Pageantry history was made in America when Ms. Kiara Schaffer was crowned Ms. Collegiate Mom 2010, the first pageant of its kind in the world. The pageant was held on Dec. 1 at Prairie View A&M University in Texas.
The first pageant saw six dynamic, determined, progressive and non-traditional women competing for a campus queen title because they have a child or is married. Jasmine Wiggins, a senior architect major from Houston, is the director who felt that the time was now for a pageant of this kind. With the help of her advisor, Mr. Frederick V. Roberts and support and assistance from the Students In Free Enterprise [SIFE] team at PVAMU, and the Student Government Association, the pageant became a reality.
In addition to the title, Kiara won the interview, talent and onstage competitions. Kiara is a junior marketing student from Seattle, Washington. First runner up was Melissa Hooper a junior education major from Dallas and the second runner up was Theodora Hollaway a junior agriculture major from Prairie View. Other contestants in the pageant were Chasonique Peck of Houston, Josephine Roberson of Houston and Lauren Taylor of Dallas.
The judges who made the ultimate decision were: Clemea Donaldson, Miss Black World Houston, Ya'myletha White, senior communications major , Hope Luster, former Ms. PVAMU/Ms. America Plus, William Chapman, retired Arts and Sciences Dean and English Department Head, Charles H. Lewter, VI, Dean of the chapel and Mr. PVAMU advisor.
The judges who made the ultimate decision were: Clemea Donaldson, Miss Black World Houston, Ya'myletha White, senior communications major , Hope Luster, former Ms. PVAMU/Ms. America Plus, William Chapman, retired Arts and Sciences Dean and English Department Head, Charles H. Lewter, VI, Dean of the chapel and Mr. PVAMU advisor.
The mission of Ms. Collegiate Mom™ Scholarship Pageant Program is to serve as a source of excellence for college women through programs that enhance their education, economic and social involvement, role-modeling and advocate for a children friendly university and community service.
When asked does the country need another pageant, Wiggins responded emphatically, “Yes! I believe that all women should have an opportunity to participate in the free enterprise system and the pageant is one way for them to earn scholarships and raise their self esteem.” Candidates in the pageant will receive more than $3,000 in scholarships and prizes and the opportunity to represent the pageant around the country.
The pageant is open to young women enrolled in any college or university and who have a child and wish to participate fully in the campus experiences. They are encouraged to participate because the pageant provides programs for personal and professional development, self esteem and confidence building, leadership skills and developing a sense of responsibility to helping young women to further their careers. It also helps them to develop the spirit of competition.
The pageant differs from others because it provides opportunities for mothers who are prohibited from participation in traditional campus pageants. The focus is not on the physical attributes rather emphasis is placed on the intellectual, personal character, self esteem, economic empowerment and commitment to serve as role models and community involvement.
Contestants compete in the following categories with the percentage weight as noted: 1. Personal/Private Interview (20%); 2. Platform Expression-Oratory (25%); 3. Talent (35%); 4. Evening Wear (10%) and 5. On-stage Interview/Question (10%). The candidate with the highest total is the winner, with the attendants in the next order. The decision of the judges is final.
SIFE's support of the pageant is based on the needs being addressed which match its social factor criteria for the national programs. The young ladies hopefully will learn from the experiences and find ways to improve the quality of life for them and their children, while studying at the university.
Wiggins is seeking gifts and prizes for the pageant. Interested patrons can contact Jasmine Wiggins at 979-525-4353 or jwiggins2@hotmail.com or mscollegiatemom@gmail.com.
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