The women who apply to serve on the Fiesta Bowl Court must demonstrate academic excellence and service to the community before being selected to represent Arizona during the festivities.
This year, three ASU students received that honor.
Broadcast journalism senior Ashley Lobodzinski was chosen as the 2003-04 Fiesta Bowl Queen in October.
Lobodzinski became interested in applying after a recruiter from the Fiesta Bowl spoke to her sorority, Kappa Alpha Theta. There has been at least one Kappa Alpha Theta member on the Fiesta Bowl Court for the past five years, Lobodzinski said.
"I thought it would be a great way for me to end my college career and time in Arizona," she said.
In addition to her sorority involvement, Lobodzinski is a Barrett Honors College student, belongs to the Screen Actors Guild and the Radio-TV News Director Association, is a member of the Legion of Young Polish Women and works at the assignment desk and newsroom at ABC 15.
Members of the Court include broadcast journalism senior Ashley Robison and Cassie McConnell, a journalism and mass communications junior.
Robison is a resident assistant in Hayden Hall, an Ambassador to ASU President Michael Crow's office, an Associated Students of ASU volunteer on the Programming and Activities Board and a Devils' Advocate.
Robison, who is a UA ransfer student, wanted "to make people love ASU" after realizing all the University has to offer. She especially enjoys giving campus tours as a Devils' Advocate, she said.
"It's a group of people who are so motivated for life," Robison said.
McConnell is a member of Kappa Alpha Theta, Phi Eta Sigma Honor Society and the Young Republicans. She especially enjoys being involved in her sorority because of the other members.
"The girls I have got to meet in there are fantastic," McConnell said.
She also volunteers for the Court Appointed Special Advocates, an organization that supports abused and neglected children in the court system.
"I hope to always be involved in organizations like [CASA] for the rest of my life," McConnell said.
While the three women were acquainted before applying for the court, they did not plan to apply together.
Lobodzinski said she first met McConnell when McConnell decided to join Kappa Alpha Theta.
"I thought she was truly amazing," Lobodzinski said.
Additionally, Robison and McConnell knew each other through journalism classes.
"It makes it more relaxed ... because you're in there with good solid friends," McConnell said.
The final member of the Court is Meagan Johnson, a UA freshman.
Reach the reporter at amanda.keim@asu.edu.
