University of North Alabama - Diorama Yearbook (Florence, AL)

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ifi rawsiKsmi sua ' iMfji ' iiavw Sophomore to compete in Miss Alabama pageant Nicole Nix, a 19-year-old sophomore majoring in elementary education, was optimistic through- out the January 28 Miss University of North Alabama Scholarship Pageant. However, when her name was called as the winner of the pageant, she was truly sur- prised. I was in shock, Nix said. I just put my hands on my face and started crying. Words cannot explain it. Lauren Jett, a junior majoring in marketing, was named first runner-up. Jett performed a dance to Cell Block Tango for the talent portion. In summer, Nix, whose community platform is I Can! Improving Children ' s Activity and Nutri- tion, was set to compete in the Miss Alabama pageant. CONTESTANTS PUT IT ALL ON THE LINE. Nicole Nix {helow) belts out her winning rendition of Gimme, Gimme. Natalie Williams (right) stands poised during the evening gown portion of the compe- tition. Allison Saint (far right) exudes elegance in the swimwear competi- tion. Nix said she was proud to be chosen to repre- sent her school. I ' m so excited, she said. It ' s an honor to be able to follow in the footsteps of the other wirmers at UNA. After graduation. Nix, who is a member of Gamma Phi Beta Honor Society and a volunteer with Habitat for Humanity, plans to pursue a master ' s degree in speech pathology. Nix won the talent portion of the show with her rendition of Gimme Gimme. She also placed first in the swimsuit competition. Miss Alabama Alexa Jones, who was second runner-up in the Miss America pageant, was guest artist at the pageant.

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IDuiir§tiirgi Witf] IPiridle Homecoming 2005 gave the university a chance to reflect on its history. The homecoming theme Bursting with Pride at 175 reminded students and faculty alike of UNA ' s long and proud heritage. The week kicked off with a dry day, perfect for window painhng. That evening the student organiza- tions participated in a carnival on the intramural fields. Each organization could create a carnival booth that would be scored as part of the homecoming spirit com- petition. The University Programs Council put together a week packed with activities. Participation in all events was high. Despite a few cancellations due to weather and contract difficulties, participants considered the week quite successful. The 2005 Alumni of the Year were Lowell Guthrie, Laura Harrison, and Clay Bennett. Guthrie is the founder of Trace Die Casting, Inc. in Bowling Green, Ky. Harrison is a successful businesswoman and the Harrison Fountain namesake. Bennett is a Pulitzer Prize-winning editoria l cartoonist. Gil Jaggers and Julie Yates were crowned home- coming king and queen this year. The ceremony took place during the Saturday evening game against Henderson State. The Lions defeated Henderson State 38-10. FIT TO BURST. UNA students, faculty, and alumni celebrate Homecoming at the parade and game. The Pride of Dixie march- ing band provides entertainment at the parade (far left). UNA Senior DeMarcus Blount dances around Henderson State opposi- tion (bottom left). Leo and the Lions team ride through town in the Homecoming Parade (top and bottom). Alumni of the year Lowell Guthrie, Laura Harrison, and Clay Bennett stop for a photo, and a student shows his pride in purple paint (middle). Homecoming King Gil Jaggers and Queen Julie Yates reign over the crowd at Braly on Saturday (below). pnoto Dv Joke Jones photo by Shannon Welis

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THERE SHE IS, MISS UNA. Minutes after her crowning. Miss UNA 2006 Nicole Nix, poses for her first official pictures. Nix was to compete for the Miss Alabama title in summer. Success there means moving on to com- pete in the Miss America pageant. 29