[hr] Seven contestants took the stage at the Rose E. McCoy Auditorium last Thursday for the inaugural Mister and Miss Jackson State University Pageant, with six making the final ballot.
This year’s pageant featured a new, much-anticipated addition: Mister JSU. The position was approved and amended into the Student Government Association’s constitution earlier this year under the administration of SGA President Kendall Bunch (2016-17).
The four young women and three young men dared to be judged by their peers and a panel of expert judges in hopes of becoming among the prominent student ambassadors for the university.
Former Miss JSU Charence Higgins (2015-16) and JSU alum Jason Gibson hosted the event.
The contestants for Miss JSU:
- Comelia Walker, a junior biology pre-med major
- Shelbi Ware, a junior chemistry pre-med major
- Jaelah Wright-Keely, a junior chemistry major
- Cayla Harris, a junior biology pre-med major
The contestants for Mister JSU:
- Telandus Craft, a biology and Spanish dual major
- De’Angelo Riddle, an electrical engineering major
- DreQuan Cooley, a junior business marketing major
When asked how they felt about being part of a historical night, contestants for Mister JSU answered enthusiastically.
“I’m honored to be in the running for the first Mister JSU, I hope I’m blessed with the chance to leave a legacy for other future Mister JSUs to come, said Craft.
“I’m simply elated,” said Riddle.
Cooley said, “It’s a very competitive race, but it’s a great experience to take on.”
Pageant contestants were judged on oratorical ability, private interviews, talent, formal wear and a questionnaire submitted via social media by the student body. Participants could receive up to 100 points in each category, allowing the Top 3 vote-getters to advance to the final ballot, which will be cast on Friday, April 7, in the Student Center on the second floor in the Commuter Lounge.
The three male contestants will automatically make the final ballot. The three top vote-getters making the final ballot for the female contestants are Walker, Ware and Wright-Keely.
The JSU Dance Ensemble and Vocal Jazz Ensemble collaborated with contestants and entertained a packed house of students, family members and faculty members.
All students are required to bring Student IDs in order to cast their vote.