All eyes are on the new 2004 Miss UNCP

By Elizabeth Butler
Photo Editor

All eyes are on the new Miss UNCP, Jessica Ortiz-Carrero, a freshman biology major from Fayetteville, beat out five other contestants to be crowned Miss UNCP 2004, Jan. 29 in GPAC.

Ortiz-Carrero was very surprised that she won the pageant, which went by the theme “Reflections.”

“I’ve never done anything remotely like this before,” Ortiz-Carrero said. “I really thought the other girls had a lot to bring to the table.”

As Ortiz-Carrero floated up to the microphone in her breathtaking white evening gown, it was made certain by her self-assurance that this was going to be a very close race for the six contestants, which it was.

There was no third runner up this year, but the Jessica Reed Family Service Scholarship and the Miss Congeniality Award were awarded. Both awards went to Tara Bishop a senior who is an elementary education major from Huntersville NC. Bishop’s platform was promoting positive body image and self-esteem.

Second runner up was Jamillah Jackson, a freshman with an undeclared major from Goldsboro NC. Her platform was hypertension awareness.

First runner up was Erica Dellinger. She is a freshman biology major from Pembroke. Her platform was teen tobacco prevention. If for any reason Ortiz-Carrero can’t fulfill her title as Miss UNCP 2004, Dellinger will be crowned Miss UNCP for the remaining time.

Ortiz-Carrero’s platform was to inspire greatness with Special Olympics.

“I want to bring awareness about the organization (Special Olympics) and build a bigger volunteer base among UNCP students,” Ortiz-Carrero said.

Ortiz-Carrero’s prizes consist of a $1,000 scholarship; free room and board for fall semester 2004; Miss America Preliminary Crown; official crown box with nameplate; $1,000 towards the Miss North Carolina Pageant wardrobe; all expenses paid for Miss N.C. work weekend; all expenses paid for Miss UNCP sign for Miss N.C. Pageant; a 10 karat gold UNCP class ring; $200 for hair and body products; $75 gift certificate toward a portrait; a complete Creative Memories Photo Album and a free membership, personal trainer and one month of tanning at Pembroke’s Power House Gym.

The Miss UNCP title and crown were awarded based on a private interview before the pageant took place, the lifestyle and fitness swimsuit wear, artistic expression of talent and presence and poise of the eveningwear competitions.

The pressures on Ortiz-Carrero are huge since Aja Locklear, Miss UNCP 2003, resigned her title on Oct. 27, 2003, making Robyn Baker the new Miss UNCP for three months.

“I believe we all get a fresh slate and I do believe that the pressure is a little harder for me,” Ortiz-Carrero said. “I hope to bring something fresh and new. Every single queen has a responsibility to raise the bar.”

Ortiz-Carrero will compete in the Miss North Carolina Pageant in June where she will have the chance to win thousands of dollars in scholarship funds and the title of Miss North Carolina 2004.

- News Editor Kelly L. Griffith contributed to this article.