Hoskins wins Miss Essence

Charlette Clausell
dm Staff writer

Last night, the second annual Shades of Essence pageant was held in the Building of Education's auditorium. The seven contestants were Lenetra Clark, Deloris Hopkins, Erica Davis, Michelle Johnson, Deborah King, Regina Pitts, and Alexandria Taylor.

For the openinng number, the contestants performed a dance to Christina Aguilera's song, "What a Girl Wants. After that, the judges were introduced. .

Next, the contestants were back on stage. As they modeled their casual wear, emcees Sylvester Houston II and April Moore described the ladies' outfits and accessories. After casual wear, they came out once more; this time in intimate wear. As contestant Erica Davis came through the curtain with attitude, the crowd went wild. "I think the girls did a great job on modeling," said Tinikia Fostor, a freshman biology major from Marks, Mississippi. After they presented their sleep wear, there was a brief intermission by K.D., winners of last year's Apollo night. The trio performed the song "Last Night's Letter" by KC and JoJo. When they were done, the models of the Ebony Elegance Modeling Board came on the stage. The guys and girls presented some of the latest looks.

Next, the contestants came out in their formal wear. They were each escorted by either Justin Wright, Shelby Morris, or Harrold Mommen.

After presenting their formal dresses, it was time for the question and answer session. Each contestant was to pick a card containing a question, which was asked by an emcee. Some of the questions asked were about Martin Luther King's dream and the Rebel Flag, which some students feel strongly about.

The judges rated the contestants based on the interview, which at thirty percent, counted the most. Casual wear counted twenty percent, sleep wear, ten percent and formal wear, twenty percent.

When it was time to announce the winners, the contestants lined up on the stage. The winner was Deloris Hopkins. Second runner up was Deborah King, first runner up was Erica Davis, and the winner of the Miss Congeniality award was Michelle Johnson. "I was very proud and happy to recieve the honor," said Johnson. The winner and first and second runners up received flowers and a trophy. Johnson received a plaque for Miss Congeniality. There was an after party held in the Union.