For many the pageant world is one of sequins, make-up and poofy hair, something to enjoy or make fun of on TV. Ouachita’s own Miss OBU pageant is a tradition that sends women to Miss Arkansas.
But the contestants and others involved prefer to look beyond all the glitter and glam to the opportunity provided to share issues they care about and be role models and representatives.
“You don’t have to be the tall, skinny, cookie cutter pageant girl to compete in Miss OBU, and I think that’s what makes our pageant unique and what makes it special,” said Justin Harper, admissions counselor and co-director of the pageant. He is working alongside Kirt Thomas, admissions counselor, and Keisha Pittman, director of admissions counseling.
For the 43rd production of Miss OBU, Harper, Thomas and Pittman have spent hours creating the program, finding judges and gathering the honors court. They also have Ashlen Batson, Miss Arkansas 2008, and Sloane Roberts, Miss Arkansas’ Outstanding Teen 2008, performing during the pageant. But most importantly, Harper has been working with this year’s 12 contestants.
“Pageants have such a bad rap sometimes, but it’s so much deeper than pretty girls getting on stage,” Harper said. “Each girl has a critical issue, something they are working with that they are passionate about, so these girls who are competing in this pageant are smart, brilliant women.”
The contestants’ platforms this year include women’s slave trade rescue, finding solutions for hunger and bridging the gap between the deaf and hearing world. Each girl has found something that is important or personal to her.
“My platform is the vicious cycle of homelessness,” said sophomore Melissa Collier, who is representing the women of Chi Delta. “It is important for us as human beings to care for those in need, but more than just handing out meals or spare change. What the homeless community needs is a way to be able to help themselves, which means higher education and special skills training.”
So though the contestants express excitement over their talents and getting to know each other, while worrying about walking in heels and the onstage interview question, they hope others join them in viewing Miss OBU as more than that.
“We are not just standing up there, looking pretty,” said Andrea Ross, who is representing the freshman class. “This pageant enables us to get our views and ideas about the world out there for everyone to see. OBU does not just want someone with a pretty smile but someone who really understands the world and the things we struggle with every day.”
And as Miss OBU, the winner will be expected to represent Ouachita at Miss Arkansas and various other events both on campus and in town.
“The Miss OBU pageant is a job interview looking for someone to step into a huge position of leadership, influence and service,” said sophomore Kristen Glover, who is representing the women of Tri Chi. “Her audience ranges from first graders to legislatures, and we need grounded Christian women to carry this responsibility.”
Miss OBU will still deliver entertainment with more modern music, the contestants’ talents and the honor court.
The pageant will take place in Jones Performing Arts Center on Feb. 28 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $5 for students with ID and $10 for adults.
