Fraternity plans annual scholarship pageant

Planning has begun for Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity’s cross-campus philanthropy, a scholarship pageant for female students.

The annual Miss Black and Gold Scholarship Pageant will have its call-out meeting at 7:30 p.m. today in the Neal-Marshall Grand Hall.

This event aims to provide scholarship money to students who demonstrate strong academics and community involvement.

Women who wish to compete in this scholarship pageant will be judged on grade point average, community service, attendance, poise and attitude, said Alpha Phi Alpha president and senior Ronald Gilbert.

“This pageant is a great opportunity to get involved with the community and showcase your talent,” Gilbert said. “We hold our women to a higher standard, and we want the community to see that.”

There will be three winners of the pageant, ranking first, second and third. The winners will receive $2,000, $1,000 and $500, respectively.

Alpha Phi Alpha is a part of IU’s National Pan-Hellenic Council. Though this event is put on by a fraternity, none of the contestants have to be greek.

The pageant aims to foster personal growth for all female students, Gilbert said.

“I’ve seen some amazing girls come out of these pageants,” Gilbert said. “This is a great outlet for young women.”

About half of the judging happens before the pageant, Gilbert said. This judging includes community service hours from an organization of Alpha Phi Alpha’s choosing, attendance at pageant practices and positive attitude.

The contestants will work with local organizations, Gilbert said. In the past, the contestants have worked with non-profit groups such as Habitat for Humanity.

The women will sell advertising in order to raise money for a portion of the scholarship, Gilbert said. They will be attempting to sell ads to local businesses. These ads will then go into the programs of the pageant.

The current Miss Black and Gold, senior Peyton Conners, is the current district champion and third-place regional finalist in the national Miss Black and Gold pageant.

“This is a pageant to promote education,” Conners said. “It’s academic oriented and isn’t degrading to women.”

Conners, a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority, said the pageant allowed her to form strong bonds with her fellow contestants.

“Four of the other women actually became my sorority sisters,” Conners said. “This pageant really helps with developing friendships, and you’re put in a positive light on campus.”

Conners will be hosting this year’s pageant. She will also be at rehearsals, interviews and helping the other contestants.

The thought of crowning a new Miss Black and Gold is bittersweet, Conners said.

“I want to see women on this campus succeed,” Conners said. “When the new Miss Black and Gold is crowned, I won’t exactly lose my title, I’ll just say I’m Miss Black and Gold 2013.”

The contestants will be judged by faculty and staff, Gilbert said.

Gilbert said he aims for the pageant to be Feb. 2. There will be a cost for attendance, but it is open to the public, students and non-students.

“These women grow bonds with each other,” Gilbert said. “It’s almost like a sisterhood. In the end, they all gain confidence and put on a great show.”

Follow reporter Tori Lawhorn on Twitter @ToriLawhorn.