Young girls from the local community got a chance to participate in a pageant while showcasing their Green and Gold spirit during the Miss Green and Gold Pageant, which took place last Saturday in the Student Union Theater.
Miss Southeastern Gabrielle Palma hosted the pageant, which was a fundraiser for the Children’s Miracle Network. Having competed in pageants since the age of 13, Palma had advice for those involved in the pageant.
“Smile, believe in yourself and have fun,” said Palma. “That is what Miss Green and Gold is all about. Whether you win or lose, the most important thing to remember is to enjoy yourself and the experience.”
Contestants competed in eight age divisions, which included “Baby Miss,” 12-23 months old, “Toddler Miss,” ages 2-3, “Tiny Miss,” ages 4-5, “Little Miss,” ages 6-7, “Petite Miss,” 8-9, “Deb Miss,” 10-11, “Pre-Teen Miss,” 12-13 and “Junior Miss,” 14-15.
During the introduction, Palma announced that the pageant would be different from traditional pageants and that the contestants would be wearing casual wear that consisted of green or gold apparel. In addition, she announced that instead of a crown, winners would receive Lions baseball caps with rhinestones, which were made by her.
As each contestant walked on stage, Palma read information about the contestants that included hair color, eye color, school and hobbies. While each contestant was on stage, the Lions fight song played in the background.
After all the contestants had walked stage, there was a temporary break while the judges tallied the scores. During that time, student Luke Holloway, Office of Disability Services Administrative Assistant Cecelia Palumbo and University Counseling Center staff member Angela James were recognized as the judges. In addition, Palma acknowledged James as one of the people helping her prepare for the Miss Louisiana competition that will be held in June.
Once the contestants came back on stage, Campus Activities Board coordinator Jason Leader announced the winners for each age division. As the winners were been announced, Palma presented them with the caps, trophy, and sash and each participant received a certificate. At the conclusion of the event, there was a group picture.
Those in attendance offering support for the contestants were parents, siblings, and family members.
“This was the first pageant my niece competed in and I think she did a great job,” said Sandy Mitchell, a resident of Independence. “The event was great because all the young girls went home a winner for having competed.”
The winners in each age group will attend the Miss Southeastern 2012 pageant in the fall as royalty.