Iyonna Hester is Ferris’ first scholarship pageant winner. On Feb. 23, Hester went home with $1,000 prize.
The Black Greek Council brought the first-ever scholarship pageant to campus. Fifty people gathered in the David L. Eisler Center ballrooms to learn about the two contestants and vote for the winner.
The contestants went through five rounds categorized as personality, talent, Black history, sportswear and ballroom rounds. Throughout these rounds, contestants told a little about themselves, showed off their talents, represented their Black role models and displayed their sports and ballroom outfits.
According to College Board, 65% of Ferris students receive financial aid, reflecting the school’s economic need.
Hester, a psychology sophomore, was happy that Ferris offered another scholarship opportunity because she sees many people who need them, including herself.
“[Winning] feels good. I went through a lot to be able to be in the pageant,” Hester said. “I just feel good that it paid off.”
To Hester, the scholarship pageant was fun and a good way for students to express themselves and who they are. She highlights that her two favorite rounds were the talent and ballroom rounds.
“The talent round because I got a lot of crowd participation since people knew the song,” Hester said. “Or the ballroom round because that was my favorite outfit.”
BGC member and criminal justice senior Quartez Shah explained that the council wanted to give students a way to celebrate their accomplishments.
“We wanted to be able to show other students that it’s possible to be able to stand out and do what you say you do and accomplish,” Shah said.
This scholarship event represents student organizations giving back to their fellow students at Ferris. President Bill Pink expressed that he wants the BGC and other student organizations to give back to other Ferris students.
“When we realize what people have done for us and how blessed we are, it is so important that we then look and say, ‘Who else can I help?’” Pink said.
Dental hygiene freshman Mia Deberry attended the event because she was interested when she saw the event on social media and posters. She was happy to attend because she learned that the award for winning the pageant was a scholarship.
“Now that I know the Black Greek Council does this,” Deberry said. “Next time, I have the opportunity to get one too.”
BGC is currently unsure if the event will be annual. For more information, visit the BGC’s Instagram @fsu_bgc.
