By Megan Sprague

Lake Norman High School senior Laura Moses is no stranger to being in the spotlight — in her spare time, she competes in rodeo events.

Last weekend, Moses traded in her rodeo gear for glitter and gowns at the first Miss Race City USA pageant.

Laura Moses gets a little help with her crown after being named the first Miss Race City during last weekend’s pageant.

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“It’s a lot different from bull riding,” she joked. “I’m not used to wearing all this make-up. I think I was more nervous to do this than get on the back of a bull.”

Moses managed to get past her nerves, however, and was crowned Miss Race City at the end of the evening.

“I was shocked to win, but it feels good,” she said.

Watching Moses win her crown was a small but enthusiastic audience of friends and family, who gathered to watch the six contestants for Teen Princess and Miss Race City compete.

Kaitlan Cook, Miss Statesville for 2008, said that the pageant — which awards a scholarship to the winner — was organized to offer more opportunities for young women.

“You might be asking, ‘Why does Mooresville need a queen?’ ” Cook said. “Well, personally, being a festival queen has been a highlight in my life. Being able to travel and learn about the state has been an amazing opportunity for me. This was the inspiration for my mother and Marcia to organize this.”

In the pageant’s first event — personality — the contestants took the stage in an outfit that represented one of their interests and answered a question.
The first two girls, Emily Outen and Rachel Calhoun, were going for the Teen Princess title.

Outen, a varsity cheerleader at North Iredell High School, answered a question about social networking Web site MySpace.

“Myspace can be a good way to communicate with friends, but you need to be careful about what you put on your page,” Outen said. “Too much information could be dangerous. I personally had a friend that was stalked, but luckily the Iredell County Sheriff’s Department tracked him and put a stop to it.”

Calhoun, an athletic trainer and a junior at Mooresville High School, was asked about her job working with the football and wrestling teams, Her duties included icing down injuries, cleaning up after practice and giving team members water when they needed it.

Erin Rummage, a queen hopeful and junior Olympic volleyball participant; Bridget Riebe, a 24-year-old cosmetology specialist and nail technician; and Lindsey White, a dancer from Mooresville High School, were the other contestants for Miss Race City. They fielded questions on national politics and learning disabilities.

After the questions round was completed, Karen Shore, the Chamber of Commerce’s Executive Director, said a few words.

“I’m proud to see what has been organized and pulled together,” she said of the pageant. “I hope you all come and join us (this Saturday) for Miss Race City’s first event, the Race City Festival.”

Before the girls glided across the stage in swimsuits and evening gowns, the judges for Miss Race City were introduced. Amy Davidson Brookshire, a dance instructor for Tilley’s Dance Academy; Brenda Wells, the junior business manager for the Miss Mecklenburg County Scholarship Pageant; and Sandra Jordan, an EPIC international judge and a member of the Miss Statesville Scholarship Committee; made up the panel.

After the last girl crossed the stage in their gown, it was time to crown the winners.

The Miss Congeniality award was presented to Riebe, followed by the Photogenic award, which was given to Rummage.

The Teen Princess title was given to an excited Outen, who was showered with flowers and gifts for her win. The most anticipated title, Miss Race City, was earned by contestant number six, Laura Moses.

“I was anxious to compete, and now I’m really excited,” said Outen, who was glowing. “I’m really looking forward to the year ahead and I think it’ll be fun to have new opportunities and help raise money for our sponsors.“

Moses was equally as thrilled with her victory.

“I’m looking forward to meeting people and touring North Carolina,” she said. “I want to see more of the state and volunteer more of my time helping people.”

Moses will make an appearance for the Race City Festival at 10:30 a.m. Saturday.

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