As a closeout to Black Awareness Week, the Black Student Union presents the Miss BSU pageant.
The event will be at 2 p.m. April 2 in the UC Grandroom, tickets are $5.
The contestants this year are all freshman: Alexis Gardner, Kirsten Oliphant, Kianna Smith, and Indiah Witherspoon and they are being coached by former Miss BSU, Mariah Youmans.
For the title of Miss BSU, the contestants will go through five portions – an “about me” speech, outfit of choice, talent, formal walk and a question portion. These rounds test the ladies poise, grace and ability to think on their feet.
Miss BSU is a scholarship pageant, the winner is awarded $500 from BSU, which will be divided between spring and fall semesters. The pageant teaches college women about self-esteem and community.
Kianna Smith
Smith, a freshman from High Point, North Carolina, is majoring in Film and Television production. Smith is excited to be considered for the title of Miss BSU.
Indiah Witherspoon
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“I am honored to be in the running for this title. Being Miss BSU means that I would get to advocate for the Black Student Union and become a voice for the African American community. This is a big responsibility but I would love to do it in order to bring different races together so that we can learn from one another.”
Witherspoon, a freshman from Salisbury, North Carolina, majoring in biology expressed the importance of the pageant to her.
“This pageant is significant to me because we are coming together and learning more about ourselves, each other and what royalty means.”
Gardner, from Fayetteville, North Carolina, Spanish and Marketing major and a minor in Leadership, saw this opportunity as a way to “get out of my comfort zone and put myself in an uncomfortable situation.”
Alexis Gardner
Oliphant was unavailable for comments on the pageant.
The ladies have been working hard since January, and with the help of Director Youmans, this should be a great show.
Youmans is a sophomore from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania majoring in Speech Therapy. As the former Miss BSU, Youmans is excited to pass the torch. Her advice for the winner is.
“Plan early (regarding preparation for the pageant next year) and be open to whatever happens, go with the flow,” Youmans said.
This pageant has required a lot of time management from all of the participants as they juggle preparation for the show and school.
Come out and support the ladies as they vie for the crown, ticket sales go towards a scholarship for the winner of the pageant.
