Sparkles, lace, animal prints, lingerie and wigs were in abundance on the stage of Watkins Auditorium Thursday, October 7 at 7 p.m. during the “2004 Miss Understood Pageant,” which was sponsored by the Public Relations Student Society of America, PRSSA. However, the all male contestant were the ones sporting short skirts and high heels. Awards were given out to the winners of each category. The judges for the pageant were Katie High, Bud Grimes, Mrs. V, and Tom Rakes.

“Mattilda Huge Rear” representing Alpha Tau Omega received the honor of being named Miss Understood for 2004. “Timisha” and “Peaches,” also representing the brothers of Alpha Tau Omega, were named the court for the pageant. Door Prizes were also given out to members of the audience.

“This is the first time I’ve ever received flowers,” said Matt Ragan, “Mattilda,” who is a senior political science major from Humboldt.

Not only was “Mattilda” named Miss Understood, but he also won the talent competition and the People’s Choice Award. Through the People’s Choice Award, PRSSA raised over $120. Half of this money will go to support the 1171 unit of the National Guard while they are stationed in Iraq.

The title of “Miss Congeniality” was awarded to “Waddella” representing the brothers of Sigma Phi Epsilon.

“Beauty, thank God, is only skin deep,” said Zach Waddell, “Waddella,” a senior Business Management major from Brentwood.

The evening included the actual review, a talent competition and the question and answer portion. The talent portion of the pageant included dancing, singing and impressions. Music for the Pageant included songs like “Wild Thing,” “Barbie Girl” and “Natural Woman.”

The questions that were asked to the top 10 finalists covered topics including men, dating and romance. Participants were questioned about kissing on a first date, how they get noticed by men, and what they look for in a guy. One contestant was even asked, “If you were a nail polish, what color would you be?”

Contestants were also asked to list their hobbies and future ambitions. These goals covered a variety of expectations including marriage, having children, modeling for Playboy and becoming exotic dancers.

The contestants seemed friendly, particularly with David Belote, one of the MC’s. Several contestants even kissed the unsuspecting Belote on the cheeks. Belote compared one of the pageant’s contestants to Godzilla.

“It was a great show and everyone seemed to have a good time,” said Kadie Richwine, PRSSA fundraising chair.