This post was written by Hatchet Reporter Michelle Brown
Twelve contestants representing in the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. shone in the 8th annual Miss Freshmen Scholarship Pageant in the Betts Theater in the Marvin Center Sunday night, showcasing their talents and vying for $1,750 in scholarship money .
The winners of the three scholarships were judged based on their philanthropic endeavors, fundraising abilities, talent performances and their performance in the question and answer session.
In the end, Jennifer Beatty was crowned Miss Freshman 2009, winning a $1,000 scholarship. Dean of Freshmen Fred Siegel, Miss D.C. 2008 Chelsey Rodgers, and Director of the Multicultural Student Services Center Michael Tapscott, served as the judges for the evening.
“Of course, there can only be one winner, but it’s not really about that at the end of the day,” said Nicole White, one of the co-directors of the pageant, and Miss D.C. USA 2009. “It’s about the time we spend together. See how happy everyone is now?”
Malissa Wilkins was first runner up, taking home a $500 scholarship, and Taylour Rogers was the second runner up, receiving $250.
The proceeds from the night went to GW’s Project Health, a group that assists low-income families with health care issues with a hospital advocacy program.
The contestants’ talents ranged from different types of dance, to performances of the spoken word, playing the piano, painting, singing, and acting. They answered questions about values, current society, racism, politics, and the misconceptions about pageants.
“We want to make this bigger and better every year,” said White, emphasizing how important it would be for the girls to stay in contact after the show. “We have forged so many bonds together, and we don’t want that go away.”
