Melanie Merchant Crowned Miss NSU 2002

Melanie Merchant, a Pryor junior, was crowned Miss NSU 2002 on Nov. 8 after competing against 12 other contestants for the title. Judging was based on an interview and swimsuit, talent, and evening gown competitions.

The public relations major has been competing in pageants for several years and sang "Paper Moon" for the talent portion of the scholarship pageant. Merchant, whose platform is seatbelt safety awareness, is currently the Oklahoma Highway Patrol spokesperson for seatbelt safety.

Merchant will respresent NSU at the Miss Oklahoma pageant in June 2002.

This year's Miss NSU show, held in the Center for Performing Arts, carried the theme, "I'm Real," and allowed the contestants to show the judges and the audience their "real" selves.

Miss NSU: Melanie Merchant; Vocal, "Paper Moon"

1st Runner Up: Rebecca Neely; Vocal, "Via Dolorasa"

2nd Runner Up: Whitney Peters; Vocal, "Hound Dog"

3rd Runner Up: Elizabeth Glenn; Ballet Dance and Song, "Go The Distance"

4th Runner Up: Abby Hogle; Tap Dance, "She Bangs"

Overall Swimsuit Winner: Melanie Merchant
Overall Talent Winner: Whitney Peters
Miss Congeniality: Rebecca Neely
Crowd Pleaser: Abby Hogle

Published: 2001-11-08 00:00:00