Felicia McCall crowned Miss Purple and Gold

By Erin Berry
Staff Writer

The UNCP Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. on Nov. 18 crowned their first Miss Purple and Gold as part of an annual scholarship pageant.

Neatly designed purple and gold decorations lined the stage of Moore auditorium as the pageant opened with the oldies hit "Bad Mama Jama" booming from the speaker and a smoke-filled stage full of contestants and extras dancing. Each contestant danced to the microphone to give the audience a little taste of their dancing flavor as the audience clapped along with the song.

Three contestants competed for the title of Miss Purple and Gold. Tiffany N. Finandis is a sophomore majoring in criminal justice. Kandis Craft is a freshman majoring in athletic training. And Felicia McCall is a senior majoring in social work.

Omega Psi Phi member Alphonza Thomas welcomed everyone to the pageant and introduced mistress of ceremonies S.G.A. President Venessa Jones. Then, Gospel Choir Director Ian Siler, accompanied on the piano by Chris Adams, sang a moving rendition of "Superstar."

Finandis was the first to walk out in a pink and black bikini bathing suit as the song "Candy" blared again from the sound system. Craft, dressed in a black two-piece suit, shyly walked across the stage. McCall was the last to walk onto the stage wearing a multicolored two-piece bikini accented with green shoes.

McCall walked confidently and connected with the audience as her family and friends cheered her on.

Before intermission, Omegas had the opportunity to bust out some steps.

After intermission, the contestants returned with their artistic expression or talent.

During her personal talent of poetry, Finandis unfortunately forgot some of her lines and gave the audience a scare, but she finished proudly and walked off the stage.

Craft's talent also was poetry, but instead of a piece of her own, she recited the famous Langston Hughes poem, "Father to Son." Unfortunately, Craft also had trouble remembering her lines, but with the audience's encouragement, she finished.

McCall was the final contestant to present her talent, which was a song. Her song was very inspirational and seemed to affect her as she sang. The audience was still moved and gave her a round of applause.

After the talent section, Thomas presented an appreciation gift to Pageant Coordinator Selena Craig. Craig spoke briefly about the young ladies who dropped out of the pageant at the last minute which was discouraging for those who remained, yet she was proud of the three contestants that still remained.

After the scores were tabulated, the winners were announced.

Second runner-up was Craft, with first runner-up Finandis. McCall was the winner as the crowd roared with excitement, hugs and applause.

Her family and friends rushed on stage to congratulate her and everyone was all smiles.

McCall said, "I feel wonderful! I was looking forward to doing this and I dedicate this in remembrance of my mother. She would have liked to have seen me in something like this."

Thomas said, " I think that it was a great success and there will be a Miss Purple and Gold Pageant from now until."