tudents and faculty walk around campus day after day, not knowing they're in the presence of royalty. Nicole Hoffman is the reigning Miss Indiana Black and Gold.
The Miss Black and Gold Scholarship Pageant is sponsored by the brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc.
The pageant starts at a local level, then moves to a district level, then to regionals and, finally, to nationals. The district competition includes all of the colleges in Indiana that host a pageant.
"Regionals is 14 states, plus Canada," Terry Frazier said. Frazier is the adviser for Alpha Phi Alpha, Theta Xi Chapter.
This is the first year for Ball State to host a pageant. According to people involved, the pageant will continue.
"It was interesting trying to recruit contestants since it was the first time," Melanie Scott, co-chair for the event, said. "In the years to come, we hope the pageant grows in numbers as well as dollars. We want to be able to give all of the contestants scholarships."
Miss Black and Gold contestants are judged in several categories. The interview is the most crucial part of the contest. This segment isn't seen by the audience. The contestants are judged on poise, self-expression, concern for humanity and their answers.
There are five to seven judges for the competition. As the contestants advance to the next level, not only do the scholarships increase, but so does the competition.
After Hoffman captured the Miss Black and Gold title at Ball State, she advanced to the district level in Fort Wayne. There, she was greeted by queens from Purdue and Indiana University.
Hoffman performed the same talent selection from the previous pageant, a poem written by Mahogany Moore.
"I was really able to act out the poem because it reflected on my life at the time," Hoffman said.
Hoffman was named Miss Black and Gold at the district contest. This made her eligible to attend the regional contest beginning on Thursday and ending on Sunday. It will be held at the Palmer House Hilton in Chicago.
"I was really surprised because the other girls' talents were so good," Hoffman said.
If Hoffman wins the regional title, she will advance to the national convention, held in Detroit, Mich., later this semester.
"This time I'm focusing on expanding my talent. I'll just go there and be myself. I don't stress myself out about it," Hoffman said.
There are several benefits to competing in the program. Some would say scholarship money and others would say friendships.
"The pageant allowed me to establish relationships with people I still keep in touch with," said Morenike Aderiye, former Miss Black and Gold. Aderiye is a student at Alabama State University.
Hoffman, a senior, will graduate in May with a 3.169 grade point average. She's a marketing major with a minor in business information technology.
On campus, she's an SVS volunteer, president of Trenz of Essence modeling troupe and a member of Americorps. She also serves as the assistant pledge educator of Phi Gamma Nu, a campus business fraternity.
Also at the district competition the Theta Xi Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha won chapter of the year and received first place in the step show.
Read More
Three Air Jam teams take home the win
October 12, 2012Nineteen teams shimmied, shook and flipped for a sold out John R. Emens Auditorium on Thursday night during the 25th annual Air Jam.
Bill Clinton Speaks at North Central High School
October 12, 2012Former President's Speech Could Have Effect on State Senate Race
