Spring Break
Beard crowned Miss Black EIU
Jennifer Chiariello
Issue date: 2/24/03 Section: Campus Life
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"I was surprised. I was overwhelmed with joy. It was mostly disbelief because I won in all four categories. I was in shock," Beard said.
This year's pageant marked the end of the reign of Kia Che'Vaughn Gowder, a senior psychology major.
The title of the Miss Black EIU pageant 2003 was "Do you remember me, the black woman?" The purpose of the theme is to remember and honor all women, not just black women, Gowder said. However, the focus was primarily on black women and their struggle, from African queens to present.
Contestants for the title of Miss Black EIU 2003 included Ashayla Scott, a sophomore management major from Peoria; Kaylin Gordon, a freshman speech communication major from Calumet Park, and Beard.
The contestants were judged according to creative expression, talent, African garment and evening gown competitions, as well as their response to an impromptu question.
"I thought it was a great experience," Gordon said. "It was different. It helped me get over stage fright. It's a lot of work; you have to be committed, but overall it was good."
Contestants competed for scholarships, prizes and special awards, in addition to special recognition awards for Miss Congeniality, Miss Togetherness, Miss Enterprise, Miss Ebony and Miss Scholarship.
The Miss Ebony award was given to Gordon, the Miss Scholarship and Miss Enterprise awards were given to Scott and Miss Congeniality and Miss Togetherness were awarded to Beard.
"It's a lot of hard work, but it's a lot of fun. It's worth it and I encourage any women to participate in it if they have the opportunity," Scott said.
The contestants were given
plaques for each special recognition award and Beard received a trophy in all three categories of the pageant.
Some prizes given to contestants throughout the pageant included gift certificates, jewelry, bed sets, a TV and DVD player.
The opening number of the pageant included a dance and formal introduction of the contestants to the crowd and judges. Each contestant represented a different characteristic of a women: strength, wisdom and courage, Gowder said.
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