 "Photo: Photos courtesy of Peter Acosta")
“Mr. and Ms. CSUSB Pageant Hollywood Style” was projected on the back wall behind the stage in the Santos Manuel Student Center.
Many students applied, but only 14 were chosen. The grand prize for the contest is to be named Mr. or Ms. CSUSB 2010 and to receive one quarter paid tuition.
Groups of supporters gathered outside the doors, patiently waiting for the show to begin. Some of the contestants mingled before beginning the competition.
“The competition’s tough. I’m still confident in my ability though,” contestant Aaron Molina said.
The pageant was decorated with multiple rows of chairs, refreshments in the back of the room, and a jazz band led by Dr. Robert Knop. Hidden behind a navy blue curtain was a disc jockey.
There was also a judges table directly in front of the stage. Four judges had the tedious job of scoring each challenger based on how spirited they were, talented, their image, and their speech.
“I have to judge according to the criteria of timed speech, coyote spirit, et cetera,” said Toney Tunes, one of the judges.
As soon as the doors opened, students crowded in the center, hurrying to grab a seat for the festivities. Home made signs listing the name of the favored contestant were held by some of the audience members.
“I think Jeremy should win because he’s humble and he’s familiar with our campus,” said Minder Thind, a CSUSB student, as she proudly showed off her creative poster.
CSUSB students weren’t the only supporters. A group of high school students from Sherman Indian High School in Riverside came to give their support to Stephanie Mushrush.
“All 35 of these high school students are here for Stephanie,” said Juan Young, a CSUSB student.
The lights dimmed and the once loud audience quieted to a hush. 7:30 p.m. marked the start of the contest. The host introduced the contest and then proceeded to explain the rules. The first rule was that the judges’ decision was final and the second rule was no booing.
As soon as the host was done explaining the rules, 14 contestants swarmed the stage in a dancing frenzy. The disk jockey spun hip-hop music as each potential winner took the stage for their fifteen seconds of fame.
Not much later, the first segment began. The first segment involved two minute speeches by each student.
Jeremy Young gave his speech first, and all the contestants spoke about their lives, how involved they were on campus, and how much spirit they had.
When Aaron Molina took the stage for his speech, the crowd went crazy. He quickly said to the excited audience, “I only have two minutes,” and then continued.
The competition was serious to the contestants and that was confirmed even more so in the next segment: the talent portion. There was fierce competition. Each student displayed to their talent; most singers, some dancers. It looked as though things couldn’t get any more spirited, but they did.
Another break was taken to allow the contestants to get dressed in their formal wear, the third segment. Each competitor came out with a partner. Many of the formal dresses the girls wore were long and flowing. The boys dressed in suites, slacks, and vests.
The host came out and announced it was time to choose the best three of each. After the judges tallied up their scores, the names were read.
Jeremy Young was one of the three who had to answer a question. As part of his answer to what this experience gave him, Young answered, “It’s not about me, it’s about my school and my community."
Following the speeches came the big moment. It was time to announce the Mr. and Ms. CSUSB 2010. The room grew quiet as the host fumbled with the paper that held to two winning names.
The name Brianna Pascoe was announced as the new Ms. CSUSB 2010. The crowd cheered on as she accepted her blue sash and princess, diamond studded crown. Right after, the host announced Paul Dudley as the Mr. CSUSB 2010. He accepted his blue, suede crown and sash.
They both were given checks that showed the amount $1,619. They won tuition for a quarter.
“I’m speechless,” Pascoe said. She had a surprised and yet happy look on her face as she hugged her family and friends.
“I don’t know what to say, I’m speechless,” said Dudley. He walked around shaking hands and hugging his supporters.
The competition ended at 10:30 p.m., but it didn’t end without giving as sense of hope to students who attended. A new year will be closing in and the new Mr. and Ms. CSUSB will have to turn over their titles, but the paid tuition is theirs to keep.
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