MissUNIVERSITY OF

SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPIA SCHOLARSHIP PAGEANT

presented by the student government associationOctober 27, 2012

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UNIVERSITY OFSOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI

MissUNIVERSITY OF

SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPIA SCHOLARSHIP PAGEANT

FEATURINGMISS UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI 2012

Grace Claire Cordes

Programwelcome

introduction of miss university of southern mississippi 2012

Opening number

introduction of judges and auditors

talent

lifestyle and fitness

entertainmentspirit of southern

evening wear

entertainment and farewellmiss university of southern mississippi 2012

Grace claire cordes

thanks by pageant directors

entertainmentsouthern miss dance department

final parade of contestants

announcement of winners

2013 miss university of southern mississippi walk

Pageant AwardsMiss university of southern mississippi

$1,500 Scholarshipofficial miss america crown

first alternate

$700 scholarship

second alternate

$500 scholarship

third alternate

$200 scholarship

most ads sold

$200 scholarship

flowers by southland florists of hattiesburg

trophies by pine belt trophies of hattiesburg

An Official Miss America Preliminary

Programwelcome

introduction of miss university of southern mississippi 2012

Opening number

introduction of judges and auditors

talent

lifestyle and fitness

entertainmentspirit of southern

evening wear

entertainment and farewellmiss university of southern mississippi 2012

Grace claire cordes

thanks by pageant directors

entertainmentsouthern miss dance department

final parade of contestants

announcement of winners

2013 miss university of southern mississippi walk

Pageant AwardsMiss university of southern mississippi

$1,500 Scholarshipofficial miss america crown

first alternate

$700 scholarship

second alternate

$500 scholarship

third alternate

$200 scholarship

most ads sold

$200 scholarship

flowers by southland florists of hattiesburg

trophies by pine belt trophies of hattiesburg

An Official Miss America Preliminary

The Miss University of Southern Mississippi Pageant had its beginnings as an annual bathing suit contest held to highlight Sports Day, an event established during the post World War II years at Mississippi Southern College. The annual Sports Day competition was held on Faulkner Field, and conveniently the Bathing Beauty Contest was held around the college swimming pool. In May 1947, Sonye Jordan was named top Bathing Beauty, establishing a tradition and a title that has since become Miss Southern and finally growing into the Miss University of Southern Mississippi Scholarship Pageant.

During this time, the bathing beauty contest was slowly changing its format. In 1956, besides judging the contestants in swimsuits (still held around the pool), a talent competition was held in conjunction with the contest. Reciting the interpretive reading “God’s Trombone,” Annette Tisdale was named Miss Southern for 1956 and went on to capture the title of Miss Mississippi that year.In the next years, the Bathing Beauty title and swimming pool format was discarded completely, and the pageant moved forward to its present form with talent, evening gown, and swimsuit competition.

The Student Government Association sponsored the pageant in 1961, and at that time the Miss Southern Pageant became affiliated as a preliminary scholarship pageant to the Miss Mississippi Pageant.

In the 1960’s two Miss Southern’s became Miss Mississippi, Robbie Robertson in 1966 and Mary Linda Mills in 1968. Mollie Magee, representing The University of Southern Mississippi in 1975, became Miss Mississippi, and Miss Southern’s Diane Eddins, 1976, Derrith Allgood, 1977, and Debra Grim, 1978, have placed in the top ten and top five in the Miss Mississippi Pageant. The University of Southern Mississippi was well represented by the outstanding performance of Mary Ellen Frazen as she was selected third alternate to Miss

History

Mississippi and was the pageant’s only double preliminary winner.

In the past ten years, the Miss University of Southern Mississippi winners have continued to excel at the state program. In 1999, Miss Southern Becky Pruett received the Women in Medicine Scholarship as well as a position in the top ten. She went on to win the title of Miss Mississippi in 2001. Miss Southern 2000, Beth Richards was named third alternate at the state pageant.

In 2001, Jennifer Adcock won the title of Miss Southern and went on to become a double preliminary winner at the state pageant. Winning both preliminary swimsuit and talent, Adcock was second alternate to Miss Mississippi in 2001. She went on to win Miss Mississippi in 2002. In 2002, Miss Southern Shea Kidd placed third alternate in the state pageant.

