Wednesday, February 09, 2005

By Hannah R. Brown, PR Intern

Wilmington, N.C. – University of North Carolina Wilmington student body organizations selected 10 students to make up the 2005 Homecoming court. Students voted last week naming Aaron Whitesell and Jessica J. Jones the Homecoming King and Queen. They were crowned during halftime at the UNCW men’s basketball game Saturday, Feb 5.

Aaron Whitesell, junior from Greensboro, is earning a degree in communication studies. He is social/activities chair for the Ambassadors and involved with SBTV. Aaron said, “It is a great honor to win such a prestigious accomplishment as being Homecoming King. And it is with great humility that I proudly represent this university and the Student Ambassadors as UNCW’s 2005 Homecoming King.”

Jessica J. Jones, senior from Garner, is earning a degree in communication studies and minors in leadership studies and Spanish. She is president of the Theta Iota Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and UNCW’s National Pan-Hellenic Council. Jessica is also a community development assistant for the Dean of Students Office/Seahawk Perch and a diversity resource assistant for the Center for Leadership Education and Service. Jessica said, “I am flattered to be amid this distinguished group of young women. It is both an honor and a privilege to have been selected as Homecoming Queen, and ambassador of our fine institution. I will wear the crown with pride and dignity.”

The other court members are as follows:

Bradley R. Ballou, junior from Cary, is majoring in political science with a minor in English and international affairs. He has been a member of the Student Government Association for nearly three years and is serving his second term as chief of staff. Bradley is also running for student body president.

Jerrod “J-Rod” Copeland, senior from Charlotte, is majoring in communication studies with a minor in leadership. He is the president of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity and vice president of the Black Student Union. Jerrod is also a member of the UNCW chapter of the NAACP. “It’s an honor to be on court and represent my school and organizations,” he said.

Megan Ennes, senior from Valparaiso, Ind., is studying marine biology and education. Megan works as a resident assistant in the Honor’s House and is a member the Resident Hall Association. She also volunteers at the Wilmington Children’s Museum. “I am excited to be a part of the Homecoming Court because it means that I’ve become a part of UNCW. I fell in love with the campus the minute I got here. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else,” Megan said.

Rhonda A. Pennington, senior from Knightdale, is earning a degree in social work with a minor in psychology. She is the senior class president and a member of the Chi Omega fraternity, Senior Class Gift Team and Seahawk Links. Rhonda is also a student intern for U.S. Rep. Mike McIntyre and a member of the Hammerheads dance team. “I am honored to represent an organization on the Homecoming Court that has provided some of the best student leaders and friends on this campus. Joining an organization such as Chi Omega has made my experience at UNCW memorable and worthwhile,” Rhonda said.

Abigail Riley, senior from Chapel Hill, is earning a degree in business management and Spanish. She is student body vice president and serves on the Student Government Association’s executive and legislative advisory boards. Abigail also worked with the Center for Leadership Education and Service, Seahawk Links, A.C.E and Global Serve.

James Robilatta, senior from Sayville, N.Y., is a marine biology major who has been involved in Housing and Residence Life for four years. He was a resident assistant for three years and is a programming assistant (a position he created). James was named resident assistant of the year for 2003-04. He feels that his experience at UNCW has made him into a complete individual ready to tackle whatever lies ahead. His personal motto is, “When you meet me you can’t pronounce my name, but when you leave you won’t forget it.”

Raven Robertson, senior from Graham, is a double major in political science and English with the concentration in professional writing. She is also working on her departmental honors thesis in English. Raven is the vice president of Phi Sigma Pi, national co-ed honors fraternity. She is chair of the Campus Judicial Board and a member of University Community Relations Taskforce. Raven said, “Phi Sigma Pi has opened up so many doors for me over the past two years and it’s an honor to represent such an amazing organization on this year’s Homecoming Court.”

Christopher Samia, junior from Kernersville, is studying creative writing with a concentration in non-fiction and English with a concentration in professional writing. As a member of Phi Sigma Pi, Christopher has worked with a soup kitchen, Relay for Life, Walk for a Cure and Habitat for Humanity. He participates in Environmental Concerns Organization and volunteers at Halyburton Park. Christopher said, “If you had asked me three years ago if I would want to be on Homecoming Court, I probably would have said no, but through Phi Sigma Pi, I have found not only pride for myself but for all student organizations that have made an evident difference in UNCW’s student body.”