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A new Miss UNCP
is crowned
By: Sheri Sides
 Jessica
Ortiz-Carerro, dressed in a flowing, white evening gown, gracefully
strolled onto the stage of the Givens Performing Arts Center with a
microphone in hand and began to sing "Unforgettable." She
had only one goal in mind: to become the 2004 Miss UNCP Scholarship
Pageant winner…and she did.
Miss UNCP 2003,
Robin Baker, crowned Ortiz-Carerro January 29. Ortiz-Carerro considers
this her first pageant. "The only other thing I have done that
comes close to this is a beauty pageant in high school, but it did not
consider talent or personality," Ortiz-Carerro said. "I thought
by participating I could challenge almost all of my fears and grow and
represent UNCP, which I'm proud of."
Ortiz-Carerro, 18
and a Fayetteville native, is a freshman biology major. She received
a $1,000 scholarship, free room and board for a year, a class ring,
free tanning, $200 in styling products and $1,000 to go towards her
wardrobe as she prepares to represent UNC Pembroke in the Miss North
Carolina pageant in June.
Ortiz-Carerro's
platform is to inspire greatness with Special Olympics, and she hopes
to involve more children from the local area to participate and more
UNC Pembroke students to volunteer. "It only takes a little time
to make a big difference to these children," Ortiz-Carerro said
during the question/answer segment of the pageant.
"Jessica came
across as very relaxed and natural, yet enthusiastic and interactive,"
Executive Director of the Pageant and UNCP Vice Chancellor of Student
Affairs, Dr. Diane Jones said. "She will serve as a role model
for other young women and be an official representative at various functions."
Erica Dellinger,
18, of Pembroke was first runner-up and will receive a $500 scholarship.
She will stand-in for Ortiz-Carerro for any future commitments if Miss
UNCP 2004 is unable to attend. Dellinger is a freshman biology major
and her platform is teen tobacco prevention. She sang "This Time
Around" for the talent portion of the pageant.
Jamillah Jackson,
18, of Goldsboro was second runner-up and won a $300 scholarship. Jackson's
platform is hypertension awareness and she performed a praise dance
during the talent portion of the pageant.
The Jessica Reed
Family Service Scholarship and the Miss Congeniality Award went to Tara
Bishop, 21, of Huntersville. She is a senior elementary education major
and her platform is promoting positive body image and self-esteem.
The crown was awarded
based on the judge's private interviews with the six contestants and
swimsuit, evening gown and talent competitions.
The theme of the
pageant was "Reflections." Mistress of Ceremonies and Miss
North Carolina 2003, Dana Reason entertained as did Miss Fayetteville
2003, Kelli Wallace, Miss UNCP 2002. Miss North Carolina 2000, Lorna
McNeill Ricotta, was pageant director.
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