Ladies shine in Miss Black and Gold Pageant

The contestants of the 2012 Miss Black and Gold Pageant. Photo by Marquis Emmerson.

Coulter Recital Hall was the site of WCU’s fifth Miss Black and Gold Scholarship Pageant on Friday, Sept. 28.

Started in 2005 by the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity’s Nu Zeta chapter, the pageant awards one winner with a monetary scholarship, sash and crown. Last year’s pageant winner, Kacy Brown, was the master of ceremonies for 2012.

There were six contestants in this year’s pageant, all students at WCU.

After introducing the ladies, their majors and their life goals, the swimsuit competition commenced. Acts in the talent showcase included hip hop dancing, R&B ballad singing, and a performance skit.

For the final portion of the show, the contestants modeled and walked across the stage in gowns. Each lady answered a question about current events and explained how they can make the world around them a better place.

Attendees dance onstage during the intermission.
Photo by Marquis Emmerson.

The audience was so enthusiastic that some attendees got onstage during the intermission and danced to the songs “Wobble” and “The Cupid Shuffle.”

Tsanni Collier took home the crown and sash, tears running down her face when her name was announced. A senior political science major with a minor in communication, Collier is a member of WCU’s track and field team and Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority.

“It was an overall excellent pageant,” said sophomore Steven Roberts at the conclusion of the ceremony. “I thought all of the contestants did extremely well and all looked beautiful.”

One of the judges at Friday’s pageant, Yvonne Hooper looks for integrity, poise, and grace in contestants. She previously hosted three other pageants including Miss OES (Organization of Ebony Students).