In hopes of starting a tradition, the senior class cabinet presented the Mr. Senior 2006 competition on Thursday to honor the talented senior males at Florida A&M University.
“Ladies get a lot more recognition than the males at FAM so we felt this competition would be a nice initiative to honor the talented men,” said Amanda Byrd, the 21-year-old senior class vice president from Atlanta.
At 7 p.m., students came out to Lee Hall to show their support. The competition was hosted by Rhonita Bellamy, the 2006-2007 senior attendant, and Jason Julien, deputy chief of staff of the senior class cabinet.
The contestants for the Mr. Senior 2006 title were Randy Bell, Michael Carter, Cedric Knight, Montrel Miller, Brandon Mitchell, Maurice Nance, Derek Sutherlin and Anwar Williams. After they walked on stage in the opening scene to Jay-Z’s “Allure,” the contestants introduced themselves to the audience.
Miss FAMU, Stephanie Evans, a 22-year-old elementary education student from Fort Lauderdale, was one of the judges for the competition. She said the males were judged upon specific criteria.
“We judge based upon appearance, personality, speaking, creativity as far as talent and execution of talent,” Evans said. During the GQ scene, the contestants modeled to Jay-Z’s “Excuse Me Miss.” There was also a performance by Mahogany Dance Theater in between scenes.
In the next scene, “It’s Showtime,” the men showed off their talents. This included reciting poetry, rapping, singing and dancing.
The men came on stage individually and modeled during the last scene. “Bedroom/Getting Physical,” was the swimwear/athletic portion of the competition.
The question and answer period followed the four scenes. The contestants were asked random questions by the hosts. “The men were judged on how eloquent they spoke,” Evans said.
“Mr. Senior 2006” was awarded to 21-year-old Montrel Miller from Newton, Ga. “I’ve never done anything like this before,” Miller said. “Being that it’s my senior year, I figured why not try something new and go out with a bang!”
Miller said he feels his new title represents him, “a humble guy who is willing to help anyone, as well as the senior class in any facet.”
“I had a lot of fun. After going to class all day, us students look forward to getting involved in events like this,” Brian Mitchell said.
The 21-year-old computer information systems student from Kansas City, Mo. said he had a great time participating in this event. “I would definitely do it again,” Mitchell said.
This event was just one of many presented by the senior class. Numerous events were organized for senior week with the “Fade to Black, The Last Album” theme.
“Justify My Thug” was held Monday, Oct. 9, and black T-shirts were given away on The Set.
“What More Can I Say” was a social at Buffalo Wild Wings. “99 Problems” held Wednesday, Oct. 11, was the clash of the colleges in Perry Paige auditorium.
Following “Allure: the Mr. Senior Competition,” was “Change Clothes” at Cool Grindz café. “I’m an 80’s Baby” was the theme of Friday, Oct. 13’s block party. It was held on The Set. “Public Service Announcement,” held Saturday, Oct. 14, was a community service event.
The last event, “Moment of Clarity” held Sunday, Oct. 15, was a church service at New Mt. Zion AME Church.