Ferris’ Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. brought back their Mr. Wonderful pageant, a chance for men to compete for a $1,000 scholarship.
Around 115 people came to watch six contestants show off their talents and fashion sense during five rounds in the David L. Eisler Center Ballrooms on Saturday, April 13.
Guests were also welcomed with refreshments and a table of charcuterie to eat before the pageant and took turns posing in the 360-photo booth.
This year was the first time the Mr. Wonderful pageant has happened in 10 years because there weren’t any Deltas on campus. Radiography senior Taliyah Garrett wanted to bring the pageant back because she wanted to give more scholarship opportunities to men.
“We don’t see a lot of scholarships for them specifically, so we wanted to give them that opportunity,” Garrett said.
Economics junior Nicholas Green was a contestant in the pageant. He thought scholarships were vital for Black men to steer away from bad decisions and focus more on education.
“As Black men, it is important for us to stay in school and get our education,” Green said. “Having a scholarship is an incentive to want to stay in school.”
Criminal justice senior Quartez Shah was also a contestant and believed it’s important to have events like this where scholarships are opportunities to succeed.
“It’s hard to be able to branch out and look at opportunities as far as money, internship and even staying in school,” Shah said. “There is a tough percentage of Black men trying to succeed, so being able to see that Delta Sigma Theta Inc. is doing this event is amazing.”
Business administration junior Ralph Donaldson was crowned “Mr. Wonderful” this year and got to show off his poetry, evening wear and swimwear.
Donaldson’s favorite part of the pageant was reading his poem to everyone. After the pageant, he felt great winning the pageant despite being anxious in the beginning.
“It’s such a surreal feeling to be honest,” Donaldson said. “I was pretty nervous before, but I had a great time doing it.”
Biology sophomore Tanea Keys came to the pageant because she enjoys going to events like this. Her favorite part was the various fraternities and sororities strolling, a cultural tradition amongst Black fraternities and sororities.
“I like going to Black events like this,” Keys said. “It’s comforting and fun.”
Digital animation and game design sophomore Sherlyn Trejo-Villegas was excited that she was able to make it to the pageant and felt like it did not disappoint.
“I was really excited when I found out the idea for the event,” Trejo-Villegas said. “I think the contestants were great and the Deltas put in a lot of work.”
Delta Sigma Theta Inc. also received help funding the event from Ferris’ Student Activity Fee Allocation Committee.
The Mr. Wonderful pageant intended to have another constant along with a majorette performance but was unable to due to last-minute difficulties. Imari Carl of Delta Sigma Theta Inc. acknowledged on stage that there were some inconveniences because it was the event and that Delta Sigma Theta would strive to improve for years to come.
Delta Sigma Theta Inc. plans to continue this event annually and will have updates on the Mr. Wonderful pageant and other events on their Instagram page @zp_deltas.
C.E. C.F.