Alma student captures Miss UAFS crown
by March 13, 2011 7:28 pm 205 views
Sarah Davis of Alma was crowned Miss University of Arkansas at Fort Smith on March 12 and will represent the university in the Miss Arkansas Pageant in Hot Springs in July.
Davis, 22, is the daughter of Eldon and Cindy Davis of Alma and is seeking a bachelor’s degree in nursing at the UAFS. She wants to eventually obtain a doctorate in public health administration.
For her pageant talent, Davis played Concerto No. 1 in E Flat Major on the French horn. Davis, who is a 2007 graduate of Alma High School, also won the Interview Award and was named the Audience Appeal Winner.
First runner-up was Courtney Brown, 19, of Lavaca, daughter of Russell and Stephanie Brown of Lavaca. Brown, a 2009 Lavaca High School graduate, also won the GPA Award, which goes to the contestant with the highest grade point average. Her GPA is a 3.93.
Second runner-up was Hailey Mortenson, 21, of Fort Smith, daughter of Grant and Roseann Mortenson of Fort Smith. Mortenson is a 2007 Greenwood High School graduate.
Third runner-up was Shamber Uzuh, 22, of Little Rock, daughter of Norma Earnest and Bobbye Williams of Little Rock. Uzuh, a 2007 graduate of Joe T. Robinson High School, also won the Spirit of Miss UA Fort Smith Award, voted on by the pageant committee.
Fourth runner-up was Hannah Watlington, 20, of Fort Smith, daughter of Hank and Pam Watlington of Fort Smith. Watlington, who is a 2009 graduate of Union Christian Academy, also won the Talent Award.
Judges ranked contestants in five categories — artistic expression in talent, 35%; interview, 25%; lifestyle and fitness in swimsuit, 15%; evening wear, 20%; and on-stage question, 5%. The event was held at the Arkansas Best Corp. Performing Arts Center at the Fort Smith Convention Center.
Special guest performers included Alyse Eady of Fort Smith, Miss Arkansas 2010 and first runner-up in the Miss America Pageant, and Rebecca Wheeley of Rogers, Miss UAFS 2010.
Cash, scholarships and other awards provided through the Miss UA Fort Smith Pageant totaled more than $15,000. Pageant chair is Stacey Jones of Fort Smith, associate vice chancellor for campus and community events.