Miss Marshall becomes a family tradition

Homecoming became a family tradition when Ms. Marshall was crowned at Saturday's game.

Last year's Ms. Marshall Stephanie Perry-Smith, stood  on the field at halftime where she passed on the title of Ms. Marshall to future sister-in-law Miranda Rosiek.

The feelings on the field were ones to be remembered as the names were announced for this year's campaign.

"Just being on the field together was great and then when they announced my name and I saw her walking over to me. It was just a memory I will never ever forget," Rosiek said.

Perry-Smith was a public relations major at Marshall when she met Rosiek. Rosiek said they met in economics class and both took public relations classes. After becoming good friends, Perry-Smith set Rosiek up on a date with her brother.

"And now not only will we be friends," Rosiek said, "but we'll be sisters-in-law soon."

Rosiek received encouragement from Perry-Smith on applying to be Ms. Marshall, but it was ultimately her decision to run. Rosiek said she felt she had all the requirements to be a good candidate in the competition.

"I told her it was a great opportunity to be more involved with Marshall and the community and really help her in getting a job," Perry-Smith said.

Rosiek said the campaign was very stressful at times, but a phone call to Perry-Smith helped her get through the rough days.

"The support and encouragement I got from Stephanie just really helped me and her guidance really kept my spirits up," Rosiek said.

The butterflies became more intense as Saturday afternoon approached. Homecoming court members were escorted onto the field by their loved ones as they awaited the announcement of Mr. and Ms. Marshall.

The moment was special for Rosiek because her family surrounded her on the field when her name was announced.

"I was really, really excited for her but it was also emotional for me," Perry-Smith said. "It's amazing that someone in my family can continue the reign of Ms. Marshall."

With the title in hand, Rosiek plans to help the community by getting involved in the campaign "Helping Hungry Hearts," which raises money for the Huntington Area Food Bank.

"Overall it was just one of the most exciting times here at Marshall that I've had," Rosiek said. "It was just a fun, memorable experience."

It was as students that these two women both met and were chosen to be representatives of Marshall. And it will be as sisters that they remember their time here at Marshall.

   Meghann Ferguson can be contacted at ferguson121@marshall.edu.