Hope Anderson, a 20-year-old junior and mass communications major from Monroe, was crowned Miss University of Louisiana at Monroe 2009 at the 56th Annual Miss ULM Pageant Oct. 2 in Brown Auditorium.

After winning the crown, Anderson said, “This means the world to me. I am so excited, and I can’t wait to work hard for Miss Louisiana.”

Anderson, the daughter of Alan and Onna Gallagher and of Mike and Brenda Anderson, also won People’s Choice, Interview, Swimsuit , Talent and Evening Gown. Her talent is dance/ballet en pointe to “Accentuate the Positive.” She will receive a tuition scholarship, a private, on-campus apartment, a bookstore award, a meal for plan for two semester given by Campus Activities Board, and a $4,000 cash award given by Student Government Association.

Other winners include:

First runner-up: Karmen Rubin, a 20-year-old junior and health studies management and marketing major from Shreveport, is the daughter of Peter Rubin and Vancell Williams. Her platform is “I Vote: The Power of American Democracy.” Rubin’s talent is dance; she performs to “P.Y.T.” Rubin will receive a tuition scholarship for two semesters, awarded by CAB.

Second runner-up and winner of Miss Congeniality: Lindsey Eickman, a 20-year-old junior and construction management major from Garland, Texas, is the daughter of Scott and Mary Eickman. Her platform is “Leaving a Legacy: The Importance of Campus Involvement.” Eickman’s talent is vocal; she performs “I Could Have Danced All Night.” Eickman will receive a $250 scholarship, awarded by CAB.

Third runner-up and winner of Advertisement Sales: Jada Freeland, a 21-year-old junior and biology major from Rayville, is the daughter of Richard and Laura Lee Freeland. Her platform is “Encouraging Self-Confidence in Adolescent Girls.” Her talent is jazz dance; she performs to “Life of the Party.” Freeland will receive a $250 scholarship, awarded by CAB.

Fourth runner-up: Jennifer Free, a 19-year-old sophomore and music major from Rayville, is the daughter of Rose Marie and Michael Free. Her platform is “American Cancer Society.” Free’s talent is vocal; she performs “O Mio Babbino Caro.” Free will receive a $750 scholarship, given by SGA.

Winner of Non-Finalist Academic Award: Allison Rawls of Bossier City, an 18-year-old freshman and marketing major from Bossier City, is the daughter of Shona and Vince Laboy and of Edward and Larna Rawls. Her platform is “Children’s Miracle Network.” Rawls’ talent is poem recitation; She performs “Phenomenal Woman” by Maya Angelou. Rawls will receive a a $250 scholarship, awarded by SGA.

Photo by Richard Lupo, University Photo Services