Gravely crowned Miss North Greenville University 2010
Posted by The Skyliner on October 7th, 2009Jenny Farnham
Staff Writer
President Jimmy Epting poses with Leah Ann Gravely, senior interdisciplinary studies, after she was crowned Miss North Greenville University 2010. (Photo by Jenny Farnham)
The stage set, popcorn popped, judges seated, contestants nervous, crown polished and all is ready for an eventful night. The “Let’s Go To The Movies” themed Miss North Greenville University Pageant took place in Turner Chapel Saturday evening. Family, friends and fans created an exciting atmosphere as they waited anxiously for their contestant’s chance to shine.
Leah Ann Gravely, senior interdisciplinary studies, was named Miss NGU with a platform to increase awareness of foreign languages.
“I want to dive into the elementary schools and just try to push a foreign language program,” Gravely said.
As she gathered on stage with her fellow finalists and family for photographs, Gravely was grateful and excited about her new reign.
“It feels surreal. I’ve done pageants before and I haven’t done one in three years, so I wasn’t expecting to win,” Gravely said.
The finalists were awarded a scholarship, plaque, roses and a hug from NGU President Dr. Jimmy Epting and Autumn McAbee, Miss NGU 2009. Meredith Limbaugh, senior mass communication, won fourth runner-up. Third runner-up was awarded to Lindsey Chambers, senior secondary education in English language arts..
“Meeting the girls I otherwise wouldn’t have come in contact with was my favorite part. We had a positive attitude toward each other, we lifted each other up and prayed for each other,” Chambers said after the pageant.
Second runner-up was earned by Christina Grace Bryson, freshman intercultural studies.
“The pageant has been one of the best experiences of my life so far. And I can’t wait to continue taking part in it,” Gravely said.
Lauren Dorrity, senior business administration, won first runner-up.
Chambers was voted Miss Photogenic and was also awarded for being best in the interview process held before the pageant, worth 25 percent. The Community Support Award was earned by Gravely for her sponsorships. Bryson was awarded the Artistic Expression Award and Miss Congeniality. Dorrity was awarded the Lifestyle and Fitness award, which was judged before the pageant.
Other contestants were Amy Skaggs, freshman print media, Andi Evans, junior broadcast, Lauren Beddingfield, freshman youth ministries, Sarah Judge, junior marketing, Amanda Styles, freshman elementary/early childhood education and Lauren Jones, freshman print media.
As her goodbye to the crown and title of Miss NGU, Autumn McAbee sang “Anyway” and shared pictures of experience a queen.
“It’s a bittersweet emotion because it’s been such a blessed year, but I know that the Lord is going to continue to use Miss NGU as a witness,” McAbee said.
The opening number “Let’s Go To The Movies” was performed by the NGU Vocal Ensemble, McAbee, Palmetto Princesses Ashley Farmer and Sarah Kate Walker, Palmetto Prince Austin Walker, and the highlight of the night Miss NGU 2010 Contestants. Halie Johnson, senior elementary education, choreographed this number. During the performance each contestant introduced themselves to the cheering audience and curious judges.
Sharon Johnson, this year’s emcee, was then introduced to the audience. Johnson is an adjunct professor at NGU and was very enthusiastic about the pageant.
“My job is the easy one. I’m glad I’m not the one having to judge all these lovely ladies,” Johnson said as the pageant proceeded.
The first competition for the 11 contestants was the Artistic Expression in Talent. This was worth 35 percent of the total score. Each lady had 90 seconds to showcase the talent of her choice. Vocal performances, lyrical dances, piano playing and a Comical Monologue kept the audience entertained.
(Photo by Jenny Farnham)
Presence and Poise in Evening Wear and the On-Stage Question followed. The questions varied from “What is the most difficult thing you have gone through in your life,” to “How would you promote healthy eating?” The question was weighted 5 percent in the total score. Evening Wear was 20 percent.
While the scores were being tallied McAbee and her Palmetto Prince and Princesses performed “Can’t Wait To Be Queen” taken from Lion King in honor of the participants that waited nervously backstage for the final results.
Pageant coordinator Pam Farmer encourages NGU females to participate in this pageant.
“It’s a great opportunity to earn a scholarship and a great opportunity to share your witness to others,” Farmer said.
Keep a look out for Leah Ann Gravely and her new ministry as our queen. Pray for her as she represents North Greenville University, Where Christ Makes The Difference, in the Miss South Carolina pageant.
Tags: Fall 2009, Vol. 109 - Issue 5