Martin crowned Miss UNCP

By Scott Ammons
Editor 
                       
Jorgiana Martin was named Miss UNCP 2006 at the scholarship pageant on January 26.

The junior science education major from Fayetteville, N.C., and a Teaching Fellow, performed a tap dance to the Jerry Lee Lewis song, "Great Balls of Fire." She scored points answering a question about her platform, "Promoting Literacy in Youth."

"The most important factor in promoting literacy among youth is parental involvement," Martin said. "Twenty-seven percent of adults in Robeson County are either illiterate or functionally illiterate, so children are not being read to. We must promote literacy among parents first."

Miss UNCP won a $1,000 scholarship and a $1,000 wardrobe allowance to compete for the Miss North Carolina title. Martin also was named winner of the Jessica Reed Family Award for Community Service.

The audience in the Givens Performing Arts Center cheered five contestants in competitions, including swimsuit, eveningwear, casual wear, talent and question-and-answer session.

The first runner-up, who received a $500 scholarship, was Anna-Alicia Leggett, a sophomore from Fayetteville.

Second runner-up and winner of a $300 scholarship was Felicia Mangum, a sophomore from Wendell, N.C. She also was voted Miss Congeniality by her fellow contestants.

Mistress of ceremonies for the evening was Brooke McLaurin, the reigning Miss North Carolina. McLaurin and Miss UNCP 2005 Morgan Hunt entertained the audience with vocal performances.

Executive director for the pageant was Dr. Diane Jones, vice chancellor for student affairs at UNCP. Director of the pageant was Miss North Carolina 2000, Lorna McNeill Ricotta, who is director of corporate and foundation relations for UNCP.