Hi there! I’m Leah Roddenberry, a junior at the University of Florida Honors College and a proud member of Alpha Delta Pi.
As the youngest of five gators, attending the University of Florida has become a right of passage in my family. Orange and blue runs through my veins, and I knew the day that I got accepted into UF that I wanted to leave a lasting impact on this university. What better way to serve my community than running for the job of Miss University of Florida? I decided that being Miss UF would provide me with the incredible opportunity of representing this university, which means so much to me. I knew this would take a lot of work, but I was determined and had a goal. I signed up to compete for Miss UF and had the opportunity to represent the lovely ladies of Alpha Delta Pi. The Miss University of Florida competition entailed a private interview with the judges, an on-stage question, a talent, a swimsuit, and an evening gown portion. Knowing I had the support of my sisters was the best feeling in the world. Thank you Tess, Alise, Veronica, Kristy, my fam, and the countless others who became my “pageant moms.” I will always cherish our swimsuit walk practices, talent rehearsals, and interview prep. You all are the best!
On the night of March 27th, my dream came true, and I was crowned Miss University of Florida 2019! While it was amazing to have this dream come to fruition, the best part of the night was hearing and seeing all of my sisters that came to support me. I was overwhelmed and brought to tears by the support from my ADPi sisters, and I know I could not have done it without them! ADPi truly ran the show, and I am so thankful for Deanna Rodriguez and Chloe Judge who have been the best directors ever! Also, I am so grateful for the assistant directors, Allison and Alaina. ADPi girls know how to run a pageant! Winning Miss University of Florida was not just for myself; it was to show gratitude to Alpha Delta Pi and every single person that has supported me in obtaining this dream.
Fast forward a few months, and I was headed to the Miss Florida competition representing the University of Florida. This competition entailed a private interview, an on-stage interview, atalent, an evening gown and a social impact statement portion. I had a blast representing UF during Miss Florida week and cannot thank everyone enough for the love and encouragement. I received letters and messages from my sisters that filled my heart with so much joy. I also was blessed to have received support from ADPi alumnae and am so thankful for the long-lasting sisterhood that transcends through generations. I would not be where am without the advice and wisdom from my good friend, mentor, former Miss UF, and ADPi sister, Elizabeth Fechtel Yawman. Thank you, Liz, for everything through the years – I am blessed to know you.
Due to this support, I was pumped to walk onto the Miss Florida stage and represent UF to the best of my ability. I am honored to say I finished as First Runner-Up to Miss Florida and walked away with $8,000 in scholarship money. The best part was knowing that I was going back to represent UF and the Gator Nation all year long. What an honor it was to represent ADPi and the UF community at Miss Florida. I am forever thankful and indebted to the people that have believed, supported, and pushed me to be my best self.
I am so excited to continue representing the University of Florida this year and create lifelong memories. I look forward to serving my campus and the Alachua County community. I have already made incredible appearances from mentoring young women at Girls Place, Inc. to meeting head football coach Dan Mullen at the Tampa Gator Club to going on the news to talk about the Miss University of Florida and Miss Florida Organizations. I look forward to connecting with alumnae and current gators from around the nation. Being able to wear Miss University of Florida across my chest is one of my biggest blessings. It is truly great to be a Florida Gator!
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