Twirler & Goldusters Compete in Purdue Scholarship Pageants
Miss Purdue and Miss Black and Gold are two scholarship pageants held at Purdue University.
Freshman Silver Twin Alicia Dennie and junior Golduster Anna Collins both recently competed for the title of Miss Purdue on February 11, 2018, and junior Golduster Jayne Denson competed in the Miss Black and Gold pageant on February 17 and later competed in Indiana Miss Black and Gold on February 24. Collins had competed in this same pageant her freshman year of college, but these were Dennie’s and Denson’s first pageants.
Dennie was first runner-up, and won the “Lifestyle and Fitness” category in Miss Purdue. Collins won the “Miss Boiler Spirit” award in the Miss Purdue pageant. The “Spirit” award is voted on by the Miss Purdue contestants; they vote for the girl who they think resembles friendliness, as well as a love for Purdue. Collins said she was honored and grateful to win this award.
Denson won the title of Purdue University’s Miss Black and Gold 2018, and further went on to win the title of Indiana Miss Black and Gold 2018. Denson will participate in the regional pageant, which will be held in Indianapolis, Indiana this coming April. Here, she will compete against the queens from other states throughout the Midwest.
The girls had to prepare months in advance to be ready for their respective pageants. They had to practice their interview questions, keep up with current events, and practice their talents and walks for evening gown and fitness portions. Collins said that she received emails daily of a brief newsletter called “The Skimm,” to keep her up to date on the national and global news. On the day of the pageant, the contestants arrived hours before the event started to get ready and walk through the day.
For Miss Purdue, Collins and Dennie could choose what they wanted to wear for all of their categories, but were being judged on their outfits. They were told not to spend too much money looking for a new dress.
Miss Black and Gold had a theme, which was “Hidden Figures.” The theme followed the same style as the Hidden Figures movie, so their opening number, introduction, and bathing suit attire followed the late 50s, early 60s style.
Each pageant had categories such as interview questions, lifestyle and fitness, evening gown, and talent.
Collins and Denson both danced for their talent. They had to choreograph their own solo, which took time outside of their regular Golduster rehearsals to prepare.
Dennie loved getting to showcase her talent of baton twirling.
“It was special because I got to use my new light up batons for this performance, and I had so much fun being on stage letting my love for twirling show through my performance,” Dennie said.
Overall, all three girls had incredible experiences in the Miss Purdue and Miss Black and Gold scholarship pageants.
“I left the pageant with friends I never had met before and such a positive experience,” Dennie said. “I was able to put myself outside of my comfort zone where I learned a lot about myself, and had so much fun doing so.”
Collins said because of her love for performing, being on stage was very fun and exhilarating for her.
“I also loved making friends throughout the day and just getting to hear everyone’s platforms and passions,” Collins said. “Watching everyone have confidence in themselves and perform something they’re talented at was so fun. So many unique and admirable girls competed.”
Denson encourages any girl who is considering doing this pageant to try it.
“Regardless if you win or not, there is so much you gain, learn, and positively experience from the pageant process,” Denson said. “I would also tell aspiring contestants to put their doubts aside if they think it’s something they aren’t capable of, because every woman most certainly is.”
Denson would like to thank the brothers of the Gamma Rho Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha who put on the Miss Black and Gold scholarship pageant, her pageant sisters, her teammates, and her parents for being extremely instrumental in her obtaining her success. She said she couldn’t ask for a better support group and caring individuals to stand behind her.
