Scholarship Pageant
Written by Jasmine Beaulieu
Recently I took part in a scholarship pageant headed by the men of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated. Alpha Phi Alpha is a national Fraternity founded on the campus of Cornell University in 1906. The aim of the fraternity is “Manly Deeds, Scholarship, and Love for All Mankind” and Alpha Phi Alpha is proud to claim Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and W.E.B Dubois as notable brothers of their fraternity who have definitively held their highly respected and esteemed reputation high. The title of the pageant was Miss Black and Gold and the colors black and gold represent the colors of the national fraternity. In order to be a part of the pageant I had to be recommended by a brother of the fraternity and from there I was required to turn in a resume, autobiography, college transcripts, and complete an in-depth application.
I was then selected to go through an interview and from there they selected the females they wanted to be a part of their pageant. The aim of the pageant was to find a classy, motivated, and intelligent young woman within the African American Community who will represent female face of the chapter for one year. I was one of 5 finalist selected from the campus’ of Cal Poly Pomona, U.C. Irvine, and Cal State Fullerton. The pageant consisted of an interview with the judges, ninety second intro speech, bathing suit competition, talent portion, evening gown section, question & answer, and overall college gpa. I was fortunate enough to be crowned as The Iota Psi Chapter Miss Black and Gold. I will now advance to the regional pageant competition against other finalists from the various chapters within Southern California. Below is the intro speech I recited at the opening of the pageant which describes who I am and my aims and goals for my life in 90 seconds!
“Pretty women wonder where my secret lies I’m not cute or built to suit a fashion model’s size But when I start to tell them They think I’m telling lies. I say,
- It’s in the reach of my arms
- The span of my hips,
- The stride of my step,
- The curl of my lips.
- I’m a woman Phenomenally.
- Phenomenal woman, That’s me.
Hello! I am Jasmine Jannel Beaulieu. Your contestant number 1, representing the Iota Psi chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. I am a 19 year old, 2nd year, Marketing Management major at the California State Polytechnic University Pomona. Along with being a full time student I am also a full time dancer and choreographer for Dellos Dance Studios. I have been nationally recognized in Dance Spirit Magazine, competed with the Dellos Dance Company for 10 years, recognized with a 2010 Young Choreographers Award at American Dance Awards National Competition, recently choreographed a national champion routine and even just received a scholarship to attend The Pulse OnTour national final convention in New York City this summer. Everyday I give back to my community and serve as a role model at the dance studio where I am able to inspire young girls through my passion for dance and provide them with a positive environment to grow and excel within. I see myself as more than just a dance teacher while at the studio, but also as a mentor and open outlet for my students. I also recently volunteered at the Veteran’s Association Annual Holiday Celebration and even headed a Toy Drive at the dance studio for the Children’s Hospital of Orange County to promote the kids I work with to have an opportunity to make an impact on their community. I have many goals for my future and every intention on reaching them because I always set the sky as my limit. However, in all that I do I always promise to stay true to morals and beliefs and to continually give back to the communities which have supported all of my endeavors.”
