Muscles and basketballs are not what people would have in mind when attending a beauty pageant.
Nevertheless, that was the case during Shippensburg University’s Mr. Ship Pageant.
The Super Hero themed pageant included swimwear, talent, formal wear and a question and answer portion. The event took place on Wednesday evening and was sponsored by Bridge for Kids. Joel Feggins, Marcus Fuller, Kaleb Kusmierczyk, Blake Dennis, Casey Bellamy and Keith Russel were the brave contestants to strut their stuff. Juggling a soccer ball, roller-skating and playing guitar were among the six talents presented by the contestants.
Shippensburg’s University’s Dance Troupe also made an appearance at intermission, performing a special act for the audience’s enjoyment. Once the question and answer portion was finished, the judged deliberated. Meanwhile the contestants danced through the audience with money jars, in hopes of winning the crowd over for viewer’s choice.
Keith Russel, a business management sophomore, took home the prize for viewer’s choice. Marcus Fuller, a special education graduate won runner-up. Casey Bellamy, a history graduate, was crowned Mr. Ship 2014.
“It was a great opportunity to have fun and support the community at the same time,” stated Bellamy.
“It is a great honor and a memorable event. It was certainly something I will never forget!” Bellamy said.
The final proceeds, about $100, will benefit the Bridge of Kids annual Book Fair. The book fair is held at Ben Chambers Elementary School, providing elementary children the opportunity to have their own books. “We don’t have a specific date yet, but it’s during the spring semester,” stated Tessah Morgan, Secretary of Bridge for kids. The early childhood education major showed her support at Mr. Ship, alongside the rest of her committee.
Taylor Rogers, a junior, said she went to the pageant with her friends to show support.
“It was a really fun way to spend my Wednesday evening! I’m glad my friends and I were able to give money for a great cause, and have fun watching the show,” Rogers said.
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