There was six, now there are two.
Just as in last year’s Miss Southern race field has been narrowed down to two young ladies vying to be Miss Southern University 2002-03: Latroya Foster and Erica Walton.
“I will be blunt with you, no matter who you vote for you can’t go wrong,” said Student Government Association President 2001-02 Avery Wilson. “There are both worthy of the title of Miss Southern.”
This year’s campaign has not been marred with mudslinging and insults as in the previous years.
“I was very disappointed with the campaigning process this year,” said Derrick “D-Rob” Robertson, SGA president 2000-02, regarding SGA election 2001.
But, the only fighting that occurred in this year’s campaign was the fighting by all camps to make sure everyone knew their candidate was the best.
“This year’s campaign, especially the race for Miss Senior, was extremely clean,” said Judith Dillon. “I have made a lot of friends, Tia Anderson, who unfortunately did not make the run-offs is helping me with my campaign.”
“As for the Miss Southern race, we are friends,” said LaTroya Foster. “Though both of us want to win, we feel there is no need to cause any unnecessary malice.”
“This year’s campaign is one to remember … it was very clean,” said Walton. “All of the candidates showed true sportsmanship throughout the entire race.”
Beginning, Monday, April 8, everywhere one looked you were bombarded with signs proclaiming the virtues of those vying for the position of a campus queen.
But, no race was as intense as the one for Miss Southern. From firetrucks to block parties, t-shirts to hats. No expense was spared.
This year’s campaign featured free CDs, posters, t-shirts, hats, bandannas, bags and the usual candy, chips, drinks and of course Popsicle’s offering a little relief from Baton Rouge’s warm spring days.
The campaign to elect LaTroya Foster even sponsored a block party, featuring volleyball, free food and a water fight.
“I was grateful for the free give-a-ways,” said Necresianna Bonnett of Bastrop. “That was money I did not have to spend when I wanted a little snack.”
“Each candidate has a unique way of campaigning. Some candidates choose to spend great amounts of money, time and effort, while others rely on the true meaning of election,” said Erica Walton, candidate for Miss Southern. “I think that a candidate’s campaign reflects their character, therefor a successful campaign is the reflection of a successful candidate.”
But some feel that elections have become too much of a popularity contest, with everyone trying to outdo the other by having bigger, better, more goodies.
“Besides giving away chips, candy and goodies, what are you really going to do,” said Leon Stewart to Kia Smith, candidate for junior class president, in Tuesday’s run-off debates.
“Goodies should have no bearing on who a person decides to vote for,” said Leon Tarver, a native of Baton Rouge. “Being a political science major I believe one should look past the candy, chip, etc. and vote for the candidate best for the position.”
Demetrise Weston a junior accounting major from Baton Rouge agreed with Tarver.
“My vote was based on people whose character I already knew of … I know what everyone I voted for is capable of doing.”
But, after all is said and done only one person candidate reign supreme …
