Miss University of Mobile 2008 Helps a Deserving Family

Miss University of Mobile Helps Others—Alana Swindler fulfilled her first duty
as Miss University of Mobile 2008 by volunteering at the home of a Mobile, Ala.,
family who was selected to have a home makeover on the ABC television show
Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.

On Saturday night, Alana Swindler was the embodiment of all things pageantry—the beautiful evening gown, a surprised look as her name was announced, and the crown. Tuesday was a different story. On Tuesday, Alana was decked out wearing a blue t-shirt, jeans, and a hard hat.

When the Extreme Makeover: Home Edition television crew rolled into Mobile to surprise a deserving family with an announcement of a new home on Friday, Feb. 1, Swindler was preparing for the Miss University of Mobile pageant, which was on Saturday, Feb. 2.

During the Miss UM pageant, Swindler of Lexington, S.C., was judged in talent, interview, evening gown and swimsuit. She performed “Gimme, Gimme” from the musical “Thoroughly Modern Millie” for the talent portion of the competition.

She was crowned Miss University of Mobile 2008 by the end of the evening, winning a one-year, full-tuition scholarship valued at $13,500.

“I was stunned,” said Swindler of her crowning moment.

Being Miss UM “is a great honor,” said the sophomore. “It really means a lot.”

Miss University of Mobile serves as the official hostess of the Baptist-affiliated university. Her responsibilities include participation in alumni activities, homecoming, dedications, receptions and various community and student events.

Becoming Miss UM “means a very busy year ahead,” said Swindler, a member of Lexington Baptist Church.

She said as a representative of the University of Mobile, she plans “to be a positive influence for Mobile, and around Mobile.”

Busy and a positive influence was right.

Just a few days after the pageant competition, Swindler fulfilled her first act as Miss UM, as she volunteered at the construction site of a Mobile, Ala., home makeover for the ABC television show Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.

“I really didn’t know what I was getting myself into,” said Swindler, a music major. She had watched the show before but did not know what to expect in person.

After registering, cleaning hard hats and waiting a few hours, Swindler was bused to the construction site—the Gaudet family’s Hurricane Katrina-damaged house.

“Once I got there, I was able to see how much good comes from this T.V. show, how organized it is and how efficient it is,” she said.

Swindler said she participated at the construction site to have the opportunity to be involved in a program that is doing good for others. All the while, she was following the University of Mobile’s mission to “change lives to change the world.”

Swindler’s job was to pick up scraps from the site, clearing the yard of debris so sod could be laid later. What may have seemed like an insignificant job was actually very important. Swindler said her task of picking up scraps kept the operation going to ensure the house was ready to hand over to the family on schedule.

“It was good just to serve a family that has served the community of Mobile,” she said.

According to Heritage Homes, a homebuilder company selected to help with the project, the Gaudets are very deserving. On a press release found on the Heritage Homes website, company president Frank Lott III said, “they often put their strong commitment to helping others in front of their own needs.”

“While their commitment to community is thriving, the condition of the family home teeters critically with a leaky roof, a disastrous bathroom, a crumbling kitchen and sinking load bearing wall,” Lott continued.

The house was damaged by a small house fire and from a hurricane that made landfall more than two years ago. The parents have eight children. Six of the children, the youngest with Down syndrome, live in the Midtown Mobile house. The entire family volunteers their time helping with organizations such as Down Syndrome Society of Mobile, United Cerebral Palsy and Camp Smile - a camp for disabled youth and adults, according to the Heritage Homes website.

“The story of the family is amazing,” said Swindler.

Along with Swindler, Miss UM 2007 Jaye Herrod, other community volunteers, and local professional companies, the Gaudet’s old house was demolished and a new, improved, fully-furnished home was constructed in its place in a week.

After working her volunteer shift on Tuesday, Swindler said she “left encouraged to see how many people were involved and really care about making a difference in the community.”

“If we band together—at school and in the community—we can leave an imprint on someone’s life; for good, not bad,” she continued.

Volunteering is only one aspect Swindler will partake in as Miss University of Mobile this year. In addition to competing in Miss Alabama 2008, a preliminary to Miss America 2009, Swindler will focus a mentorship program she founded. The program, “Mentoring: The Charlotte Project,” will help young men and women begin at an early age to develop a clear understanding of the importance of friendship, instill leadership qualities in students as they experience the joy of being a mentor, encourage students to believe in themselves, and help the students, kindergarten to college age, realize their destiny and purpose.

Swindler said the Charlotte Project was inspired by “Charlotte’s Web,” a book by E.B. White. Its mission statement is based on Ecclesiastes 4:9, that two are better than one.

“I felt there was a great need, especially at a college level, for students to have someone you could share experiences with,” Swindler said.

Swindler is the daughter of John and Jennie Swindler of Lexington. She is a 2006 graduate of Lexington High School. Along with her duties as Miss UM, she is also involved in VOICES of Mobile, UM’s elite vocal ensemble; University Singers; and is a senator in the Student Government Association.

Miss University of Mobile “should be someone who has strong godly character, is consistent in what she says and how she acts, and encourages other students, staff, and professors to live striving for excellence in all things through Jesus Christ,” said Swindler.

And, on days like Tuesday, Feb. 5, being the university’s graceful representative means exchanging a crown for a hard hat.

“I believe being Miss UM doesn’t mean you always have to be in a suit or a dress, but it means getting your feet wet,” Swindler said. “I feel that if I’m not serving the school and community, then I’m not fulfilling my job as Miss UM.”

By Rebecca Capone, senior, communication