The Seahawk

Issue date: 9/18/08 Section: Lifestyles

Media Credit: Max Sebold | The Seahawk Former winner Leah Campell poses with the new Miss Black and Gold Antaria Curry.

Known as the oldest, coldest brothers around, the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, has found their weak spot. Friday evening the brothers crowned their new Miss Black and Gold.

At the third annual Miss Black and Gold Scholarship Pageant, junior An-Taria Curry won the privilege of representing the fraternity as their new queen. An exercise science major, Curry holds aspirations to pursue graduate studies in exercise physiology.

"I am the female who will represent the fraternity," Curry said of her new role. "How they see me is how they will see the fraternity."

Curry was also awarded the Swimsuit Award and People's Choice Award, which is voted on by students, faculty and staff of the University.

Although runner-ups were not declared, the other contestants included Ivy McCreary, Christina Carter and Keisha Winn. Ivy McCreary prevailed as Miss Talent and Miss Congeniality.

To win included fulfilling all criterion of the pageant: scholarship, introduction, talent, swimsuit, evening wear and an interview portion. Kurt Maul, director of educational activities for the fraternity, said the winner will receive $5o0 prize and the chance to represent the fraternity at the regional level and even the national level. Though only the third annual pageant held by the Omicron Theta chapter, the pageant itself has existed since the 1960s at the national level. But to be deserved of the title means more than just a pretty dress and a dazzling smile.

"The scholarship pageant includes a lot of female scholars. It gives them an opportunity to show their talents," Vice President of A Phi A, Kelvin Daise said. "All the winners have become leaders on campus since their crowning."

So on behalf of the fraternity over the next year, Curry's goal is to reach out to the adolescent youth, addressing the growing issue of the child obesity epidemic.

"Youth obesity is not that well-known," Curry noted.

Emcee's Rayshawn Smith and 2006 Miss Black and Gold Shantresa Young provided comical commentary throughout the evening, introducing entertainment such as a duet by Kiarra Whigfall and Colby Lewis, a final talent performance by reigning queen Leah Campbell, and a lyrical tribute to Campbell by the voices of Harmony.

In attendance were the winner's family and friends, as well as a hundred other guests from students to other Greek Life members.

An-Taria's grandmother Rethel Green said words could not express the feeling of happiness it was to see her granddaughter crowned.

Added Curry's aunt Rebecca Duncan of the event, "It's beautiful to see the results of such a young girl grow to a beautiful lady. To see her have such confidence is just beautiful for us and her family."

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