Each year at the state pageant, University of Southern Mississippi women have a strong showing whether they hold the University of Southern Mississippi title or not. Included in these women, is Miss Mississippi 2008 Christine Kozlowski, who is a graduate of The University of Southern Mississippi. In 2010, Miss University of Southern Mississippi, Kristen Beningo, placed 2nd Alternate to Miss Mississippi. In 2011, Jill Duckworth, placed 1st Alternate to Miss Mississippi. Our reigning Miss University of Southern Mississippi, Grace Claire Cordes, placed in the top ten at Miss Mississippi and was a preliminary talent winner.

The Miss Mississippi Pageant gives over $124,000 in scholarships and awards each year. Mississippi is one of the few state pageants that the Miss America Pageant Organization has awarded a multi-year contract.

MissUNIVERSITY OF

SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPIIN REVIEW

1947 - Sonja Jordan1948 - Willie France Horn1949 - Myrie Stubblefield1950 -1951 - Martha Green1952 - Marie Stoner1953 - Jessie Wynn Morgan1954 - Ann Miller1955 - Carolyn Cochran* Dot May1956 - Annete Tisdale* Dot May1957 - Mable Ann Boswell1958 - Kay Conway1959 - Sherry Sims1960 - Harriet McCuler1961 - Virginia Sojourner1962 - Vivian Rushing1963 - Mori Longino1964 - Penny Sue Webre1965 - Linda Mann1966 - Robbie Robertson*1967 - Pat Chambliss1968 - Linda Millis* Sherry Etheridge1969 - Colleen O’Mara1970 - Kay Paschal1971 - Debbie Etheridge1972 - Patricia Woodsworth1973 - Tonnie Lynn Johnson1974 - Pam Stanke1975 - Mollie Magee1976 - Diane Eddins1977 - Derrith Allgood1978 - Debra Grime

1979 - Benthia Von Tempske1980 - Francis Wilson1981 - Mary Ellen Frazen1982 - Cheryl Gibson1983 - Sherry Edkins1984 - Beth Glover1985 - Twila Williams1986 - Sharon Bentz1987 - Mitzi Swanson1988 - Millie Ivey1989- Leah Friend1990 - Danyel Kea1991 - Stacy Vernamonti1992 - Susan Cade1993 - Amy Showalter1994 - Melanie Bates1995 - Charlotte West1996 - Leah Kelly1997 - Melinda King1998 - Keely Williams1999 - Becky Pruett2000 - Beth Richards Angela Gray2001 - Jennifer Adcock2002 - Shea Kidd2003 - Carrie Parker2004 - Natasha Hayford2005 - Joanna Gaston2006 - Laura Guiles2007 - Katelyn Ellzey2008 - Emily Gadilhe2009 - Maggie Evans2010 - Kristen Beningo2011 - Jill Duckworth2012 - Grace Claire Cordes

*Won the Title of Miss MississippiThe First Alternate Then Became

Miss University of Southern Mississippi

1979 - Benthia Von Tempske1980 - Francis Wilson1981 - Mary Ellen Frazen1982 - Cheryl Gibson1983 - Sherry Edkins1984 - Beth Glover1985 - Twila Williams1986 - Sharon Bentz1987 - Mitzi Swanson1988 - Millie Ivey1989- Leah Friend1990 - Danyel Kea1991 - Stacy Vernamonti1992 - Susan Cade1993 - Amy Showalter1994 - Melanie Bates1995 - Charlotte West1996 - Leah Kelly1997 - Melinda King1998 - Keely Williams1999 - Becky Pruett2000 - Beth Richards Angela Gray2001 - Jennifer Adcock2002 - Shea Kidd2003 - Carrie Parker2004 - Natasha Hayford2005 - Joanna Gaston2006 - Laura Guiles2007 - Katelyn Ellzey2008 - Emily Gadilhe2009 - Maggie Evans2010 - Kristen Beningo2011 - Jill Duckworth2012 - Grace Claire Cordes

MissUNIVERSITY OF

SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI 2012GRACE CLAIRE CORDES

Grace Claire Cordes is a junior vocal performance major and music education double major. She is a Lucky Day Scholar, Mississippi Eminent Scholar, and a University of Southern Mississippi School of Music Scholarship Recipient. She is currently a member of The University of Southern Mississippi’s Southern Chorale, Chi Omega Sorority, and a member of Alpha Lambda Delta honor society. She has recently served as an undergraduate representative on the student advisory board to the Dean of music. She is also Song leader for Chi Omega’s annual Songfest, benefitting the Make-A-Wish foundation. During her year as Miss University of Southern Mississippi, Grace Claire has advocated music education through her platform, “Supporting Music Education in Schools.” Grace Claire has performed operatic roles, such as Adele in Strauss’s Die Fledermaus, through The University of Southern Mississippi’s Student Outreach Program. The outreach program brings operas and other forms of music to various schools across Mississippi. Through the outreach program, Grace Claire also had the opportunity to perform “The Rose” in Rachel Portman’s opera The Little Prince for the Magnolia Speech School and the Mississippi Children’s Home. She was a 2011 and 2012 finalist in the Mississippi National Association of Teachers of Singers competition and is the voice student of Dr. Maryann Kyle. As Miss University of Southern Mississippi, Grace Claire was a preliminary talent winner and chosen Top Ten Finalist in the 2012 Miss Mississippi Pageant.

