TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — University of Alabama student Caitlin Brunell, a sophomore dance major from Morristown, N.J., was selected as the 2012 Miss UA from a field of 18 contestants during a recent competition held at the Bama Theatre in Tuscaloosa.
She will represent the University in the Miss Alabama competition June 6-9 in Birmingham. The winner of the state title will compete in Las Vegas for the title of Miss America.
The four runners-up in the competition included:
1st runner-up Aarendy Gomez Rafael of Centreville
2nd runner-up Julie Meeks of Tuscaloosa
3rd runner-up Katherine Kelley of Madisonville, Ky.
4th runner-up Faith Whigham of Millry
The Spirit of Alabama award, chosen by the selection panel following the private interview phase of the competition, was presented to Julie Meeks of Tuscaloosa. This award is unique to the Miss UA competition and is based on dedication to, and knowledge of, the University, character, passion for community service and being a proven role model.
The Spirit of Friendship Award, sponsored by Pageantry Magazine and voted on by the contestants, was awarded to Monica Edwards of Marion. The talent winner was Julie Meeks, and the swimsuit winner was Aarendy Gomez Rafael.
For more information regarding the Miss UA Program, or to schedule an appearance by Miss UA at a school function, civic club, fundraiser or other event, contact Carol Wright, director of the Miss UA Program, at 205/454-8622.
Contact
Linda Hill, UA Media Relations, 205/348-8325, lhill@ur.ua.edu
Source
Carol W. Wright, director, Miss UA Scholarship Program, 205/454-8622, 205/752-3774, cwwright4@comcast.net