The sixth annual Miss Black and Gold Scholarship Pageant, “Jazzy But Classy,” took place at 7 p.m. Thursday in the Student Center Ballroom.The pageant, sponsored by Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity, provides a $1,000 scholarship for the first place winner and smaller sums for the second and third place contestant.
Jerret Holmes, a senior advertising/public relations major and the pageant coordinator, said the annual pageant is an excellent way for the fraternity to help further the education of TCU’s young women and a good time for the women involved.
“The girls (have) participated through fundraising since the first month of school by selling ads to businesses to place in the souvenir booklet,” Holmes said. “All the money goes to the pageant. The girls also have rehearsed twice a week since early September.”
The pageant was open to any female TCU student, freshman through senior, who wanted to make the commitment.
Ten women participated in the pageant, which makes it the biggest so far in Alpha Phi Alpha Black and Gold history.
Patrons enjoyed more than two hours of entertainment with the majority of points the women earned being placed on talent and poise rather than beauty like many traditional pageants.
Holmes said: “Judges are looking for how much confidence you have. The pageant is all about command for yourself.”
Scores were compiled from an interview, oral introductions, swimsuit, talent and poise and appearance.
Stacy Robertson, and Alpha Phi Alpha alumn from the University of Arkansas, said he was honored to come out and judge to help support the fraternity and the talented participants.
“This is a good opportunity,” Robertson said. “And the decision we make tonight is going to change the life of someone here.”
Audience members could buy tickets in advance or at the door for $5 with all the proceeds going to help support the pageant.
Crystal Solomon, a junior radio-TV-film major, said she was looking forward to the pageant but also went to support her best friend and roommate, Quanesha Lynae Nichole Speed.
“All the contestants are really good,” Solomon said.
Breanna Riley, a junior secondary education major at the University of Texas-Arlington, came to TCU to support her best friend as well.
ONLINE RESULTS
First place
Miss Black and Gold: Candace Williams
Second place
Miss Black: Erica Parker
Third place
Miss Gold: Quanesha Speed
Other awards
Miss Congeniality: Quanesha Speed
Miss Elegance: Tiffany Willis
