The Patriot

Issue date: 4/15/09 Section: Campus

Media Credit: Tony Gloster

In keeping with a tradition almost as old as Francis Marion itself, Junior Holly Lynn Todd from Loris, SC was crowned Ms. FMU on April 2
"It definitely feels amazing to be crowned. I didn't think I was going to even place, but it was a good opportunity to meet a lot of different girls and now I can represent FMU the best way I know how," Todd said.
First runner-up was Junior Ashley Van Laethem, and the contestants voted Junior Felisha Golston as 'Miss Congeniality.'
"I am so excited to be first runner up, it's my first pageant ever and it was such a great experience. I loved all the girls in it, they just made it a really fun time," Van Laethem said.
"I feel great about being ms congeniality, it's overwhelming that all the girls thought I was nice," Golston said.
As part of her year-long reign, Todd will have to choose a community service project to work on for the next school year, be involved in this summer's Freshman Orientation, and attend other local pageants to judge, or just be recognized, among other things.
"There are a lot of events that they ask her just to be present at so she'll get a lot of contact this summer," Assistant Dean of Students Cheri Richardson said.
This year's theme, 'A moment like this', asked contestants to focus on what moment in their lives put them on the career track they're currently pursuing. It also marked a change from past pageants by cutting out heavy props and scenery in order to focus more on the girls involved.
"Last year was 'Simply Elegant', and I wanted to keep something along with that. The female who is chosen for Ms. FMU is chosen because of her inner view, her community service, in kind her all around; instead of beauty pageants where you're chosen based on your physical attributes" Richardson said, "A moment like this, it was just a fleeting thought of what can we do this year to make it different than last year but still keep it on the same caliber. So that's where it came from, it's just them showcasing the moment they chose to be who they are."
The winners were selected based on an interview, opening dance segment; little black dress' and formal wear competition. The interview was held two weeks before the actual event and counted more heavily than any other segment.
"That's the most nerve-wracking part. I think that once you get through the interview walking on stage in heels is no big deal," Richardson said.

Continued...

Page 1 of 2 next >

Article Tools