Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Cuties raise money

Gurdon High School's gymnasium had a crowd about like normal for a basketball game on Tuesday night, but instead of roundball, Campus Cuties' took the stage for looks and talent.

Originally scheduling a field of 14 male students, nine competed to become "local celebrities." They dressed, entertained, and took the names of girls. At $4 per adult and $3 per student, the money collected for their efforts has been earmarked for the junior class prom this spring.

This year's Campus Cutie 2005 was Daniel Stroder, known for the evening as Danielle Stephanie Stroder. First runner-up was Kenneth Harper, known as Kenyatta Shunta Harper. Miss congeniality and second runner-up was Brandon Smith, known as Brandasha Lashiya Smith.

Others giving it all they had as female impersonators for a good cause, prom and fun, were: Marco Giles, known as Monica Monique Giles; DeAndre Williams, Dedra Monique Williams; Jesus Prado, Chiquita Tequita Bonita Prado; Rex Potter, Keke Ann Potter; Craig Eberhart, Tanya Christine Eberhart; and Aaron Charles, Adrianna Ashanti Charles.

The boys came out in sportswear, answered interview questions, displayed talents and came back in evening gowns. Destiny Talley, junior class president, was the master of ceremonies for the evening.

Talley thanked the junior class sponsors and judges for their help. The junior class sponsor is Debbie White.

Judges for the event were: Sean Ruggles, Cassandra Thrower and Brian Ward.

One of the most memorable entertainment ideas was presented by Brandasha Smith, when he did a cheerleading routine. Smith had been practicing with the cheerleading squad and performing at games this basketball season.

Although he did not place, Jesus Prado's efforts are worth mentioning. He idealized "Salena," and lip-sinked "I will Survive" of her music. In addition to cheerleading moves and singing, contestant Tanya Christine Eberhart (Craig Eberhart) tried his hand at dancing. With guidance from a male volunteer from the audience, Eberhart shook all over to a rap beat.

On the interview side, Keke Ann Potter (Rex Potter) said one of his biggest desires was to help others who needed a make-over to get one, as not everyone could be as beautiful as him. He was asked by Destiny Talley what sort of ice cream he liked, to which Potter said, "Chocolate with strawberries on top."

The new Campus Cutie 2005, Daneille Stephanie Stroder (Daniel Stroder) summed up the feelings of his fellow actors Tuesday night in a song, "Let's Hear It for the Boy!"

Talley said, "We had to get a new crown because Cody Pruitt sold his on E-Bay to raise help raise money for the junior class. I would like to thank everyone for coming out and supporting the Gurdon High School Junior Class of 2004-2005!"