Freshman Amber Williams joined the Miss Unity Pageant early in September but soon dropped out because of a schedule conflict with her Trendz of Essence dance group.
Eventually rejoining the pageant, however, was one of the best decisions for Williams, who captured the Miss Unity crown Saturday night.
"I was surprised," Williams said while wearing her lavender gown, white sash and crown. "It was very unexpected."
Williams, from Marion, and eight other contestants competed Saturday in Pruis Hall in the 2005 Miss Unity Scholarship Pageant, "This Magical Night," the last event of Unity Week.
The contestants began the pageant with a hip-hop dance choreographed by senior DuJuanna London, followed by musical introductions, a talent competition, creative skits with their student escorts and an impromptu question-and-answer segment. The contestants were judged on their formal wear while performing a ballroom dance to "Closer I Get to You," choreographed by sophomore Natalie Wesley and Arttacgo Luckett.
Williams, who has been playing the flute for eight years, played "My Heart Will Go On" by Celine Dion and an upbeat tune. She was accompanied by Damien Daniels on piano.
"I just thought it would be a good way to show off my talent," said Williams, who admitted playing the flute was one of her most nerve-racking moments of the competition.
During the escort competition, Williams wore a two-piece black tango dress and a red rose and performed the tango with sophomore Devin Day, who was later crowned king.
All of the contestants were nervous backstage, but being the last of the nine contestants to perform in each segment was a challenge, Williams said.
"I was the last girl in everything, so I had a quick change to hurry up and do all the scenes, so it was a big mess," she said.
Through it all, however, Williams said she learned the benefit of dedication and hard work, and she didn't stop smiling.
"That was the hardest thing," she said. "To keep smiling at all times. Even when the music messed up or the music wasn't right, I knew I had to keep going."
Day said the Miss Unity Pageant was his first time performing and acting on stage, but having confidence in himself and in God helped him through the event. He is relieved it's over with, he said.
"It was very surprising because I didn't think I was going to win," Day said. "I was just doing it. I wasn't expecting anything out of it."
First runner-up in the pageant was freshman Robin Harris, and freshman Melissa Campbell won second runner-up. Freshman Jessica Oxley was awarded for the top advertisement sales, and freshman Tanisha Duerson was awarded the title of Miss Congeniality.
Winning the Miss Unity crown earned Williams a scholarship of at least $1,000 and the opportunity to serve as spokesperson for the Miss Unity program. She will also have the opportunity to represent Ball State's Black Student Association and Multicultural Center at Ball State and in Muncie, and she will participate in the Homecoming parade.
As she continues her elementary education major, Williams said she is considering working with the Big Brothers Big Sisters Program to kickoff her community service project for the year.
Each Miss Unity contestant was accepted in 2004 based on her academic achievement, community involvement and participation in campus and multicultural events. Senior Sarah Mitchell, president of the Black Student Association, said she was proud of each contestant.
"These ladies have gained a lot of life-long friends, memories and a lot of fun," Mitchell said. "This pageant has come together with a lot of hard work, long nights and a lot of sacrifice."
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