Nine university beauties slipped into stilettos and strut down the catwalk last Thursday night during the University Program Council’s annual Miss University of Lousiana at Lafayette pageant.

Draped in an appropriately red, floor-length dress, junior public relations major Erin Edmiston, 20, took the crown, winning not only the title, but the swimsuit, evening gown and photogenic awards as well. Management information systems senior Chalice Ebow, 21, of Parks, was first runner-up; followed by junior finance major Brooke Colarelli, 20, of Lafayette; sophomore chemical engineering major Dominique Riley, 19, of Kenner; and freshman exercise science major Brooke Blanchet, 18, of Lafayette, who also won the congeniality award. The top five finalists competed in a question-and-answer competition as well.

“The Miss UL Pageant gives participants the opportunity to represent the university with a very distinct honor during various events such as Krewe of Roux and Lagniappe Week,” said Miss UL organizer Jebby Soignier of the University Program Council.

Succeeding last year’s Miss UL, Haley Larson, Edmiston will go on to compete in the Miss Louisiana USA pageant in Lafayette on Oct. 29-30, the winner of which will compete in the national Miss USA pageant. She has also been awarded $1,000 cash, and Ebow and Colarelli will receive $400 and $100, respectively.

Additional contestants included junior biology major Ashley Sullivan, 21, of Brandon, Miss.; early childhood education sophomore Telecia Broussard, 19, of Catahoula; sophomore nursing major Meryl Boudreaux, 19, of New Iberia; and pre-law sophomore Kandy Andrepont, 20, of Eunice.

Judging the competition were KATC TV3 weekend anchor Kate Mundy, Alumni Association Director Dan Hare and Career Services Director Kimberly Billeaudeau.

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