Diamond Jenkins
Staff Writer
On Sept. 18, the annual Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. beauty pageant was held in the Rose E. McCoy auditorium on the campus of Jackson State University.
It was an opportunity for young women of JSU to showcase their talents and beauty as the prospective Miss Kappa Alpha Psi.
The pageant showcased evening wear, talent and interview skills.
There were 11 contestants, and the Rose McCoy auditorium was covered in red and white decorations and with red lights.
The show set off with an entertaining performance by JSU’s Dance Ensemble and a second performance during intermission.
“Well, honestly, I went to the pageant to see what it was all about, there was a lot of hype about the pageant, and it was what I expected,” said Justin Lampley, a junior recreation administrations major from Jackson, Miss. “It was very sociable and an all- around fun atmosphere.”
Two contestants stood out, one showing off her skills as a violinist and the other as a public speaker.
“I entered the pageant last year, but I didn’t make it to be in the actual pageant and I’m glad that I did try again because I wouldn’t have won the title [if I didn’t],” said Monica Bates, a senior speech communications major of Brookhaven, Miss. who showcased her talent in public speaking, excelled in the interview portion and the formal wear, and ultimately was announced as the winner. “I practiced everyday, and even though I was tired, I always remembered that practice makes perfect,” said Bates.
“I’m really excited about this year’s [Kappa Alpha Psi] court. I tell people all the time that winning this title has been a blessing, and I am proud of myself for trying once again.”
When you think of a pageant, you tend to think about beauty, but the crown holder is not only a face, she has to get involved with community service.
“There are no scholarships available that I know of, as Miss Kappa Alpha Psi, but I will be involved in different things like ‘Kappa for the Cure,’ said Bates.
Stadford Mace, a senior speech communications major of Vicksburg, Miss., who is also chair of the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. Pageant said, “I feel that the judges chose who they felt qualified for the winner in such a way that it’s not only about beauty, but intelligence. All of the contestants are winners, at the end of the day.”
“We utilize the court in many different ways, especially with community service and on-campus activities,” he added.
