Davis crowned Miss UAB 2009
Posted on 13. Oct, 2008 by Kaleidoscope in News
For UAB sophomore Ashley Davis, last Wednesday night was a dream come true when she was selected as the new Miss UAB 2009 at the Alys Stephens Center.
“When the emcee called my number, no one was more surprised than me,” she said. “This year’s pageant was full of so many talented, beautiful girls, and I felt so blessed to have been chosen as Miss UAB. Now, I’m still floating on a cloud.”
Along with the title of Miss UAB, Davis will receive $1,800 in scholarship money. Overall, $4,500 in scholarships was awarded to the Miss UAB contestants this year.
Davis, who hails from Dothan, Ala., competed in the pageant on her platform “Marching Toward a Brighter Future, One Dime at a Time.” Her effort supports the March of Dimes, an organization she has been involved with since high school.
“I have had the opportunity to witness the profound impact this organization has had on so many families. I plan to raise awareness on UAB’s campus about events hosted by the March of Dimes, and encourage student organizations to hold their own fund-raisers benefitting MOD’s efforts to reduce instances of prematurity, birth defects, and low birthrate.”
In true pageant tradition, Davis was ceremoniously crowned by last year’s Miss UAB, Erica Leonardi. Leonardi, a communications major, says that although she has many wonderful memories from the past year, one of her favorites was singing the national anthem at a Blazer’s basketball game. She also found that wearing the crown brought with it many new responsibilities.
“My responsibilities were first and foremost serving UAB,” said Leonardi. “I was an ambassador to the school. I advocated my platform, Child Literacy Awareness, in local schools. I was an advocate of Children’s Miracle Network. I represented the school in the Miss Alabama pageant in June, where I received $1,500 in scholarships.”
Pageant contestants competed in five categories that included evening gown, swimsuit, interview, the reply to an onstage question, and talent. The talent competition just happens to be Davis’ favorite.
“My favorite category at Miss UAB was the talent portion,” Davis said. “I have only been in one other program with a talent category, and I was amazed by all of the wonderful performances. I have been singing for as long as I can remember and singing ‘A Whole New World’ Wednesday night is something I will never forget!”
Davis’ first public appearance as Miss UAB 2009 will be Oct. 17 when she takes part in the annual Homecoming Parade, which will begin at noon on the corner of 14th Street South and 10th Avenue South.
Numerous students and family members came out to support the pageant contestants, including Emily Mills, who wanted to cheer on her sorority sisters.
“I attended the pageant because I wanted to support my many sorority sisters participating in and planning the show, as well as my fellow [UAB] ambassador.”
For those interested in entering next year’s Miss UAB contest, information can be found in the Office of Student Involvement.
“Next fall, probably late August or early September, there will be publicity out about an interest meeting,” said Christine Culleton, student director of the Miss UAB pageant. “They can either attend that interest meeting or contact Kelli Thompson in the fall to find out what forms they need to fill out and when they are due.”
Email: uabkscopenews@yahoo.com