On Tuesday, April 17th, the gentlemen of the Alpha Zeta Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. held their annual Miss Phi Beta Sigma Scholarship Pageant in the James L. Bolden Campus Union Ballroom which was hosted by Robert Mangum and Shemesha Martin.
There were four contestants vying for the diamond encrusted crown and royal blue and white sash which were Shianne McGee, Xiandria Patrick, Kenisha Sanders and Chelcey Leahman. The contestants opened the pageant with a choreographed routine to Beyoncé’s “Déjà vu.” The ladies then competed in 5 segments which were business attire, swimwear, talent, question and response and the “crème de la creme” of the night, evening wear. Robert Walker, a Spring 2018 initiate into the Alpha Zeta Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma stated, “All of the girls are really beautiful and talented in their own unique way. I would hate to be one of the judges.”
In between segments, the audience left their seats for the electric slide as “Before I Let Go” by Frankie Beverly and Maze was blasted by DJ Stigga Savage who provided the music for the evening. Diamond Wiley also performed a beautiful rendition of Jamie Fox’s “When I First Saw You” that warranted thunderous applause and a standing ovation.
Afterwards, the judges made their final decision. Shianne McGee was named Miss Congeniality as she wowed the crowd with her performance of “Refill” by Elle Varner as well as her grit and ferocity.
Kenisha Sanders won the title of Miss Blue and White whose platform, “Family is the most important aspect of life” won over the hearts of the room.
Chelcey Leahman was the Miss Alpha Zeta Chapter runner up, whose confidence and spoken word poem, “She Is So Beautiful” presented her as someone who is determined to make a difference.
Xiandria Patrick won the title of Miss Phi Beta Sigma 2018-2019. It was Patrick’s charm and charisma that truly stood out amongst the others. Her choreographed praise routine also left an impressionable mark on the judges and audience. She stood with a large smile on her face as last year’s winner, Troyrica Gaines handed over her crown and sash. Alcorn’s new Miss Phi Beta Sigma stated her inspiration was a simple quote by author Susan Gale which says, “Sometimes you don’t know your own strength until you’re face-to-face against your greatest weakness” which ultimately helped her win.