Miss Black and Gold Scholarship Pageant rewards talent, academics

After a long wait as judges tallied the scores, junior Danielle Richardson was announced the winner of the 16th annual Miss Black and Gold Scholarship Pageant. As the 2008 Miss Black and Gold, Richardson will move on to compete in the district pageant later this year.

As the event began, the audience cheered on the contestants of the pageant as each contestant introduced themselves in an eloquent manner that included their classifications, academic achievements and life mottoes. The event, hosted by 2006 pageant coordinator Ellis Dumas and Miss Black and Gold 2007 junior Lauren Akainyah,  took place at the Indiana Memorial Union Alumni Hall.

“This is my first time attending the pageant,” said junior Ashley Smith. “I believe the pageant is a very positive program that more young ladies of different backgrounds and races should take part in.”

Throughout the night, the ladies were judged on a number of categories, including introductions, group talents, individual talents and evening gown. The judges who were selected included members of other National Pan-Hellenic Council organizations, the IU community and Dean of Students Dick McKaig.

McKaig was awarded a plaque for his constant support of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
“Next year, we definitely plan to make this event bigger and better,” said pageant coordinator Ian Herron. “We want this program to be something that the campus looks forward to every year, raise more money by boosting our sponsorship and including contestants of different ethnicities.”