Eight UHD students took the stage for the second annual Bayou’s Best Showcase, demonstrating the leadership, ambition, school pride, and commitment that define the Gator community.
Held on Oct. 7 as part of Homecoming, the pageant-style event brought together students nominated by faculty, staff, and peers and invited to apply for the opportunity to compete. During the showcase, judges evaluated contestants on their academic and career aspirations, school pride, community impact, and responses to questions about leadership, service, and their goals for the future.
The event was sponsored by the Dean of Students Office and supported by employees from across the university. Student Success and Student Life Vice President Daniel Maxwell, Interim Chief Academic Officer and Provost Jonathan Davis, Staff Council President-Elect Nicholas Martinez, Graduate and Professional Student Associate President Zamaiah Roberts, and Student Government Association President Kemberly Osorto served as judges.
The outgoing Bayou’s Best members also played an important role in making the night happen, helping candidates navigate the application process and prepare for the showcase. Breiyanna Lee, Assistant Director of the Gator Resource Center, and Moriah Roberts, Gator Resource Center Coordinator, emceed the event with panache, praising contestants for strong answers and revving up the crowd with clever jokes.
The Bayou’s Best candidates were:
- Aaliyah Norfleet, Non-Profit Management graduate
- Amber Simmons, Project Management and Process Improvement graduate
- Amelia Rodriguez, Education sophomore
- Bryanna Allison, Criminal Justice senior
- Deshanae Houston, Education senior
- Kevin Lindolfo Molina, Data Science junior
- Leslie Morgan, Strategic Communication graduate
- Seven Del Lincoln, Computer Science and Statistics junior
Throughout the evening, candidates shared the experiences and values that shape their leadership approach. Their stories reflected a range of accomplishments and experiences, from community involvement and campus engagement to professional ambitions rooted in service to others.
The competition culminated in a twist—scores between two candidates were so close that a tiebreaker was needed to move forward. Judges had Molina and Morgan answer what it means to be an ambassador and how they carry that responsibility on and off campus. Both handled the pressure of this last-minute turn of events with grace, and the judges named both students winners.
Congratulations to the newest Bayou’s Best ambassadors: Aaliyah Norfleet, Amber Simmons, Deshanae Houston, Kevin Lindolfo Molina, and Leslie Morgan!
The 2026-2027 Bayou’s Best ambassadors will begin their tenure in November, representing UHD at university and community events, including the Thanksgiving Day Parade, Day at the Capitol, and graduation Ring Ceremonies. Through these opportunities, they will help share UHD’s story while strengthening connections across the Gator community.