Spartan Echo

Section: Student Life

Media Credit: Doreal Quarles

On Oct. 14 at 7 p.m, five men and seven women Spartans competed for the title of Mr. and Miss Norfolk State University at the Scholarship Pageant held in the L. Douglas Wilder Performing Arts Center.

Hosted by six NSU students, the event rocked the crowd from start to finish. The contestants opened up the show frozen in their own fearless poses as the floor carried them up from under the stage like an invisible elevator. Then, they showed off their dance skills with a collaborative, choreographed routine to the classic song, "Car Wash" before breaking out into the "Electric Slide" and the famous "Soul Train Line."

The pageant was divided into four segments including interviews, lifestyle and fitness (or swimsuit), talent, and evening wear. For each segment, the ladies competed against each other first, then the men had a chance to strut their stuff. The Kings and Queens of various campus organizations helped escort the contestants out on the stage during each segment. The NSU Dance Theatre also helped to transition the segments with colorful and upbeat performances.

During the lifestyle and fitness competition, the ladies each had a few minutes to strut on stage in their one-piece-, two-piece, or strapless swimsuits while the males flexed in swim trunks. The interview portion of the show put the contestants on the spot as the hosts asked them each to respond to two questions about politics, future goals, and current news headlines. The evening wear competition gave the participants a chance to show their class and elegance as they partnered up to slow dance in elaborate gowns and tuxedos to "Incomplete" by singer Sisqo. As each person entered, slides were projected on the walls of the Wilder Center that played pre-recorded interviews of them explaining why they chose their major and why Historically Black Colleges and Universities are important.

The talent competition had something for everyone as the contestants showcased their knacks for singing, dancing, reciting poetry, drumming, baton twirling, piano playing, and doing a Spartan Legion flag performance. Despite a few flaws in the presentations and microphone malfunctions, many students enjoyed this segment the most, including sophomore psychology major Ashley White.

"I really enjoyed the talent portion because everyone seemed to put their best foot forward," she said. "Most of the participants were really good at the talent they displayed."

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