The O’Collegian

Courtney Ned was crowned Miss Black OSU 2008 and received a $1,000 scholarship Saturday night.

“I am so ecstatic to be the next Miss Black OSU, and I am so ready to work in the community,” Ned said. “I am so grateful they gave me this opportunity.”

This was the 27th annual Miss Black OSU pageant. The women first met in September and started practicing in October.

It began with practices once a week and as the pageant approached practices were increased to two to three times a week.

All of the participants were juniors and sophomores at Oklahoma State University. Each was asked to present a platform by which she could better the student body and make a difference on campus.

The audience of 150 was involved throughout the event.

Ned, a public relations freshman, said she plans to affect the community through her platform of mentoring youth, the leaders of tomorrow. She plans to do this through participating in the Big Brothers Big Sisters and YMCA programs.

“Each of the five contestants have done an exceptional job through out the past four months of practice,” said Tiffany Nixon, executive director of the pageant. “Truly each of them are winners, and I am truly pleased with the performance.”

Nixon began the evening with an introduction and the black national anthem, “Lift Every Voice and Sing.”

The introduction of the judges followed. The five contestants then showed their confidence in swimsuits.

The performance captured the audience as the women performed with all different talents. The women were judged through an interview, a unique outfit, talent, evening wear and extemporaneous questions.

The interviews were held Friday evening and the rest was judged Saturday at 6:30 p.m. in the Student Union Little Theater.

“I know what I am looking for tonight is someone who has self confidence, and then I also look for somebody with a good deal of talent,” pageant judge Vance Lewis said.

Paris Nash won the People’s Choice Award, Miss Entrepreneur award and first runner-up with a $500 scholarship.

Millicent Bowie was given the Miss Congeniality Award and third runner-up with a $250 scholarship.

Shcarry Chatmon was awarded fourth runner-up and a $200 scholarship.

LaTasha Price was awarded with the Lee Evans Award and second runner-up with a $250 scholarship. The Lee Evans Award is given to the contestant who excels in the classroom.

A reception followed the pageant.

“Each girl has her own unique personality,” Nixon said. “Where we have one bubbly, the other may be a little bit more subdued. This makes the pageant process thoroughly enjoyable.”