UNCP crowns 53rd queen

By T’asia Bobbitt
Staff Writer

Senior Morgan Hunt beat out four other contestants on Jan. 27 at GPAC to be crowned as Miss UNCP 2005. Jessica Ortiz-Carrero crowned Hunt, a Health Promotion and Education major from Pembroke, at the end of the pageant that lasted about an hour and 15 minutes.

Five young women from UNCP competed for the crown of the 53rd Miss UNCP. The contestants were Rasae McClure, 17, from Red Springs; Ashley Haywood, 18, from Lumberton; Briana Cannoy, 20, from Advance, N.C.; Jorgiana Martin, 19, from Fayetteville; and Morgan Hunt, 22, from Pembroke.

Miss North Carolina, Kirstin Elrod, acted as the mistress of ceremonies.

A 10-minute private interview with the judges, worth 40 percent of the overall score, was conducted before the pageant.

After the opening number from the contestants, Miss UNCP 2004, Jessica Ortiz-Carrero, and the Latin American Club asked an on-stage question to each of the contestants about their platforms. As 10 percent of the overall score, a platform is a project the contestants have worked on or will work on if crowned Miss UNCP. The platforms ranged from Heart Disease: Fight Now and Win! to Promoting Literacy in Youth.

The contestants competed in the swimsuit aspect of the pageant. For 10 percent of her score, this phase judges the physical fitness and health of the women.

With 40 percent of overall score, talent came next. McClure presented a vocal performance of “Mercy Said No.” Haywood also sang “Almost Like Being In Love.” To change it up a bit, the third and fourth contestants danced. Briana Cannoy did a jazz dance to the song, “Sparkling Diamonds,” from the movie Moulin Rouge. Martin tapped her way across the stage with “Great Balls of Fire.” Morgan Hunt finished the talent out with an audience standing ovation of “Mr. Pagganinney.”

The last and most anticipated phase of competition was the eveningwear. Contestants are judged on their presence, poise and how well it compliments them.

While judges completed the counting of the scores, Miss UNCP Princess 2004 Carolina McMillan performed a tap dance to “Rumors” by Linsay Lohan.

Before announcing the awards, Miss UNCP 2004, Jessica Ortiz-Carrero, gave her farewell speech and walk.

Jessica Reed, Miss UNCP 2001, and her family gave Hunt a $100 award for community service. The contestants voted McClure as Miss Congeniality and presented her a Miss America Preliminary Plaque.

Second runner-up Haywood received a $300 scholarship and a Miss America Preliminary Trophy. Martin was the first runner-up and received a $500 scholarship and a Miss America Preliminary Trophy.

Hunt will receive a $1000 scholarship, $1000 Miss North Carolina wardrobe allowance, free room and board for one academic year, and a 10 karat UNCP ring.

Hunt is no amateur to the crown. She was also Miss Lumbee 2004 and runner up for Miss Fayetteville 2004.