Five University of Memphis students will compete against each other, alongside four other local women, for the 2003 Miss Memphis Scholarship Pageant, sponsored by the Memphis Junior Chamber of Commerce.
For the last 56 years, the pageant has awarded scholarship money to the lucky winners and has served as a stepping stone toward the women competing nationally in the Miss America Pageant. But first, they have to win the Miss Tennessee Pageant, in which the winner of Miss Memphis will compete, before taking on such a big challenge.
The five U of M students competing in the pageant are Annika Adams, 23, senior; Jackie Patterson, 22, sophomore; Vera Williams, 21, junior; Becky Burton, 21, senior; and Jennifer Allen, whose age and classification could not be verified at presstime.
“Miss America is, of course, the most prestigious of pageants, having awarded some of the largest scholarships in the world,” said Shay Bader-Wallace, executive chairman of the Memphis pageant. “Locally, we have awarded over $25,000 a year, split between the winners.”
Pageant participants get the chance to win big money in scholarships but also can use the pageant as a chance to do service in their community.
“It’s a good opportunity for them to get involved in the community,” said Michael Negron, publicity chairman for the Memphis pageant. “The winner will be involved in a number of community events, such as speaking to kids in public schools. Even the runners-up will get plenty of publicity.”
The contestants will be judged based on the results of four categories: interview, talent, swimsuit and eveningwear. The talent portion of the show takes 40 percent of the vote, the interview takes 30 percent, swimsuit and eveningwear each take 10 percent, and a composite score that takes 10 percent.
“I feel that I am strongest in the talent category,” said Vera Williams, marketing and finance major at The U of M. “ I’m going to sing the song ‘Love Me With All Your Heart,’ which is sung partially in English and partially in Spanish.”
As an 11-year veteran of the pageant scene, Williams is used to the pressure. “This is actually the third time I’ve competed in this particular pageant.”
The pageant will give first-timers the chance to shine as well.
“I’ve never done anything like this before,” said Jackie Patterson, pre-pharmacy major at The U of M. “My best friend won it two years ago, so she was always there to push me. If I win, I definitely want to represent Memphis the best I can.”
Williams said if she wins, she will put the money toward college and “get in shape for Miss Tennessee.”
The pageant will take place at March 2 at 3:30 p.m. at the New Daisy Theater on Beale Street. The event is open to the public. All tickets are general admission and cost $10 each.
