An energetic, athletic routine by Dixon Jordan and a vocal performance by Tasha Eldridge helped the two students claim the titles in the second annual Mr. and Miss Brickhouse competition sponsored by NAACP at Clarion University.
The event was held Feb. 21 in Hart Chapel.
The event is a talent competition that was judged on a singing talent and how well the contestants answered quesitons asked by the judges panel.
The evening started out with David Banks, NAACP president, thanking everyone for coming and introducing Rashaad Durant and Brandy Daye, the master and mistress of ceremony for the night.
Then last year’s Miss Brickhouse, DeAnne Perry, sang the song “Ready for Love.” There were three contestants each for the two titles of Miss Brickhouse and Mr. Brickhouse.

Each contestant had to perform a talent and then answer two questions. The competition started off with sophomore psychology major Tasha Eldridge singing “Why My Heart is filled with Praise.”
After the song, she was asked who has been the most influential person in her life.
She quickly answered her mother, saying she has helped her become a strong independent woman.
She was then asked what one of her flaws is, and she answered that she can be too trustworthy sometimes.
After a brief technical difficulty, freshman and International Business major Linsey Swartz stepped up and performed the song “The Way I Am.”
Swartz was then asked who would be one person she would like to have dinner with and she paused and then answered “Woodrow Wilson.”
Then she was asked to define success.
She explained that success was about how people push themselves to do all that they can do to complete their goals.
The final contestant for Miss Brickhouse was freshman Radiology major, Taylor Doswell, who got the crowd’s attention with the influential poem she read.
She was asked who influenced her, and she answered her grandmother because she was the one who took her in.
She was then asked what she wanted to do after she graduates from Clarion, and she said she wants to attend Carlow University in Pittsburgh to attain her master’s degree.
Dixon Jordan, a 22-year-old Liberal Studies major started out the men’s part of the competition by really getting the crowd going by performing a highly energetic and athletic routine. His first question was what inspirations he has to help others.
He answered his faith in God, and he said that he wants to be someone that people are pleased to meet and can come to in need. He was then asked to give three reasons for being successful at Clarion University.

He said that intensity is needed. He explained it as being like a train not stopping until the goal is reached. He then said integrity.
Not cheating is important to succeed. His last reason was courage. A person must have courage to make a difference in their lives, Jordan explained.
Up second for the guys was freshman Secondary Education major DaVaughn Copeland, who read a poem written by Rashadd Durant.
His first question was what would be one thing he could change about Clarion University.
He answered that he would incorporate more organizations and try to get more people involved.
Then he was asked what his best personality trait is, and he said that he is always smiling and he loves to have fun.
The final contestant of the evening was freshman James Rainey, who played a variety of songs on his guitar.
He then answered the question what are three things he values in life. He answered God, music and family, in that order.
In the second question he was asked to give his definition of Brickhouse.
He answered someone who can endure anything that comes his or her way and is able to stay strong for other people.
It was time for the judges to make their final decisions. After a brief intermission, the judges announced the winners, with Eldridge and Jordan claiming the top titles. Swartz and Copeland both finished in second.
Banks concluded the night by thanking everyone who came out to support the Mr. and Miss Brickhouse competition and the National Association for the Advancement of Color People. 
The organization at Clarion University is made up of a group of diverse students who want to see political, educational, social and economic equality on Clarion’s campus. 
The NAACP host a variety of events on campus. For more events from the NAACP contact them at naacp@clarion.edu.