Mr. and Ms. CFCC 2010

Rohan Dass, 18, and Korie Cole, 26, were both “shocked” and “honored” to be named Mr. and Ms. CFCC.

On Feb. 26, beginning at 7 p.m., applause broke out from audience members in the nearly filled Fine Arts Auditorium on the CFCC Ocala Campus as contestants competed for roughly two hours.

On the stage set up with a “Hollywood theme”, men and women danced, introduced their club, modeled career wear and answered an on-stage question all in hopes of becoming Mr. or Ms. CFCC.

“It’s a neat opportunity for students to compete for a scholarship and eventually represent the college,” said Dr. Tim Wise, vice president of student affairs.

The scholarship program originally started in 1960 with only women competing, explained Marjorie McGee, director of student life. In 1998 though, the opportunity arose for men to compete for a scholarship as well.

“I am beyond thrilled how the program came together this year,” said McGee. “James Wesley Hunter did a complete re-design of the script.”

Hunter and Vania Lopez, Mr. and Ms. CFCC 2008, were the master and mistress of the ceremonies. They introduced the different segments of the programs and did skits in between scenes.

“I hope the program inspires the entire student body to strive to be the next Mr. or Ms. CFCC of next year,” McGee said.

At the end of the program The Lifetime Student Achievement Award was given to Casey Shipe, 49, staff assistant in the office of student life. She was not present to accept the award due to family illness.

While the three judges said all the contestants did well, Dass and Cole were the judges pick for the title.

The runner-ups were Chase Nawrocki, 20, and Candice Brown, 19. They too received a check for the amount $250.

The contestants also placed a vote amongst themselves for whom they felt deserved the award. Dass and Cole were the pick in that case as well.

“It was so much fun,” Brown said. “Korie and Rohan definitely deserve it.”

Cole and Dass both felt it was a privilege to be picked as the winners of the scholarship program.

Cole said, “I am completely in shock, and this is so amazing.”

Dass made the comment that all of the other competitors were “phenomenal” and all wonderful people.

He said, “It’s just such an honor to represent the school.”