FAYETTEVILLE – After turning in a wonderful performance at the 2004 Miss Fayetteville State University scholarship pageant, sophomore Titichia Mitchell of Ahoskie succeeds Lasherrie Draughton as the next Miss FSU.

Mitchell, who will now represent FSU at numerous functions as an ambassador for the school, is the daughter of Chinita and Melvin Vaughan of Ahoskie. She is a 2002 graduate of Hertford County High School where she served as SGA President, was a member of the Homecoming Court and participated in women’s tennis.

At FSU, Mitchell is pursuing a double major in English and Political Science.

When asked about her first thoughts upon winning the crown, Mitchell said, &uot;I was so overwhelmed with happiness and joy and I was so proud that the student body and the judges had chosen me to represent Fayetteville State University.&uot;

In critiquing her own performance, she said, &uot;I felt that I was consistent and stood out because I was comfortable and confident with my performance in each category.&uot;

Those categories were: interview, fitness, athletic wear competition, talent, onstage knowledge and awareness and evening gown competition.

Mitchell cites Kaity Parson and Danielle Price as what she believed to have been her biggest competition, but said, concerning all the contestants, &uot;We were really supportive of and uplifted each other. I also would like to thank all the contestants for their acts of kindness. I formed a lot of new friendships throughout the pageant process.&uot;

Now that she has the crown, Mitchell is ready to get to work. She would like for her first program to be a Miss FSU series.

&uot;I’d like to speak to young ladies about the importance of going to college and about becoming strong black women in the community,&uot; stated Mitchell.

She added that as far as off-campus (activities), she would like to get involved with the &uot;Gear-Up&uot; tutoring program.

Mitchell is already involved in several other organizations, such as serving as vice president of the Delta Alpha chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.; business manager for Illusions Modeling Club; junior class president-elect; and a resident assistant, just to name a few.

She admitted that, at first, she did think it would be hard to manage and dedicate herself to each activity, but, she said, &uot;I’ve learned that I have to prioritize.&uot;

On a final note, Titichia stated, &uot;I would like to thank the Fayetteville State University student body and everyone that has supported me along the way. I would like to especially thank Shari Williams, Kristin Mattison, Terita Allen and Lasherrie Draughton for all their words of encouragement.&uot;

(Talia Higgs serves as Editor-in-Chief of The Bronco’s Voice, the student newspaper of Fayetteville State University.)