Master and MistressMICHAEL A. MITCHELL AND JILL DUCKWORTH

of ceremonies

Dr. Michael A. Mitchell is the Dean of Students at the University of South Alabama. He receiveda Bachelor of Arts from the University of South Alabama, as well as a Master ofEducation and a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership from The University of SouthernMississippi. While serving as the Associate Dean of Students at the University ofSouthern Mississippi, Mitchell served as the Director of the Miss University of SouthernMississippi Scholarship Pageant. Mike is a member of the 2009 Class of Mobile’sTop 40 under 40. He is a member and serves as treasurer of the Beta Omicron LambdaChapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc and is a Past President of the Mobile-WestRotary Club, in addition to being a member of the 100 Black Men of Mobile. In his sparetime he enjoys collecting African and African-American art. He and his wife Merlindahave two daughters, Maiben Mackenzie and Macy Alana.

Jill Duckworth is a 2011 graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi, who received the B.A. de-gree in Communications. A Leadership Scholar from Clinton, Mississippi, she was very active in many facets of campus activities at Southern Miss. While a student here, Jill was a member of Southern Style, GEWW Crew, Public Relations Director for EaglePalooza, a member of the Southern Miss SGA. She was a member of Kappa Delta Sorority, where she served as an officer and committee chair. In 2009, Jill was elected to the USM Homecoming Court, representing the Junior Class. Jill was named as first alternate to Miss Mississippi in 2010. In 2011 she was very honored to be selected as Miss University of Southern Mississippi. Jill received the honorable award of being named to The University of Southern Mississippi’s Who’s Who Among American Colleges and Universities in 2011. As a new graduate of USM, in January 2012, Jill was selected for a Spring Internship serving Congressman Steven Palazzo in Washington D.C. Following the completion of her internship, Jill now serves as Staff Assistant for Congressman Palazzo. In July 2012, Jill was chosen by the D.C. Publication, THE HILL, as one of the top 50 Most Beautiful People on Capitol Hill.

Competition Scoring

Master and Mistress Competition ScoringPersonal Interview - 25%

Talent - 35%

Lifestyle and Fitness - 15%

Evening Wear - 20%

On Stage Question - 5%

PAGEANT STAFF

Taylor Booth is a senior Fashion Merchandising major from Hattiesburg, MS. He currently serves as president of the National Pan-Hellenic Council, an active member of the Kappa Iota Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., and the SGA Executive Cabinet. Taylor has also served on GEWW Crew for the past three years, and many organizations on campus. On December 14, 2012 at 2:30 p.m., he will officially become an alumnus of Southern Miss. After graduating, Taylor plans to move to California and pursue careers in the areas of fashion, music, and film. He is very proud to be able to one day, reminisce about serving his alma mater in such a capacity, as the Miss University of Southern Mississippi Scholarship Pageant Director.

MissUNIVERSITY OF

SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI

DIRECTORTaylor Booth

Brandon Baker is a senior Music Education major from Southaven, Mississippi. He currently serves as a member of Southern Style 2012, Eagle Connection, Kappa Sigma Fraternity, Phi Eta Sigma Honor Society, and the Spirit of Southern Male A Cappella Group. For the past four years, Brandon has served with the Student Government Association as Lighting the Way Director, Homecoming Court Coordinator, and now as Assistant Director of the Miss University of Southern Mississippi Scholarship Pageant. Brandon takes pride in his University and through this Scholarship pageant, he hopes to leave Southern Miss better than he found it.

CO-DIRECTORBrandon Baker

Wynde FittsDIRECTOR

Zurick M. Thomas is a senior special and elementary education major and dance minor at the University of Southern Mississippi. Zurick is a native of Memphis, Tenn. and began his professional experience as a dancer with the Memphis Grizzlies basketball team. He danced for the Memphis Grizzlies for three years and through his gained experience, Zurick has danced with such artists as Ludacris, Lil Mo, Carl Thomas, and the original Destiny’s Child. Before becoming a Golden Eagle, Zurick was also an assistant artistic director and choreographer with Gaffitti Playground, located in Memphis, TN, and a regular performer with the regional theater Playhouse/Circuit on the Square. Zurick is blessed and honored to serve as a member of the Miss USM scholarship pageant committee.

