On November 18th, in the plush decor of the Theater of the Arts, the University of the District of Columbia held its 46th Coronation as part of its 2025 Homecoming festivities. To the grand and somber chords of Thus Spoke Zarathustra — known to many as the theme from 2001: A Space Odyssey — the new court took the stage. After short remarks from last year’s Mister and Miss UDC, Student Government Association President Kayleah Shelton proclaimed the coronation of the university’s new monarchs, Miss Donique Francis and Mister Miguel Sanchez, to a fanfare of trumpets. The university was then introduced to its new Court, and its members were invested in their regalia of office. Of course, no Coronation or Court is complete without a royal ball, and the festivities lasted well into the night!
The University of the District of Columbia’s 2025–2026 Royal Court
Sysali Banks is the 2025–26 Miss Freshman. A member of the UDC lacrosse team and having her sights set on joining the FBI, Banks brings both her passion for helping others strong sense of justice to the Court.
Christian Andrew Lawson Jr is the 2025–26 Mister Freshman. Hailing from Birmingham, Alabama, Lawson is a cybersecurity major and a Tumaini DC Youth Ambassador. With interests which range from coding to public speaking and fashion design, he offers the Court his energy and creativity.
Gene Anderson is the 2025–26 Mister Sophomore. Standing more than just a head and shoulders above the crowd at 6’ 8”, Anderson is first-generation college student majoring in human development from southeast DC. Chasing excellence while honoring the legacy of those who blazed his path, he offers his guidance and strength to the Court.
Esdrizabeth Pereya Cuello is the 2025–26 Miss Junior. Born in Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic, Cuello is an aspiring cosmetic chemist and co-captain of the UDC Cheerleading Team. Always seeking to build her skills and experience, she brings the Court her dedication and curiosity.
Claude Jeremy Mounet is the 2025–26 Mister Junior. Aspiring to a PhD in applied mathematics, Mounet comes to UDC by way of Gabon. Seeking to understand nature and the world around us, he offers his focus and his will to the Court.
Miss Emmanuela Katou Kouami is the 2025–26 Miss Senior. Born and raised in the Bronx, Kouami is a biology major looking to pursue a career in nursing as well as a member of the UDC track and field team. Racing towards a better future, she offers the Court her inspiration and leadership.
Mister Omolade Ejiko is the 2025–26 Mister Senior. A computer science major from Lagos, Nigeria, Ejiko has a strong interest in technology and hardware systems. Reaching to connect both circuits and people, he brings his fascination and drive to the Court.
Aliyah Bailey is the 2025–26 Miss Firebird. Hailing from Columbus, Ohio, Bailey is a sophomore majoring in psychology and a member of the lacrosse team. Persevering to help others, she offers the Court her love and aspiration.
Sheval Porter is the 2025–26 Mister Firebird. A sophomore majoring in cybersecurity and the previous Mister Freshman, Porter comes to UDC from St. Elizabeth, Jamaca. Seeking to safeguard both systems and his community, he brings the Court his determination and confidence.
Makayla Ollivierre is the 2025–26 Miss UDC-Community College. Born in the District and raised in Bowie, Maryland, Ollivierre is a sophomore majoring in business administration. Deeply involved in campus and her community, she offers her force and intelligence to the Court.
Ronnie Ross is the 2025–26 Mister UDC-Community College. A DC native and strong advocate for the LGBTQUIA+ community, Ross holds a perfect 4.0 GPA in his pursuit of an associates degree in criminal justice. Protecting his family and his neighborhood, he brings his talent and his joy to the Court.
Miguel Angel Sanchez Jr is the 2025–26 Mister UDC. Coming to the university from the small town of Nicholls, Georgia, Miguel is a Navy veteran pursuing a degree in electrical engineering. Having received the support and love of the UDC community, he looks to help his fellow Firebirds soar to new heights.
Donique Davene Francis is the 2025–26 Miss UDC. A proud first-generation college student majoring in accounting and finance, she comes to UDC from Birmingham, England by way of Portland, Jamaca. Looking forward to the future, she hopes to shape her fellow Firebirds’ difficulties into strengths.