"I honestly have no idea who came up with the idea," said Emily Flint, philanthropy chair of
Kappa Delta Sorority, when she was asked about the Miss Longwood Pageant organization sponsors.
While Flint doesn't know about the creation of the pageant, she can attest to its outcomes. Last year,
the event raised over $2,000 for Kappa Delta's national and local philanthropies - Prevent Child
Abuse America and Madeline's House.
Through showcasing the talents of Longwood's students, Flint said the idea of the night is for
"students take pride in their school." They can do just that tonight (March 28) at 7 p.m. in Jarman
Auditorium.
Flint said each year the Kappa Delta philanthropy chair contacts campus organizations to nominate
one female to participate in the pageant. "We aren't necessarily looking for any specific talents, etc.
We just want students who are willing to compete."
Consisting of three categories - introduction, talent and question and answer - contestants are
judged on each category based on a five-point scale. Flint said five judges judge the pageant each
year. This year the judges are Sarah Hobgood, assistant director of the Academic Career and Advising
Center; Angela Jackson, director of Residential and Commuter Life; and Josh Blakely, area coordinator
for west campus.
Additionally, Julie Howerton and Caryn Kayton will be on hand representing Madeline's House
and Caryn's Bridals, Formals and Tuxedos, respectively. Caryn's is this year's official sponsor of the
pageant. "Usually, the philanthropy chair chooses the best candidates to judge without having any
bias," Flint added. "This year is the eighth annual pageant, and we have made a lot of changes to better the pageant,"
Flint stated. "Prior to this year, we used to have
the 'spirit wear' section where contestants would
basically strip off layers of campus organization
T-shirts. This year, we decided to change that."
Flint said they have also modified the questions
in the question and answer portion of the event.
"In the past, we've had silly questions like, 'How
many licks does it take to get to the center of a
Tootsie Pop?' But now, our questions are more
school-oriented, reflecting on the college experience,
Longwood University spirit and Longwood
University as a whole."
Also added this year are four male escorts -
Kevin Bradtke, Ernest Elliot, Sean Ober and Aaron
Taylor - to assist in the pageant.
Last year, two folks shared the title of Miss
Longwood: Nancy McDonald, current senior, and
Taylor Hines, an alumni. "This was the first year
we've had a tie, so it was a nice surprise," Flint
commented.
The Kappa Delta website says that over $7.1 million
has been raised to help prevent child abuse in
America through the group's philanthropy since
1981. Miss Longwood is a part of what is known
as "Shamrock Events" the sorority holds to raise
money for their national philanthropy. Other
events held nationally include softball tournaments,
chili cook-offs, twister contests and many
more exciting activities that help raise money and
help children.
Flint thanked Liz White, assistant philanthropy
chair for Kappa Delta, for all of her hard work
in planning the entire pageant. She also thanked
Sarah Whitley, Kappa Delta's advisor. Both Flint
and White will serve as masters of ceremonies for
the night while other sisters will work backstage
and perform other necessary duties.
Tickets for the pageant can be purchased in the
Center for Communication Studies and Theatre
box office for $4 in advance. Tickets are $5 in Jarman
the night of the event. Flint encourages anyone
who can to come out for the event. Anyone
with questions can contact her at 757-572-9191.
