Franklin keeps Miss Bayou Classic Crown at SU

NEW ORLEANS – Kara Franklin of Southern University was crowned Miss State Farm Bayou Classic 2001-02, Friday, November 23 in the Grand Ballroom of the Hyatt Regency Hotel in New Orleans.
An evening themed “A Tropical Holiday”, was the setting for a showcase of ten lovely young ladies from Southern and Grambling State University.
The contestants were Ghijuanna Bates, RaShon Carruthers, Rachel McNeil, Shakia Payne and Ebony Gray, all of Grambling State University and Jonine Moch, Shadelia Thomas, Kara Franklin, Candace Clement, and Tiffany Sanders of Southern University.
The night opened with a “tropical” dance party in the islands, which served as an introductory period for the ladies.
“At the beginning of the pageant it was hard to tell who would emerge the victor, but I knew in my heart it would be one of the girls from Southern,” said Student Government President Avery Wilson.
The ladies went through four more traditional pageant segments; the swimsuit, talent, evening gown and interview segments, before Kara Franklin, a 19-year old native of Baton Rouge was crowned by Miss Bayou Classic 2000-2001 Rashuane Payton, also of Southern University.
“I can’t believe it…I am so excited and thankful,” said Franklin after being crowned. “I hope that I make a good queen. I am just so happy to be representing two of the most prestigious black universities in the nation.”
In addition to bringing home the title of queen, Candace Clement and Shadelia Thomas of SU, placed first and second runners-up respectively.