Polina Dorokhova, a student at the Faculty of Foreign Languages, was named Miss ASU 2026

Adyghe State University hosted its annual beauty and talent competition, "Miss ASU 2026." Organized by the ASU Cultural Center and the ASU Students' Trade Union, the event featured eight university students vying for the coveted title of "Miss ASU."

Themed around the world of fashion magazine "Vogue," the competition showcased a variety of performances and creative displays. In addition to traditional runway segments, the organizers introduced a surprise element: a challenge in which contestants were required to create fashion looks for models using wardrobes provided by the event organizers.

The program included three fashion shows, a choreographic performance, a "Business Card" segment—during which participants introduced themselves and responded to questions from the jury within a limited timeframe—and various intellectual and creative competitions.

The jury ultimately named Polina Dorokhova, a fourth-year student at the Faculty of Foreign Languages, as the winner and crowned her "Miss ASU 2026." Her outstanding performance during the fashion show earned her the highest score, earning her the title. The crown was presented to her by last year's Miss ASU.

Polina has been training in singing, dancing, and acting since childhood and graduated from art and music schools. She actively participated in forming a student organization within her department and harbored a dream of competing on stage as Miss ASU for four years, often attending the event as a spectator. This year, her dream finally came true.

"We rehearsed tirelessly for months—facing setbacks, rising again, sharing laughter and tears, and offering support through hugs. The competition taught me that victory is not solely defined by the trophy. It is the profound realization, when looking at my choreographers, fellow dancers, and stage friends, that we have truly become a family," the winner shared.

According to the jury's decision, the nominations were distributed as follows:

Miss ASU - Polina Dorokhova (Faculty of Foreign Languages, 4th year)

1st Vice-Miss – Irina Mikhailovskaya (Faculty of Natural Science, 3rd year)

2nd Vice-Miss – Polina Ivanchenko (Institute of Exact Sciences and Digital Technologies, 1st year)

"Miss Online" - Anzhelika Nadzharova (Institute of Physical Education and Judo, 3rd year student)

"Miss Grace" by Veronika Zalybina (Institute of Arts, 1st year)

"Miss Elegance" — Liliya Bukreeva (Institute of Exact Sciences and Digital Technologies, 1st year)

"Miss Charisma" — Anzhelika Nadzharova (Institute of Physical Education and Judo, 3rd year)

"Miss Talent" - Olesya Svyazhina (Faculty of Natural Science, 2nd year)

"Miss Intellect" – Alina Shonia (Institute of Physical Education and Judo, 2nd year)

The jury included Vice-Miss ASU 2007, model Irina Pozdnyakova, radio host and showman Ruslan Mekulov, Honored Artist of the Republic of Adygea and the Karachay-Cherkess Republic Aslan Tlebzu, Vice-Rector for Youth Policy and Social Issues at ASU Rustam Shkhachemukov, Artistic Director of the State Budgetary Cultural Institution of the Republic of Adygea "KORA" Bislan Nagoyev, Head of Sales of the Coffee Fresh chain Albert Kulov, Chairperson of the ASU Students' Trade Union and Director of the ASU Cultural Center Lidiya Konovalova.

The Miss ASU competition has a rich tradition: after a 15-year hiatus, it returned in 2024 for the third year in a row. This event has once again become one of the most vibrant in the university's life, showcasing the erudition, creativity, and diverse talents of its students.