Balancing being a single mother and an SIUC student has its rewards sometimes, an SIUC student found out Saturday.

Five-month old Richard Lamont Clark III, son of Nia Austin, received first place among a field of about 80 contestants in the zero to six month category of the Most Beautiful Baby Contest held at University Mall.

Austin, a 22-year old SIUC freshman in education from Chicago, said she was surprised when Richard’s name was announced as the winner of the contest.

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Honestly I didn’t think he was going win, she said. When they said his name I was really shocked. There were so many babies I didn’t think he was going to win. I know it was a hard decision.

Austin said babies were judged on appearance, personality, overall looks and response. She said the baby’s smile was also a big part of the judging process.

Austin said during the judging the babies were placed on a table in front of the three judges.

The judges talked baby talk to him, and he started smiling, Austin said. They (the judges) were looking for friendly babies.

Richard won a trophy, ribbon and gift certificate for the mall.

Austin said Richard goes to the child development lab in Quigley making him an SIU student too.

Austin said although Richard attends the center, being a single mother and student are difficult jobs for her to juggle.

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It’s not easy, she said. He’s at day-care only in the morning so whatever I have to do, I do between classes. At one point I was taking him to classes with me.

Austin said people warned her that raising a child alone and attending school would not be easy, but she doubted what they said.

I didn’t believe it, but you really need someone you know down here to help you out every now and then, she said.

The contest was a charity event held by the Williamson County Child Advocacy Center.