“These heels are killing me!”

That’s not something that you will hear very often coming from a guy’s mouth, but if you were in attendance at the Public Relations Student Society of America’s annual Womanless Beauty Pageant last Thursday night, you very possible did hear it… and more than once.

Thirteen beautiful “ladies” were in the pageant, which was held in Watkins Auditorium. They competed in modeling and talent portions. Almost 150 spectators came to watch these guys, er, girls, compete viciously for the title of “Miss Understood 2006.” The energetic emcees for the night were David Belote, assistant vice chancellor of Student Affairs, and Teresa Collard, Communications professor.

All 13 ladies kept the crowd roaring with laughter during the entire show. They showed the audience a side of them that had maybe never been seen before. Talents ranged from baton twirling to hair twirling.

Along with paying to get in, donations were taken up during the pageant by the contestants, who walked around during the intermission collecting money in purses. PRSSA ended up raising almost $1000, part of which will be donated to United Way.

Jeff Hoyer, adviser for PRSSA, had to turn himself back into “Hottie Tottie” to give away the crown. “Hottie Tottie” was “Miss Understood 2005.” He said right before he went on stage, “I am almost sad to have to give away my crown.”

The contestants voted “Maria “Lupita” Guadalupe Perez Lopez,” or Sergio Bustillo, as Miss Congeniality. “Erica,” or Eric Pelren, a professor of Wildlife Biology, was chosen to have the best talent by the judges, which was turkey calling, and “Joetta James, III,” or Johnny Richwine, raised the most money during the pageant to win People’s Choice Award. The court consisted of second maid, “Erica;” first maid, “Joetta James, III;” and queen, “Maria “Lupita” Guadalupe Perez Lopez.”

The Womanless Beauty Pageant has now established its importance during Homecoming week. It’s refreshing to get together to laugh at with fellow students and professors during such a hectic week for all.

Congratulations to Miss “Maria “Lupita” Guadalupe Perez Lopez” for her big win.

Representatives from the UTM chapter of PRSSA will be attending the national convention in Salt Lake City this upcoming weekend, where they will attend seminars and workshops dealing with public relations. According to Hoyer, it will also give them a chance to network with professionals.

For more information on PRSSA and its upcoming events, or how you can be a part of it, contact Hoyer at jhoyer@utm.edu