Contact:
LaChauna Mason
Public Relations
919-546-8269
lsumpter@shawu.edu

 
For Immediate Release

 

Driven Bronx Native Named Miss Shaw University 

Raleigh, NC -- (August 23, 2005) -- In April, Monae Angelique Hamilton garnered one of the most prestigious honors awarded to female undergraduate students; the Mass Communications senior was named Miss Shaw University. Hamilton’s Coronation Ceremony, themed Elegance Under the Stars, will take place on Friday, September 30, at 8 p.m., in Spaulding Gymnasium.

Self-described as passionate and driven, Hamilton did not allow herself to even imagine that after being voted and selected Miss Congeniality and Best Talent that she could actually snag the lion's share of the winnings, the crown.  She thought to herself, “If I don’t walk away with the crown I still won something. I gained…from this whole experience.”

Well she did walk away with something indeed, the experience, the superlative titles, trophies, the coveted crown and more passion to succeed in life. Hamilton is determined to remember those who gave her the chance to prove herself as an achiever. “This has marked a milestone in my life…I knew how difficult my competition was and the tremendous responsibility …this title entails,” said Hamilton. She believes mom knew best when having been instructed to always keep a level head and to stay humble, even as one rises to higher heights.

She attended the High School of Graphic Communication Arts in Manhattan, notorious according to Hamilton for its unruly students, fights and gang activity. Instead of getting pulled into a downward spiral, she made high school her place to hone her creative writing skills, in the form of poetry. Her efforts paid off, she graduated high school in the top 10 out of a senior class of nearly 200 students; and was awarded the New York Urban League Scholarship for her freshman year at Shaw.

As an upperclassman she served as the president of the National Broadcasting Society and was selected Miss Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., 2004-2005. She recently completed an internship with WUNC-TV Channel 4, as a production assistant and was recently awarded $5,000 from The United Negro College Fund-Foot Locker Foundation.

After graduation Hamilton plans to work full-time in television production while pursuing advanced degree studies part-time. Long-term, she plans to produce children’s television programs and documentary films that deal with social issues. “…documentaries delineate truth in society and…the public has the right to know what is going on."  She elected to minor in Sociology in order to become a more effective producer.  "Knowing…different aspects of society and how people interact with one another is an essential [part] of documentary film/program making,” said Hamilton.

“My individual success will not be relevant until I give back to the people and places that have given me my opportunities,” said Hamilton.

She is the daughter of Mr. Victor Hamilton of Wappingers Falls, NY and Mr. and Mrs. Johnny and Angela Conyers of Clayton, NC.

To schedule Miss Shaw University for appearances and speaking engagements, please contact Juanda Holley at 919-546-8280.

Shaw University, founded in 1865, is the oldest historically Black institution in the South. Since 2003, the University has been under the leadership of Dr. Clarence G. Newsome. President Newsome’s leadership pursues the theme: “Strides to Excellence: Only the Best!”