Ciara McIntyre of Dixons Mills was crowned Miss Paragon in Bibb Graves Auditorium on April 8. The junior exercise science major is the daughter of Timothy and Raycelia McIntyre of Dixons Mills. The pageant is sponsored by the Blue Key Honor Society at UWA.

Miss Paragon 2014 Ciara McIntyre was crowned by Miss Paragon 2013 Paige Ip. McIntyre says this is an experience she will always remember.

“I am truly honored to be crowned Miss Paragon at the University of West Alabama,” McIntyre said. “There were many deserving young ladies competing for the title, and I’m blessed to have been chosen. I would like to thank Blue Key Honor Society for hosting the pageant and the UWA Fitness Center for allowing me to participate.”

The judges selected a top three from the contestants. Their scores were tied for Virginia Latimore of Foley; Cynthia Smith of Bay Minette; and Victoria Washburn of Demopolis.

The top fourteen ladies chosen are named UWA’s Loveliest. The top twelve includes Ashleigh Winters of Northport; Kristin Tyson of Butler; Virginia Latimore of Foley; Tia Thompson of Newton, Miss.; Victoria Washburn of Demopolis; Danisha Roland of Aliceville; Miss Paragon Ciara McIntyre of Dixons Mills; Shaqualyn Rocker of Jackson; Cynthia Smith of High Springs, Fla.; Nicole Riley of Bay Minette; Katie Marchese of Collinsville, Miss.; Erin Jimerson of Butler; Libby Hankins of Gordo; and Casey Edwards of Gallion.

Blue Key Fraternity President Quincey Barnhill served as emcee for the event along with Paige Ip, Miss Paragon 2013. Entertainment for the event was provided by Tiger Idol contestants: Chloe Paige, Michaela Perry and Yana Rodgers. Tiger Idol winner, Chloe Paige, was chosen via text message live from the pageant.

Blue Key is a national leadership honor society that recognizes men and women for leadership in extra-curricular and academic affairs. The Miss Paragon pageant raises money for the Blue Key emergency fund used to help students who cannot afford books.