Elizabeth Wesson of Hartselle was crowned Miss University of Alabama at Birmingham 2011 last night, Oct. 20, 2010, in UAB's Alys Stephens Center.
A dozen young women competed in the Miss UAB Scholarship Pageant, and $4,600 in scholarship money was awarded. The women were judged in five categories: personal interview, on-stage question, evening gown, swimsuit and talent. The evening's emcee was Miss Alabama 2010, Ashley Davis, a student at UAB and Miss UAB 2009. Davis will compete in the upcoming Miss America pageant in January 2011. The outgoing 2010 Miss UAB, Ja'Taune Bosby, performed two musical selections, "Miss Celie's Blues" and "Summertime."
Wesson, daughter of Bob and Bobbie Wesson, is a junior majoring in music and pre-medical studies. For the talent portion of the contest, Wesson sang "Nessun Dorma," an aria from Puccini's opera "Turandot." Wesson tied with first runner-up Kimberly Freind of Birmingham for the talent award; Freind twirled baton to the song "Eyes like Yours" by pop star Shakira.
Wesson also was awarded the evening's community-service award, bringing her total scholarship winnings to $2,200.
Freind, the daughter of James and Deborah Freind, is a graduate student in the doctor of physical therapy program. She was awarded a total of $850 in scholarship money.
Bhavika Patel of Andalusia, a sophomore majoring in health science, was named second runner-up. She is the daughter of Nitan and Rekha Patel. She was awarded $650 in scholarship money.
Courtney Roberts of Gardendale, a sophomore majoring in marketing, was named third runner-up. She is the daughter of Raymond and Vickie Roberts. She was awarded $550 in scholarship money.
Mandy DeAraujo of Birmingham, a sophomore majoring in nursing, was named fourth runner-up. She is the daughter of David and Lisa Ann DeAraujo. She was awarded $350 in scholarship money.