A University of Maryland, Baltimore County student, received $1,000 in the Universal Ethnic Beauty Essay & Beauty Contest, which judged appearance and an original essay.

Recognized June 24 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in downtown Baltimore, Marlene Matthews was the first-place winner. She had submitted a photo and a one-page essay about the uniqueness of her ethnic heritage and what others can do to promote unity among ethnic groups.

Born in London, Matthews used her Chinese, Indian, British, Dutch, Scottish and Irish roots as a foundation to write her award-winning essay.

Runner-up was Amy Hawkes, also of Baltimore. The contest, sponsored by GlobalMax Inc., Iman Cosmetics and Universal Builders Suppliers, was open to Baltimore and Washington residents between ages 18 to 35.

Pub Date: 7/05/99