We would like to extend a special thank you to everyone who made this night possible.”
Walker represented the Campbellsville University Theatre Department. She performed original choreography to a favorite song, “Gratitude” by Brandon Lake.
Chloe Wesley, a Senior from Liberty, Ky., won the title of first runner up in addition to best poise and appearance. Joslin Bernard, a Junior from Pretoria, South Africa, was second runner-up, and Sheneil Sinclair, from Belize City, Belize, won Best Interview. Ka’Niya Douglas, a Senior from Louisville, Ky., won Miss Congeniality. Also competing in the pageant was Elizabeth Swafford, a Junior from Campbellsville, Ky., majoring in mathematics with a teacher certification, and Audrey Dejaynes, a Junior from Hopkinsville, Ky.
Wesley is majoring in elementary education and represented the Cheer team. She sang “How He loves us” by David Crowder Band while playing ukulele.
Bernard is majoring in Psychology and represented the Campbellsville University Dance team. She performed original choreography to the song “Vain,” by KIRBY.
Sinclair is a Psychology and Criminology Major and represented the Criminal Justice Department. She recited an original poem, titled “The Blood on our Hands.”
Douglas is majoring in Liberal Arts with a Concentration in Social Work and represented the Gospel Choir. She cooked her famous cinnamon rolls for the judges.
Swafford represented the First-Generation scholars and performed a creative monologue based on her mathematics and calculus background.
Dejaynes represented the Mass Communications Department and presented her own short story, accompanied by animations.
Campbellsville University’s Student Government Association (SGA) hosted the pageant.
Gabriel Maurer, President of SGA, said, “We saw the crowd widely engaged with the event. I attribute this to the fact that our contestants were from all corners of campus, which allowed all students to come together and enjoy this tradition.”
“I am not only proud of the contestants and escorts for all of their hard work, but I’m especially proud of the president and the SGA Council!” Shelby Bollinger, one of three judges at the 2026 Valentine’s pageant and former SGA president, said. “The 2026 Valentine’s Queen is a very talented young woman who represents Campbellsville University’s values and mission well.”
“I saw this pageant as an opportunity to put myself out there and meet new people, and the Lord provided.” Alyssa Walker, the 83rd Valentine's Queen, said. “Every girl radiated positive, encouraging energy and worked to create such an uplifting environment. I see them doing great things on this campus, especially within each program that they represented.”
Campbellsville University is a widely acclaimed Kentucky-based Christian university that offers over 100 programs, including doctoral, master's, bachelor's, associate and certificate programs. For complete information, please visit www.campbellsville.edu.