Feb. 19, 2014
For Immediate Release

By Candice Boone, student news writer

CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. — Shelby Mattingly squealed and waved her hands in excitement as the shimmering crown was placed on her head making her Campbellsville University's 2014 Valentine Queen.

Mattingly, who is from Versailles, Ky., will be representing CU at the Mountain Laurel Festival May 22-25 in Pineville, Ky. Should she be unable to attend the festival, the university will be represented by first runner-up Jessica Tinsley.

The 72nd annual Valentine Pageant was the year of the red dress with four of the 10 contestants wearing flowing and flashy red dresses. Mattingly; Jessica Tinsley; best poise and appearance winner, Alexa Moore; and contestant number eight, Meredith Eastham, wore crimson dresses.

For the first time in Campbellsville University Valentine Pageant history, all of the contestants had to answer an on-stage question as part of what they would be scored on.

Contestants were asked questions such as, “How do you describe beauty?” and “If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?”

Mattingly was asked if she could change one person's life who would it be. She responded by saying she wanted to use her degree in elementary education in order to make a difference for as many children as possible.

Mattingly is a sophomore majoring in elementary education. She represented the swim team and was escorted by Clay Mattingly.

When asked how beauty can be described, Miss Congeniality Emily Hatley said she sees beauty as living for Christ.

First runner-up Jessica Tinsley showcased some of her cheerleading background with a dance routine that was filled with more than just dance moves. Tinsley incorporated jumps and backhand springs to display her experience and intrigue the audience.

Tinsley represented Women's Village Phase One. She is a sophomore majoring in Spanish education. Wes Cain was her escort.

For the talent portion of the evening, contestants danced, played instruments and did fitness routines. Mattingly performed an Irish dance; a routine jam-packed with kicks, leaps and jumps.

McKinley challenged the audience to better themselves by pushing themselves and exercising.
Senior Emma Calvert said, “She looked like an infomercial for a workout video. She really did make me want to work out!”

McKinley is a junior majoring in Spanish and public relations. She was escorted by Alfredo Bencid and represented the Department of Mass Communication.

Alexa Moore, winner of the Best Poise and Appearance Award, represented the Hispanic Organization of Latin Americans. For her talent she played the drums to accompany “Ready or Not” by Britt Nicole. Moore is majoring in business administration and was escorted by her younger brother Scott Moore.

Hatley performed a clogging routine; David Richards was her escort. She is majoring in middle school education and represented the Baptist Campus Ministry.

The contestants were scored on their interview, talent, poise and on-stage question. The scores were taken and compiled by judges Stephanie Johnson, Kelly Shuffet and Martha Jones.

The other contestants were Rachel Smith, Danielle Salyers, Marissa Rehmet, Haley Roehl and Meredith Eastham.
Smith is a junior majoring in nursing. Smith is from Louisville, Ky. She represented the Kentucky Association of Nursing Students and was escorted by Derek Crabtree. For her talent she performed a clarinet jazz ensemble with piano accompaniment.

Salyers is a junior majoring in social work. Salyers is form Frankfort, Ky. She represented the Social Workers in Touch Can Help (SWITCH) club. Mexwell Themer was her escort.

Roehl is a junior majoring in sociology and psychology. Roehl is from Houston, Texas. She represented the sociology club. Harry Haynes escorted Roehl.

Eastham is a junior majoring in public relations and marketing. She is from Hopkinsville, Ky. Eastham represented the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA). Her father, Wayne Eastham, was her escort. He won the 2014 Best Pageant Escort Award.

For the talent portion she sang “Can you Feel the Love Tonight?” from “The Lion King.”

Campbellsville University is a widely acclaimed Kentucky-based Christian university with more than 3,600 students offering 63 undergraduate options, 17 master's degrees, five postgraduate areas and eight pre-professional programs. The website for complete information is campbellsville.edu.