Langston crowned new face of HSU
Alexandria Moore
Issue date: 4/2/07 Section: News
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Langston was crowned the 2007 Miss HSU Thursday, March 29 after competing against 16 other contestants.
This year was Henderson's 47th annual Miss HSU pageant, which was hosted by the Student Government Association and took place in Arkansas Hall. The pageant has been a tradition since March 24, 1960, when the first one took place.
In total shock, Langston was all smiles as she walked center stage to receive her crown from the former Miss HSU, senior vocal music education major Janice Wilson. Cheers rang out from the audience congratulating the new queen on her victory.
Langston felt the pressure of the competition prior to her winning. As the awards were being announced, Langston grew more and more disappointed.
"Oh poo, I didn't get anything," Langston thought as the list of awards went on. However, in the end it was Langston who came out on top.
Being crowned Miss HSU, Langston received a Presidential scholarship, a $5,000 cash prize, a plaque, a dozen roses and, of course, her crown.
She will also receive a designated area in the Garrison Center where her picture will be placed until the next pageant.
Langston has a lot of work ahead of her and is ecstatic about her new position. In an attempt to change the problem of the queen not being seen active after her crowning, Langston will become the new face of Henderson.
"I'm looking forward to being a role model for new prospective students and being a representative of Henderson." Langston said.
She will be expected to represent her school and community. Chad Fielding, associate dean of students, is hoping to use Langston in campaigns for the school, events that will be taking place, commercials and publicity.
Many feel that allowing Miss HSU to be active will aid in the promotion of Henderson and of the pageant itself.
"I think it is a great idea … Henderson is a great school and we should do whatever we can to promote it," Wilson said.
This year the pageant consisted of 17 contestants, a huge increase from the four contestants competing in last year's pageant.
The ladies competed in categories based on interview, swimwear, evening gown, talent and question-and-answer. Each category was broken down into percentages that tallied up to an overall score that determined the winners.
Not all the contestants participated in the talent format. After the evening gown competition, seven contestants were eliminated, leaving the top 10 to continue in hopes of becoming the new queen.
Although Langston was the overall winner, she was not the only winner of the night.
Tiana Haire, sophomore nursing major won second runner up as well as best talent. Katie Barbaree, sophomore communication major, won first runner up, People's Choice award, and best evening gown. Angela Paladino, freshman sociology major, won Miss Congeniality.
The pageant was not just a means of showing off the contestant's beauty, but was also a way to develop communication skills and confidence.
"Any time you have the chance to speak, it develops communication skills," Wilson said. "The HSU pageant provides an advantage to public speaking."
The pageant had an outstanding turnout of families, friends and supporters of all the contestants, filling up the ground seats in Arkansas Hall.
Although all the ladies could not be crowned, they were all winners. Each contestant received a gift basket and a free 30-minute massage at Luxurious Necessities, courtesy of SGA.
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