Eight students use creativity in pageant

Jordan Haiduk / The Bulletin

Ashley Nigro, sophomore elementary education major and member of Alpha Sigma Alpha, performs during the talent portion of the Mr. and Mrs. ESU pageant.

Eight students were selected to compete in the 2008 Mr. and Mrs. ESU pageant Monday. The pageant was held at 7 p.m. in Webb Lecture Hall. Students who attended enjoyed the diversity and atmosphere of the event.

“I thought that the Mr. and Mrs. ESU show was very good,” said Johnna Ferb, freshman counseling and rehabilitation major. “It was very relaxed and funny. Everyone seemed to really enjoy themselves and all of the talent.”

The winners of the competition were Ashley Nigro, sophomore elementary education major and member of Alpha Sigma Alpha and Jeremy Beach, senior secondary education science major and member of Sigma Epsilon.

The event was hosted by Order of Omega. Three men and five women were selected to participate from applications and nominations. The competition was judged by Courtney George, Elissa Hadley, Jason Bosch and Donna Drake and consisted of three parts.

During the Spring Introduction, short biographies of the participants were read aloud. There was also a talent show where students displayed talents ranging from aerobic ‘80s dancing to singing.

“My favorite part of the event was the creativity of each ESU student with their talents,” said Taylor Relph, senior elementary education major and Mr. and Mrs. ESU event organizer. “Performing a talent in front of others is not an easy thing. I particularly loved the talent portion of the contest this year.”

The final part of the competition was Formal Wear. Students were required to wear formal clothing and answer questions. Overall, student participants enjoyed the event.

“I had a lot of fun participating in the pageant,” said Brittney Sanders, freshman English major. “I normally don’t participate in pageants of any kind. It wasn’t competitive, but it certainly was a time where you could sort of sit back and enjoy yourself and the other contestants.”

Student participants were encouraged to bring props and music for the different competitions. Overall, organizers of the event felt that it was successful. This is the second year the pageant has been held.

“I always think this event is successful,” Relph said. “Our organization always feels there is room for improvement. For 90 percent of the organization, it was our first attempt at putting on the contest. We definitely learned a lot and are excited for it next spring.”