Madison Davenport, a freshman majoring in chemistry, was crowned the 2016 Miss UNC-Pembroke on Jan. 28 at the Givens Performing Arts Center (GPAC).
Davenport was awarded a $2,000 scholarship, free student housing and a meal plan for one year.
Davenport performed a rhythm tap dance and her platform was UPLIFT: Uniting People with Love, Inspiration, Fellowship & Truth.
“When they called my name, all I could do was cry,” said Davenport. “Because at that moment, one of my dreams finally came true. I have many goals I would like to achieve as Miss UNCP, but most importantly, I want to stand by Chancellor Robin Cummings and his mission to ‘Change Lives through Education.’ I want to enhance my Platform, Project UPLIFT, by encouraging high school students to attend college.”
First runner-up was Tatyana Bell, a freshman majoring in psychology, received a $750 scholarship. She played the flute and her platform was No Body’s Perfect.
Second runner-up, Cameron Jacobs, a sophomore majoring in zoology, received a $500 scholarship. She performed an Irish dance in the talent portion of the competition and her platform was Animal Rescue.
The non-finalists, Rebecca Hayes, Morgan McInnis, Alexandria Bear and Allison Savage all received various, small sum, scholarships.
Rebecca Hayes, a freshman majoring in accounting performed an interpretive dance and her platform was PAST: Preserving a Story for Tomorrow. Hayes took home the Miss Congeniality award.
Morgan McInnis, a junior majoring in elementary education, performed a jazz dance and her platform was Hunger: UnusedBraves Bucks Stop Here. McInnis took home the $500 scholarship award.
McInnis plans to continue working with the CARE Resource Center to end community hunger through the use of unused Brave Bucks.
Alexandria Bear, a freshman majoring in business management whose talent was expressive art and platform was Main Street Mission, took home the Kelsey Cummings, Miss UNCP 2013 and 2014 Spirit Award Scholarship.
“My first pageant was a great experience and I had so much fun with all the girls. I would like to thank my Lord and Savior as well as my family and friends,” said Bear.
The audience supported their favorite contestant and the UNCP CARE Resource Center by donating non-perishable items and hygiene products.
Allison Savage received a $150 textbook scholarship for having the most items donated to the CARE Resource Center in her name.
Bessie Barnes, the reigning 2015 Miss UNC Pembroke was congratulated on a successful year and was awarded the first ever “Overcoming the Odds Award” from former Miss UNCP, Renee Steele, 1991.
“I’m excited for Madison. She has a lot of community support,” said Barnes.
Barnes plans to continue generating funds for her scholarship and hopes to increase alumni support and continue speaking at various schools and events.
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