Meet Your 2015 Miss Ole Miss

Mary Elizabeth Kakales, 2015 Miss Ole Miss

Mary Elizabeth Kakales, a senior at Ole Miss and Public Policy minor, just won the title of Miss Ole Miss. The Memphis, Tennessee native has always been involved in Ole Miss and Oxford– long before she was ever a student.

Kakales is a Public Policy Major and is interested in Education Reform.

Kakales struggled with the decision when she was a senior in high school over where she wanted to attend college. She wasn’t sure Ole Miss was the right choice for her because it was so close to home.

“I realized that Ole Miss is the only place I wanted to be. Ole Miss has always been a part of my life. It has helped me grow and change as a person.”

After graduation, Kakales wants to teach in the Delta and is also interested furthering her education in graduate school. Currently, she is waiting to hear back from Teach For America, after making it to the final interview round. “I feel very passionately about education- kids need teachers to invest in them. I want to help reform education.”

Kakales is a recipient of the Martha Dale Fritts Council Scholarship.

The 21 year old is involved in many organizations on campus, including president of her sorority, Delta Delta Delta. She also is the recipient of the Martha Dale Fritts Women’s Council Scholarship. After she found out she had won the title, she went to South Depot to celebrate with family and friends. “I’m so proud, thankful and so happy. I had so much fun on Thursday- just enjoying it and living in the moment. I really have no words. I am so thankful to everyone who supported me,” Kakales said.

Kakales is involved in many campus organizations including Columns Society and President of Delta Delta Delta.

The platform she has chosen to support (as Miss Ole Miss) is the Emergency Fund. The Emergency fund at Ole Miss is for students who face hardships and need help to cover costs whether it be textbooks, help with rent, or allow someone to stay at the University and not withdraw due to financial difficulties. Kakales wants to hear from students and get their input in what they would like to see for Mr. and Miss Ole Miss’ spring platform.

“Thursday (election day) was the most overwhelming, fun and humbling day. Saturday was the first day I really let it all sink in. I really want to do big things that will support the students, and I’m looking forward to serving the Ole Miss community and am excited to make an impact.”

Kathryn Winter is a social media editor and staff writer for HottyToddy.com. Email her at kathryn.winter@hottytoddy.com