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UCF Student First Black Miss Florida
By Tom Evelyn

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Ericka Dunlap made history Saturday when she became the first African-American woman to win the Miss Florida pageant.

The 21-year-old advertising and public relations senior from Orlando won a $12,000 scholarship and will represent the state at the Miss America pageant in Atlantic City in September.

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Photo: Jacque Brund
Even back on campus, interviews are a part of her life.

"This is an amazing opportunity for me, not only because I’m the first black winner, but because I can be a role model for all minorities," Dunlap said, adding that her experience at UCF has helped to mold her platform of cultural inclusion. "I really think that being at UCF has given me a chance to blossom as a person because of its diversity and opportunities to get involved."

Dunlap succeeds outgoing Miss Florida 2002, Katherine Carson, also a UCF student.

As Miss City Beautiful, Dunlap competed with 42 other women in the 68th Miss Florida pageant in St. Petersburg. A five-judge panel graded the women during the weeklong event on interviews and talent, swim wear and evening wear competitions.

The Miss America Scholarship program gives women ages 17 to 24 a chance to earn scholarships to further their education and develop leadership skills in the areas of interview, talent, community service and lifestyle and fitness.

"I have been amazed at Ericka’s growth and development this past year as she prepared for both the local and state pageant," said Veronica Livesay, co-executive director of the Miss University of Central Florida Pageant. "Her platform on achieving cultural inclusion is timely and she blew away the competition with her answers to very tough questions. She will represent the state of Florida very well.

"Each year the bar is raised by these incredible women and I am in awe of their academic achievements, extra-curricular activities, community service and talent," said Livesay, who works with UCF students interested in participating in the Miss UCF and other local pageants. This year, the Miss Florida pageant gave away over $43,000 in scholarships.

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Six UCF women were involved in this year's contest.

UCF was well represented at the Miss Florida pageant. Other UCF students who competed included Miss University of Central Florida Kristy Burgess, Genevieve Jahn (Miss Apopka), Emily Martin (Miss First Coast), and Christine Cooper (Miss Silver Springs). Mr. UCF Wesley Miller performed as a featured soloist and dancer during the pageant.

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And Dunlap had lots of support from other students as well.

Dunlap, who plans to go to law school and become a sports and entertainment attorney, is a member of the President’s Leadership Council at UCF. The council’s members are selected for their excellence in leadership, scholarship and service to the university and the Orlando community and serve as ambassadors at special events for the university and the president’s office.

http://www.news.ucf.edu/FY2002-03/030702.html

KUDOS SOROR ERICKA DUNLAP