Photo credit: Stephen Pawlowski, official Miss Louisiana photographer
Olivia Grace George, a Louisiana Tech senior who aspires to be an educator, was recently crowned Miss Louisiana 2024. George competed as Miss Louisiana Watermelon Festival, winning preliminary awards in health and fitness and placing in the top five. George competed against 32 other contestants and won more than $25,000 in scholarships to help cover her tuition at Louisiana Tech.
“This job is an opportunity to lead, serve and share my community service efforts throughout our great state of Louisiana,” George said. “I plan to empower students to become strong leaders and develop a love of learning.”
After earning her degree in Elementary Education from the College of Education and Human Sciences (CEHS), George plans to follow in her parents' footsteps and become a third-generation teacher. Through her family life, she has personally experienced the profound impact of education and knows the joy of falling in love with learning. She wants to inspire the same passion for education in Louisiana's youth.
“Through my education courses, I've been fortunate to see the impact strong leaders can have in the classroom,” George said. “My students have the potential to lead both in and out of the classroom, and it's my job to show them their ability to make a difference.”
“Olivia works extremely well with children and collaborates perfectly with her peers in the classroom,” says Dr. Lynn Stratton, associate professor in the Department of Curriculum, Instruction and Leadership. “She's dependable, energetic, and her enthusiasm for learning is contagious.”
With her passion for education, George has launched an initiative that reflects her dedication to educational development. Her “Education is Key – Knowledge Empowers Youth” initiative focuses on partnering with schools across the state to champion and empower youth learning.
“Olivia's work with Education Is Key means so much to all of us,” said CEHS Dean Dr. Henrietta Williams Pichon. “Her path in education speaks to the power of knowledge. We all root for her as she sheds light on the importance of learning at critical developmental milestones. We are so proud of her.”
“One of the most important qualities of a teacher is the ability to communicate effectively with students, colleagues, parents and school leadership, and Olivia excels at that,” said Dr. Amy Bessel, Director of the Center for Clinical Training and Recruitment. “She is highly respected throughout the Curriculum, Instruction and Leadership department, and we can't wait to support her 'Education is Key' platform as she engages with schools across the state. Olivia truly makes her mark in the classroom.”
George is actively involved in campus life at Louisiana Tech. She was recently selected as co-captain of the Regal Blues Dance Team and is a proud member of Sigma Kappa sorority where she participates in various philanthropic activities, fostering a spirit of sisterhood and service. She also serves on the Peer Leadership Council and Student Recruitment, demonstrating her leadership and commitment to the university.
As the new Miss Louisiana, George plans to use the knowledge she gained in education classes to positively impact and make a difference in children's lives.
“Recognizing that education is key, together we can build a Louisiana where every child thrives, our communities thrive and our state excels,” George said.
