Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity holds 30th annual scholarship pageant Dec. 6
Released: December 3, 2008
A celebration of academic and personal achievements by women will take place at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater on Saturday, Dec. 6 during Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity’s annual Miss Black and Gold Scholarship Pageant. The 30th annual event, sponsored by UW-Whitewater’s first intercollegiate fraternity for African-American males, will begin at 7 p.m. in the Hamilton Center in the James R. Connor University Center on campus.
“This pageant is one of Alpha Phi Alpha's most celebrated events,” said Alpha Phi Alpha President Shedrick Daniels. “We believe in the power of uplifting women of all races and creeds. The Miss Black and Gold Scholarship Pageant is just one of the ways we can pay homage to God's most precious creation.”
All women participating in this year’s pageant are UW-Whitewater students. Contestants will be judged in five categories: an introduction of themselves, swimsuit, talent, evening gown and two current event questions. The contestants are:
- Melanie Fuller, freshman, business
- Monica Griffin, junior, liberal studies
- Robyn Lockett, sophomore, journalism
- Peace Udechukwu, graduate student, school psychology
- Ruby Udeh, graduate student, school psychology
- Keiyona Williams, junior, social work
“The Miss Black and Gold pageant is a chance for women all over the country to showcase their grades, talents and anything else they feel is special about themselves,” said Hank McGowan, a member of APA. “By holding this pageant, we give them the chance to prevent any negative thinking about young women in America today.”
The first national Miss Black and Gold Scholarship Pageant was held during APA’s 1976 General Convention in New York City. This will be the Whitewater chapter’s 30th annual Miss Black and Gold Scholarship Pageant. Contestants start competing at the chapter level, and if successful, move on to the district (state) level, regional level and national levels.
Five winners will be chosen with first place earning a trophy, $250 for school tuition and the opportunity to compete at the state, regional and national levels. Trophies are awarded to the following winners:
- Winner “Miss Black and Gold”
- 1st runner up “Miss Gold
- 2nd runner up “Miss Black”
- Miss Congeniality
- Miss Talent
The event is free with a suggested donation of $2 to the Tillman Terry Scholarship Fund. For more information contact Shedrick Daniels, danielsSW17@uww.edu.
- Ashley Jones,jonesac08@uww.edu