CHOREOGRAPHERZurick Thomas

Wynde is the Associate Dean of Students at The University of Southern Mississippi where she administers the Student Code of Conduct and serves as a university judicial officer. She also advises the Student Government Association. Wynde had advised, taught and mentored thousands of college students over her 20 years in Higher Education. She previously served as the Director of the First Year Experience working with Preview, GEWW and Southern Style and Director of Greek Life here at Southern Miss. Wynde is a Jackson, MS, native who earned both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees here at Southern Miss, and will begin the pursuit of a PhD. next spring. Wynde and her husband of 21 years Gene Fitts live here in Hattiesburg.

ADVISOR

The Student Government Association would like to recognize Ms. Delores McNair for all of her tireless work behind the scences to make this scholarship pageant a success. Ms. McNair provides leadership, assistance, and has always been readily available to contribute to the Miss Mississippi operations. Student Government recognizes Ms. McNair as the true “Magic of Southern Mississippi” and the spirit that leads our Student Programs as a leader in our state. Thank you, Ms. McNair for your support, assistance, and leadership.

OFFICE MANAGERDelores McNair

COMMITTEEPageant

Shonice Musgrove is a sophomore Business Ad-ministration Entrepreneurship major and Fashion Mer-chandising minor from Laurel, Mississippi. She is a mem-ber of USM College Democrats where she serves as Vice President. Shonice is a Leadership Scholar and a member of SGA Executive Cabinet. She is also an active member of Eagle Ambassadors, Leadership Executive Team, and Gamma Beta Phi Honor Society. This is her first year to be involved with the pageant, and she is honored to help promote the university in a positive way.

Shonice Musgrove

CONTESTANTSPageant

broganMonique

daleArrielle

hamptonRobin

keihnElizabeth

CONTESTANTSPageant

mayfieldApril myers

Tamecia

montgomeryJulia

pageBridget

CONTESTANTSPageant

myers reynoldsAnn Claire

robertsHannah

rogersKayla

SimmonsMegan

CONTESTANTSPageant

simsOlivia

smithCourtney

smith

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Monique BroganBest Wishes

“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own under-standing. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”

Proverbs 3:5-6

Monique,We wish you well in the pageant! We adore you for your

vibrant personality, radiant smile and heart of gold! Good Luck!

From the Mu Nu Chapter ofDelta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Congratulations

Monique BroganCongratulations

Continue to use your talents and Blessings the Lord your God has given you and remember

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Love,Mom, Dad, Myiaique, and Family

Monique BroganBest Wishes

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olivia simsCongratulationsYou can do all things through Christ

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Your Aunt and Uncle

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olivia sims

Wishing you the Best

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the earth is full of the goodness of the lord, for

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to god be the glory for all the great things he

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your father, mother, and sisteroliver, donna, and sheena

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RUBY FLORENCE

keep up the good work! Iam so proud

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Though you are oldernow, i’m glad you arestill the sweet and

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the best,olivia Sims!

We Wish You

keep up the good work! Iam so proud

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Though you are oldernow, i’m glad you arestill the sweet and

beautiful girl ifirst held 21 years ago.

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I am so proud of you! May God bless you in yourjourney through life.

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good luckin all

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You have alreadywon. I’ve claimed it.

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Love Your Brother,Lewis Stewart

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courtney!

Best Wishes

We love you!

Catherine Walker

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Best Wishes

May the Lord Forever Blessand Keep You!

Robin Silas

“Delight yourselfin the lord,

and he will giveyou the desiresof your heart.”

Bridget Page

Psalms 37:4

Love, Your Family and Team

Congratulations

Contestants!student government

association

Courtneysmith

Best Wishes

Congratulations

Contestants!student government

association

TALENT WINNER______________________________________________________

THIRD ALTERNATE______________________________________________________

SECOND ALTERNATE______________________________________________________

FIRST ALTERNATE______________________________________________________

MISS UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI 2013______________________________________________________

MissUNIVERSITY OF

SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI

SpecialTHANKS

the university of southern mississippistudent government association

wishes to express gratitude to the following:

Dr. Eddie HollowayWynde Fitts

Delores McNairUniversity Communications

Alumni AssociationLake Terrace Convention Center

program book designed by Eryka Wallace