Potts wins Miss Caprock pageant
by Jason Hartline, staff writer
A humble Abbie Potts awoke on the morning of Nov. 14
thinking she was just another contestant in the 51st
annual Miss Caprock Scholarship Pageant at South Plains
College.
Little did she know she would be going
to bed wearing a crown and sash. Potts was crowned Miss
Caprock 2008 in the Tom T. Hall Recording and Production
Studio in the Creative Arts Building. She also will receive
a $500 scholarship.
The 2007 Miss Caprock, Kasey McCain,
who is a sophomore majoring in cosmetology, presented Potts
with a crown and placed the sash around her shoulder.
“I’m so excited and grateful for
winning this,” said Potts. “I want to thank God for all the
amazing things He’s done for me. I want to thank my parents
for all their support and love, and I want to thank the
school for choosing me. Thank you all.”
Potts is a business major, with plans
to be an event planner, from Clovis, N.M. She is the
daughter of Clint and Zandy Bunch of Clovis. She represented
North Sue Spencer Hall.
“When I heard the judges call out the
first runner-up, the only thing running through my mind was
I won!” said Potts. “I’ve never been nominated for anything,
and the first time I was, I won!”
The day of the pageant was a very
special day for Potts.
“Today is even more amazing and special
because it’s my birthday,” said Potts. “This has to be the
best birthday present ever.”
The three judges interviewed the
contestants individually before the pageant. Then the
candidates modeled their casual wear outfits across the
stage while Julie Gerstenberger, who served as mistress of
ceremonies, described what each girl liked about SPC, their
future plans and what they think would be a perfect
lifestyle to lead, not only today, but in the future.
After an entertaining performance by
Mark Morgan and Engelo Charles, the judges revealed their
choices for the top five contestants. While the other
nominees went backstage, the top five prepared to answer
their impromptu questions.
These questions were formed from their
personal interview prior to the pageant. The questions
applied to each girl’s life in some way.
Jazmin Mojica, 19, of Sudan was named
first runner-up and will receive a $300 scholarship. She
represented the Campus Ambassadors. Second runner-up was
Mackenzie Macha, 18, of Levelland, representing Phi Theta
Kappa, Sarah Thompson, 20, of Seminole was named third
runner-up, representing Gillespie Hall, and Miranda Adams,
18, of Petersburg, who represented the SPC Cheerleaders,
rounded out the top five.
Other contestants included: Sydni
German, 19, a freshman nursing major from Whiteface who
represented the Student Government Association; Tera Sue
Carroll, 18, a freshman agricultural communications major
from Hereford, representing Smallwood Apartments; Katy Jo
McCasland, 18, a freshman apparel design/merchandise major
from Clovis, N.M., representing Lamar Hall; Alicia Marie
Montes, 23, a freshman education major from Lubbock,
represented the Hispanic Student Organization.
Also, Jessica Victoria Neider, 20, a
sophomore education major from Lubbock, who represented the
Baptist Student Ministries. Yazmin Ortega, 19, a sophomore
education major from Denver City, represented STAR Center.
M’Leesa Seals, 18, a freshman law enforcement major from
Plainview, represented the Law Enforcement Club. Sarah
Tucker, 18, a speech communications major from Levelland,
represented the Symphonic Band, and Lyndsey Wolf, 18, a
freshman public relations major from Wink, represented the
Press Club.
“They all deserve to win,” said Stan
Weatherred, director of student activities at SPC. “All of
the contestants represented very well. The judges didn’t
have an easy time deciding. I was very impressed with all
the girls in their poise, professionalism and beauty. You
couldn’t ask for a better group.”
To be a contestant in the Miss Caprock
pageant, the individual must be a full-time student with a
GPA of at least 2.0. The person must not be on academic or
social probations. They must also be an active member of the
club they are asked to represent.
“I truly feel this is a blessing,” said
Potts. “I can’t thank God enough for this amazing
achievement.”
Photo by Ashley Neal/ Plainsman
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