Tonight: Miss Augusta University Scholarship Pageant

Dejah Johnson, senior kinesiology major and 2017 Miss Augusta University, will pass her crown to another Augusta student at the second annual Miss Augusta University scholarship pageant on Sept. 29.

The pageant is sponsored by the Jaguar Production CREW and Office of Student Life & Engagement who hope it will become an Augusta tradition.

“The purpose of the pageant is to build a new tradition that will help the university achieve its goal of being a student-centered university,” said Paul Bradley Jr., program coordinator for student involvement. “We want to select a student that embodies the organization’s mission and values.”

Last year, 12 entrants competed for the title of Miss Augusta University and more than 250 people attended the pageant. This year, Bradley expects attendance and participation will be equally successful.

The women participate in an opening number and are judged based on private interviews, evening wear, talent, an on-stage question and swim wear. Based on the women’s performance in each segment of the pageant, judges will select three winners. There is also an opportunity for the audience to select who they think should win the title by donating money to the people’s choice boxes during intermission.

The newly crowned Miss Augusta University will represent the university at several events throughout the remaining and upcoming school year. She will attend Pig Out 2017 and will participate in The CREW’s finals feast at the end of the semester.

Miss Augusta University also completes community service hours, volunteers at summer orientation and Week of Welcome events and will host the 2018 homecoming coronation. Faculty, staff and students can also request the appearance or participation of Miss Augusta University at campus events.

The newly crowned Miss Augusta University will not only receive a scholarship from the university, but will also have the opportunity to compete in the Miss Georgia pageant in June 2018.

Bradley believes this is a valuable experience for Augusta students.

“The pageant provides young women with the opportunity to earn scholarships, not only from Augusta University, but from the Miss Georgia pageant,” he said. “It’s also an opportunity to network with women from around the state of Georgia and with professionals who may have experience in a student’s chosen field.”

The second annual Miss Augusta University pageant will be held Friday, Sept. 29 at 7 p.m. at the Maxwell Theatre on the Summerville Campus. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. The event is free for students, faculty and staff with a valid JagID. Tickets are $5.