Evann Nicole Smith, a Warren Central High School senior, is the 2011 Miss Circle City Classic. Smith received the prestigious honor Sunday at the 26th Classic Coronation at the Murat Egyptian Room at the Old National Centre.
Smith received a $4,000 scholarship from Indiana Black Expo along with other prizes and the privilege of presiding over a number of Circle City Classic activities from the Coaches Luncheon, the Classic Parade and the Classic game itself.
First runner-up was Linda Bellamy, a Lawrence North senior, while another Warren Central senior, Neshaun Lynea Grady, was named second runner-up. They received a $3,000 and $2,000 scholarship from Expo respectively.
Rounding out the top five in the annual Coronation Pageant was Anietra Butler and Bianca Davis, both of Ben Davis High School.
Rounding out the 10 finalists were: Natalya Herndon and Aysha Jemison, Cathedral High School; Victoria Moton, Lawrence North; Desiree Coles and Briana Willis, Warren Central.
The other Classic Coronation participants and their high schools were: Hamilton Southeastern: Cheslea Bullock; Lawrence North: Taylor Steele; North Central: Alysha Clark, Jael Haskins; Cathedral: Shantelle Taylor; Warren Central: Taylor Allen; Anderson High: Paris Hill, Jireh Hart; Pike High: Sierra Travis, Takeisha Carey; Broad Ripple: Twlya Winfrey.
Since 1986, the Miss Circle City Classic Coronation pageant has showcased the abilities of area young women. Contestants are nominated by counselors, teachers and administrators at their high schools. The young women participate in a series of workshops, interviews and write an essay. They are also evaluated on their academic achievements, and school and extracurricular activities.
Indianapolis Recorder columnist and WTLC-AM (1310’s) host Amos Brown and Emmy Award winning WISH-TV/Channel 8 noon and 5 p.m. anchor Deanna Dewberry again hosted this year’s coronation. Portions of the pageant were broadcast during a 30-minute special on MyNDY/WNDY-TV/Channel 23.
