Larry Willis
Staff Writer
Grishma Rimal
News Editor
The Miss Venus pageant is set to be organized on March 2 at 7 p.m. in Claudia Crosby Theater.
The pageant, unlike most beauty contests, does not require participants to compete in a swimsuit, talent or interview section. Instead, they are simply required to walk across the stage in evening wear.
According to Sara Jo Burks, assistant director of residence life, the annual event has been going on for years and once was part of Greek Week, but it no longer is.
“It’s a fun pageant,” Burks said.
According to Burks, the winner is usually expected to be a speaker at Trojan Day, which will be held on March 19 this year. The Miss Venus winner will be asked to inform incoming students about Troy scholarships.
Fraternities, sororities and other campus organizations are encouraged to sponsor as many girls as they would like, or contestants can pay their own entry fees of $25.
The winner and runners-up will be awarded with book scholarships worth $150, $100 and $50 for each of the top three contestants respectively.
The Student Alumni Association sponsors and provides the winner with the crown, sash and book scholarships.
“Girls are encouraged to participate in the pageant and have fun,” Burks said. “Pageant winners will receive a crown, money and flowers.
“It’s just a fun thing for girls to come out and do together, and enjoy it, and have their friends and family to come root for them.”
Audience members can also vote for their favorite contestant for $1. The winner will be given the People’s Choice Award.
Students from any of Troy’s campuses are allowed to participate in the pageant. Married students are also eligible to compete.
“We had a lady last year who was married that was in it,” Burks said. “She said that her kids said, ‘Momma, do it,’ and she did.”
Burks said that the pageant and its non-demanding nature make it the perfect opportunity for anyone who has never had a chance to participate in one.
The deadline to enter the pageant is Monday, Feb. 29. Students can turn in the application at the housing office or on its website.
