Gabriel crowned Miss USC
by Achinette Joy Villamor

If you’re not wearing the uniform, how would people know you are a Carolinian? This was the final question posed to the three finalists vying for this year’s Miss USC title during the search held at the USC Cultural Center last September 19.

BA’s Ofalyn Ayuk answered she will always wear her ID. CAFA’s Therese Garcia said that by being a good person, people will know she is a Carolinian because Carolinians are beautiful people inside and out.

But candidate no.9, senior Accountancy student Golda Mae Gabriel replied, “I will go up to them and tell them that I am a Carolinian.” She added that people will also know she is a Carolinian sans the uniform because Carolinians are “proud people who are graceful and mature in situations where they need to be graceful and mature.”

Gabriel won this year’s title while Garcia and Ayuk took first and second runners-up respectively. Gabriel was also adjudged Most Photogenic, Best in Gown, and Miss Dunkin Doughnuts. Garcia, on the other hand, was awarded Miss Blue Camp and Miss Libresse while Ayuk nabbed Best in Production Number and Best in Resort Wear.

“Beauty isn’t height, or weight, or skin color,” said last year’s Miss USC Chantal Haas. She also pointed out that her reign had been most challenging since it gave her the opportunity to prove to other people that Carolinians can also be intelligent and interesting people. “I won’t be turning over just a crown but a challenge.”

And Haas is right. There is an even greater challenge for this year’s Miss USC to best exemplify the Carolinian greatness of spirit, amidst turbulent times and pressing student issues.

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