The stage was dazzling, and the contestants were ready! On March 18, 2023, the University of South Carolina Union hosted the Miss USC Union Pageant on campus in the auditorium. This year’s theme was “Crowns and Gowns” and the contestants bedazzled the audience to the opening number of “Can’t Stop The Feeling” by Justin Timberlake.
Eleven lovely contestants competed for four crowns: Miss Freshman, Miss Sophomore, Miss Junior, and Miss USC Union 2023. In alphabetical order the contestants were: Kallee Garner (Union), Za’Kyah Jeter-Wzalton (Union), Bianca Monteith (Walhalla), Amber Northcutt (Pelion), Shamya Smith (Union), Brianna Storch (Monroe, NC), DeAnna Sweat (Irmo), Madison Truett (Summerton), Kinley Webb (Richlands, NC), Julia Whitney (Union) and Molly Winstead (Pacolet)
Mr. Keith Ballington and Mrs. Greta Bailey co-emceed the pageant. Abby Gregory, USCU Dual Enrolled Student and Union County High School Senior, performed two vocal solos while accompanying herself on the guitar. Brittany Hightower, Miss USCU 2022 ended her year’s reign as queen.
There were five phases of competition in this year’s pageant. This included: Interview, On Stage Question, Meet the Contestant, Casual Wear and Evening Gown. All eleven contestants graced the stage meticulously in each category.
At the end of the evening, Bianca Monteith received the Loretta Warr Interview Scholarship Award, Za’Kyah Jeter-Walton received Miss Congeniality and Julia Whitney received Miss Photogenic. As the queens were announced; DeAnna Sweat was Miss Freshman, Julia Whitney was Miss Sophomore, Za’Kyah Jeter-Walton was Miss Junior and Bianca Monteith was crowned Miss USC Union.
Proceeds will go to benefit the Grace Revels & Mia Stokes Memorial Scholarship.
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