You may have noticed them around campus. Whether they’re participating in ribbon-cutting ceremonies, advocating for breast cancer awareness, or speaking at Convocation, the UDC Royal Court has been actively engaged in their roles as student leaders.

On Nov. 12, a Coronation ceremony and ball held at the University of the District of Columbia crowned the 2024-’25 UDC Royal Court during UDC’s weeklong 2024 Homecoming celebration.

The first Miss UDC, Gail Jones was crowned Miss University of the District of Columbia in 1977.  At the 2024 UDC Coronation, Jones took pride in her historic role. “It wasn’t just about wearing a crown; it was about embodying the spirit of UDC and paving the way for others to follow.”

A Homecoming highlight, Coronation follows a century of tradition at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) during which students share their joy, beauty, culture and identity. The Royal Court plays a historic and even sacred role at UDC and other HBCUs, empowering appointed leaders to represent the student body, advocate for them, and strive to uphold the institution’s storied legacy.

That legacy includes the first Miss UDC, Gail Jones, who spent two years at Federal City College (’80) as a home economics education major before the college merged with two other UDC predecessor schools to become the University of the District of Columbia in 1976.

Jones is a nationally recognized teacher, nutrition expert and community leader. Crowned Miss University of the District of Columbia in 1977, she later won many pageants and awards for teaching and community service. At the 2024 UDC Coronation, Jones took pride in her historic role.

“As the first Miss University of the District of Columbia, I was given the opportunity to represent our university in ways that I could never have imagined,” she said.

“It wasn’t just about wearing a crown; it was about embodying the spirit of UDC and paving the way for others to follow.”

Jones noted that being the first Miss UDC meant standing as a symbol of possibility and confidence, not only for herself but for future generations of Firebirds.

“That role was truly life-changing, and it gave me the confidence and foundation to pursue my dreams, knowing that I was supported by an incredible community. It’s a legacy that I am deeply proud of, and it’s a privilege to have been part of something so historic for our university,” she said.

Newly crowned Miss UDC Fendian Pollock says she finds Jones’ story inspiring, as does Miss UDC-Community College (UDC-CC) CiAhna Chloe.

“Being Miss UDC-CC means continuing a legacy of women who lead, inspire and uplift our community,” Chloe said.

Newly crowned Miss UDC Fendian Pollock says she finds Jones’ story inspiring.

A key part of the Royal Court’s charge—and UDC’s mission—is to serve others, something Mr. Junior Ta’Quan Ford regularly models. The digital media student also serves as an ambassador for the HBCU Mister and Miss organization and a mentor for the UDC Accessibility Resource Center.

“I’m committed to supporting student engagement and fostering a positive campus environment,” Ford says.

According to Jones, HBCU traditions like Homecoming and the Royal Court build self-esteem—something students and alumni carry wherever they go.

“These events inspire current students, alumni and the entire community to connect, honor our heritage, and show our Firebird spirit. They are an essential part of who we are and what we represent as an HBCU—a place of excellence, unity, and endless possibility,” she said.

At a Royal Luncheon held Nov. 14, Jones was a featured speaker, sharing moments from her time as Miss UDC and its influence on her life trajectory.

“Being crowned Miss University of the District of Columbia gave me the confidence to pursue my dreams,” she said. “That title wasn’t just a crown—it was a spark that ignited my belief in myself.”

Members of the 2024-’25 UDC Royal Court

Hailing from Jamaica to Nigeria to Washington, D.C., the Royal Court members are ready to serve their fellow students. Here’s a look at where they’re from and what they’re studying.

Mister UDC: Jaeron Nichols, Arizona, Art (Graphic Design)
Miss UDC: Fendian Pollock, Jamaica, Accounting
Mister UDC-CC: Victor Amador, Boston, Law Enforcement
Miss UDC-CC: CiAhna Chloe; Washington, D.C.; Nursing
Mr. Firebird: Travis Henderson, Maryland, Business Management
Miss Firebird: Ayesha Jarrett, Jamaica, Business Management
Mister Homecoming: Bjorn Powell, Jamaica, Accounting
Miss Homecoming: Samantha Morrison, Jamaica, Biomedical Engineering
Mister Freshman: Jairus Kelly, North Carolina, Business Management
Miss Freshman: Renee Miller, Jamaica, Biology
Mister Sophomore: Ehidiamen Egbiremon, Nigeria, Business Management
Miss Sophomore: Peta-Gaye Scott, Jamaica, Accounting
Mister Junior: Ta’Quan Ford; Washington, D.C.,; Digital Media
Miss Junior: Shaday Currie, Jamaica, Digital Media
Miss Senior: Torian Powell, Jamaica, Accounting & Finance
Royal Escort: Shaval Porter, Jamaica, Cybersecurity