Nova Star Juneteenth Scholarship Competition Show

As part of our weeklong Juneteenth Celebration, FIU hosted the second annual Nova Star Juneteenth Scholarship Competition Show on June 10, 2023, at the Biscayne Bay Campus (BBC).

This competition showcased FIU’s Nova Court: students who exemplify leadership qualities, self-confidence, and a commitment to their FIU community and beyond. The contest awarded over $7,500 in scholarships to the contestants, including $3,000 to the top winner. Contestants competed in categories such as FIU spirit, talent, Q & A session, and a short speech on an issue they are passionate about.

VIEW THE EVENT PROGRAM

Eligibility Requirements
- Must be enrolled as a full-time student at FIU
- Must have a minimum GPA of 2.75
- Must be in good academic and conduct standing with the university
- Must be available to participate in person for the pageant on June 10th, 2023
- Must have completed at least one full semester at FIU
- Must submit 1 letter of recommendation from an FIU faculty or staff member
Applications are now closed.

2023 Winners & Highlights

Amelia Hinds, Nova Star Ambassador — **First Place (Nova Star Ambassador): Contestant #1 -** **Amelia Hinds**
International Business Management
First-Year Student

Chandler Jules, Ambassador of Justice — **Second Place (Ambassador of Justice): Contestant #6 - Chandler Jules**
Creative Writing
Fourth-Year Student

Maikaia Speights, Ambassador of Unity — **Third Place (Ambassador of Unity): Contestant #5 - Maikaia Speights**
Nursing
Third-Year Student

Nova Star Pageant Court — **2023 Competition Show Winners Amelia Hinds, Chandler Jules, & Maikaia Speights**

**2023 Competition Contestants & Winners**

Watch the 2023 Nova Star Competition Show!

This inclusive all-genders competition showcased FIU’s Nova Court: students who exemplify leadership qualities, self-confidence, and a commitment to their FIU community and beyond. The contest awarded over $7,500 in scholarships to the contestants

Available on Demand Now!

Meet our 2023 Contestants

Contestant #1

Amelia Hinds

International Business Management

First-Year Student

Contestant #2

Athena Scarlett

Computer Science

Third-Year Student

Contestant #3

Shania Sylvain

Psychology and Natural Applied Sciences

Second-Year Student

Contestant #4

Dior Crooks

Architecture

Second-Year Student

Contestant #5

Maikaia Speights

Nursing

Third-Year Student

Contestant #6

Chandler Jules

Creative Writing

Fourth-Year Student

Thank you to our 2023 Sponsors

While competing in Nova Star, I never felt as though I needed to put up a façade or hide who I was to succeed or build relationships with other contestants. It was a great experience, and I would recommend it to anyone. You'll learn a lot, both about yourself and others.
Cailyn Collins, Ambassador of Unity 2022

2022 Nova Star Juneteenth Recap
The inaugural Nova Star Scholarship Pageant was a tremendous success. The six contestants truly exemplified leadership, school spirit, and a commitment to their FIU community. Over $5,000 in scholarships were awarded to the winners and contestants.
Nova Star Pageant Digital Program

Meet the 2022 Nova Star Court
FIU's first-ever Nova Star Scholarship Pageant winners, Teddisha Mackey, Cailyn Collins, and Jazmin Johnson share their plans for the semester, motivations for participating in the pageant, and advice for future competitors.
Read more

Meet Our 2022 Contestants

Available on Demand

Nova Star Juneteenth Scholarship Pageant

Thank You to Our 2022 Sponsors

Pageant Highlights
Pageant Contestants
Nova Star Pageant Court
Teddisha Mackay, Nova Star Ambassador
Jazmin Johnson, Ambassador of Justice
Cailyn Collins, Ambassador of Unity