The Tri-Lite

Issue date: 3/28/08 Section: News

Media Credit: Julie Ivers Question and Answer time!

Media Credit: Julie Ivers Mr. and Mrs. Holy Family!

Right bfore spring break, on March 13, Holy Family held the Second Annual Miss Holy Family Competition. This year, 11 of Holy Family's finest women - including myself! - competed for the envied crown, sash, and title. Each girl was judged on her entrance with the escort of her choice, her answer to a tough question, her chosen showcased talent, and her chosen evening wear; in addition, each contestant participated in a 'Show and Tell' category, for which they demonstrated something or someone that has significantly influenced her life. The event was held in the lower lobby of the CC and the seats were filled! Although there were no fire-lit baton twirlers or glasses filled with water like in the film, Miss Congeniality, it was quite an eventful night!

The pageant was organized by Graduate Residence Life Director, Stephanie Mongiello, with the help of Resident Advisors Jisha Mathai, Sara Powers, and Vladimyr Pierre-Lewis, who also functioned as the emcee of the night. These four also helped the contestants campaign the day before the event in the cafeteria by asking students to buy votes for their favorite contestant. The cost of each vote was $1, and all of the money raised went directly to Holy Family's Habitat for Humanity Trip, on which students flew to Miami and helped rebuild devastated homes over spring break.

At press time, the exact amount raised was not known; however, votes were sold a few days prior to the event, and were sold out on the night of the show. The votes counted as 10 percent of the contestant's score.

All of the contestants did a fantastic job in every category, but the talent competition certainly was the most entertaining category. Sara Beck played a lovely rendition of 'Beauty and the Beast' on the piano, Melissa Greco and Jessica Kane blew the crowd away with some intense cheerleading moves; the audience held their breath every time the contestants threw a fellow cheerleader into the sky during a barrel toss.

Ashley Coleman sang the alphabet backwards with some help from the audience. I tap danced - and demonstrated the importance of hairspray on a slippery floor! Marissa Donatone sang a selection from the new musical 'Spring Awakening' with piano accompaniment by Piotr Kopinski. Megan Meyers and her friends sang an Italian classic. Megan McLaughlin danced to nearly every popular song from the last twenty years, including 'The Twist' and 'Ice, Ice Baby.'

Brittany Prendergast and Hannah Guida cheered like the Spartan Cheerleaders from Saturday Night Live, and Lauren Nestel used her criminal justice background to take down Christian Murphy in a police skit. Holy Family sure boasts many talented students!

After an emotional 'Show and Tell' that included mothers, siblings, and teddy bears, the girls had one last chance to promenade in their evening attire before the final vote was cast. The Second Runner-Up was freshman Elementary Education major, Megan McLaughlin. The First Runner-Up, who will fulfill Ms. Holy Family's duties if she becomes unable to do so, was freshman Art Education major, Megan Meyers. And the winner of Miss Holy Family 2008 was junior Education major, Melissa Greco, who is also a Resident Advisor and Captain of the Cheerleading team. Ms. Holy Family 2007, Jessica Ford, passed her crown and title to Melissa, who then took her walk with Mr. Holy Family 2008, Piotr Kopinski. It was a great night for all! Congratulations to Melissa and all of the contestents!

Page 1 of 1

Article Tools