Jamee Hunt wins crown as Miss UNCP 2008

By Ike Anyachonkeya
Staff Writer

Photo by Tashieka Hammond Jamee Hunt was crowned Miss UNCP 2008 on Jan. 31.

Junior Jamee Hunt took the crown in the 56th annual Miss UNCP Pageant on Jan. 31 in the Givens Performing Arts Center.

Hunt won a $1,000 scholarship, a year of free room and board and a $1000 wardrobe allowance for competition in the Miss North Carolina Pageant. She also received the community service award.

“I truly enjoyed my experience,” Hunt said. “I definitely was anxious throughout the process, but UNCP has many on campus resources that were useful in preparing for the pageant.”

Future goals
“I plan to continue my partnership with communities and schools and will continue promoting my platform of dropout prevention,” Hunt said.

“I hope to encourage students to volunteer in educational settings and to consider becoming mentors to youth to help decrease the devastating drop out rates in our nation,” she added.

Runners-up
Junior Rebecca Capps received first runner-up, junior Justina Carter took home second and Pia Jessup, also a junior, won third.

Other participants included juniors Alicia Oxendine and Jessica Branning, sophomore Tiffany Taylor who won Miss Congeniality and freshman Jasmine Floyd.

Photo by Tashieka Hammond Chancellor Allen C. Meadors congratulates third runner up Pia Jessup.

Committee aid
The Miss UNCP pageant is unique because each contestant has access to a committee composed of staff from UNCP and community professionals. The committee helps prepare each participant for the pageant.

Mistress of Ceremonies Miss North Carolina Jessica Jacobs and Master of Ceremonies Reverend Kent Chavis hosted the pageant which consisted of interviews, talents, evening and swim wear categories.

Locklear sang
The evening concluded as Miss UNCP 2007, Deidra Locklear, performed her rendition of “My Strongest Suit” and passed the crown on to Hunt.

“Future Miss UNCP contestants should choose a platform they are passionate about and begin implementing that platform now,” Hunt said.

Photo by Tashieka Hammond Third runner up Pia Jessup, left, and Miss UNCP 2008 Jamee Hunt wave to the crowd.

“Community service helps to build character and will be most instrumental in achieving their goal of becoming Miss UNCP. The future Miss UNCP will need to be a leader and a role model,” continued.