Freshmen compete for University College title

The University College hosted its annual UC Pageant, which resulted in Marc Waters from building 46 and Sine Davis from building 42 being crowned as Mr. and Miss. U.C 2013-2014.
 Additional contestants in the pageant were Kamari Johnson, Nicholas Hoffman, Jocelyn Eusery, Alenzia Mckinney, Megan Pete, Clinton Watkins, Elise Salim, London Wallace, Hali Briscoe, and Calvin Fitzgerald.
 The pageant was created 14 years ago. Its mission was to provide the winners with a scholarship and free housing in the spring semester. This year's theme was Alma Mater and remembering the times.
 This year's judges for the pageant were, director for the office of student code of conduct Denise Simmons, associate conduct officer Donnie Howard, director of student operations Cheryl Moore, University College business manager Keenan Lazenby, and Jereme Grant a seventh grade teacher for Alief ISD.
  The pageant was scored based on the three categories; fashion, talent, and evening wear.
 Contestant London Wallace highlighted the fashion competition. His swagger was not the only thing that caught people's eyes, but his dancing caused an eruption full of cheers.
In the talent part of the pageant, Alenzia McKinney graced the audience with her song Listen by Beyoncé, Nickolas Hoffman sung and played his guitar, Terry Johnson performed a monologue, and Sine Davis performed "I Look To You" by Whitney Houston.
In conclusion of the talent category, all lights were pointed at London Wallace with his retelling of surviving cancer twice through rhythm and poetry.
At the final part of the competition, contestants participated in the eveningwear portion and a question and answer segment. A notable question was when Nicholas Hoffman was asked whether males are at risk in fatherless homes. His response was, "not the ones who find God."
After collecting the scores from the judges, Mark Waters and Sine Davis were crowned Miss. And Mr. U.C.
After winning, Davis' reaction was shocking, when mentioning her suprise to her victory.
"To say that I won was just like wow, that just means to me that you can do anything," said Davis.
Waters gave a response that he might not compete in another pageant again but was grateful for the experience.
"I might not do it again, but hey it was a great time in my life and I'll remember, I promise I will," said Waters.
Contestant Calvin Fitzgerald commented on what he would take most out of the competition.
"I love showing people who I truly am with the gifts and talents I'm blessed with. Inspiring and motivating people is a thrill for me," said Fitzgerald.
Also contestant Elise Salim commented on her experience in participating in the pageant.
"It was nice and fun. I really believe all my hard work finally paid off," Salim said.
Freshman electric engineering major Darion White stated that he liked the dancing and chorography from the contestants.
"That's what stood out the most to me," White said.