Texan Mosaic

by BRANDI ORTIZ//News Editor

Glitz, glam and gowns.

Proud parents and ballroom dresses were present at South Plains College as the 59th annual Miss Caprock scholarship pageant took place on Nov. 11 in the Tom T. Hall Studio in the Creative Arts Building on the Levelland Campus.

Tiffany Sheree Satterwhite, a sophomore business administration major, took home the crown of Miss Caprock 2017.

“I was so excited,” says Satterwhite. “It gives me a great opportunity to represent not only South Plains College but also Campus Ambassadors.”

Nominated by Miss Caprock 2016, Jaycee Caldwell, Satterwhite represented the Campus Ambassadors. Along with a crown and sash, Satterwhite also received a $750 scholarship.

“I have two younger siblings, and one of them is going to school next fall,” Satterwhite says. “So this scholarship will definitely help out.”

A graduate of Shallowater High School and an active member in her community, Satterwhite is the 19-year-old daughter of SPC President Dr. Robin and Lori Satterwhite.

“My parents were very supportive,” Satterwhite says. “[My dad] was really excited, maybe even more nervous than I was.”

Satterwhite says that she plans to use her new title to encourage students to attend SPC and get involved in clubs and activities. The home-town feeling is what attracted Satterwhite to SPC.

“Coming from a small school, this is where you want to come,” says Satterwhite. “[SPC] is a first-choice school.”

Along with Satterwhite, there were 17 other contestants representing SPC organizations, clubs or residence halls who competed in hopes of winning the title and scholarship.

“[Miss Caprock] was a great experience, I got to meet so many awesome girls that I haven’t gotten the chance to know very well,” Satterwhite says.

Alisha Zamora, representing the Residence Hall Association, was the runner-up. She will receive a $500 scholarship. Zamora, a sophomore business administration major, is the 20-year-old daughter of Tony and Sylvia Zamora of Brownfield.

Rounding out the top five were: Miah Hernandez, 18, a freshman Pre-Physician’s Assistant major from Lamesa representing Smallwood Apartments; Rita Reyes, 19, a freshman Government major from Lubbock representing Forest Hall; and Jayleen Pina, 19, a sophomore Psychology/Criminal Justice major from Borger representing Law Enforcement Club.

The girls participated in an interview with the judges earlier in the day. There were also two outfit changes, and an on-stage interview. The pre-interview made up 50 percent of the total score. ‘After 5 Wear’ and ‘Formal Wear’ comprised 25 percent of the score, and a response to judges’ questions on stage was the last 25 percent.

“The judges were all very nice and did their best to make you feel comfortable when you walked in,” Satterwhite says.

Two Commercial Music students, McKenna Kasoski and Morgan Reatherford, who sang original songs and covers of famous country songs in honor of local veterans, presented the entertainment for the night.

Kasoski shared an original song, “Red, White, and Blue,” about her personal experience with a loved one overseas. Reatherford had the audience singing along as she sang Lee Greenwod’s “God Bless the USA.”

Sharon Race, assistant professor of English, was the Mistress of Ceremonies. Mia Sepulbeda served as Miss Junior Caprock. Escorts for the nominees were Ben Hewes and Bryan Bolander.