Each year female students participate in the Miss LSU pageant for a chance to compete in the Miss Louisiana Pageant and to raise money for the speech and hearing impaired.
The Delta Zeta sorority sponsors the pageant each year to give money to the Baton Rouge Speech and Hearing Foundation, the Louisiana School for the Hearing and Deaf and to their national foundation.
Last year, the sorority donated $15,000 to the speech and hearing impaired, said Adrianne Lolan, Delta Zeta pageant coordinator.
This year 13 women are competing in the pageant. They will compete in an interview, swimsuit and formal gown competition. After the contestants are narrowed to five women, there will be an on-stage interview.
The pageant winner will gain admittance into the Miss Louisiana USA Pageant to be held next year. She also will receive a $1,000 scholarship, among other gifts and prizes, Lolan said.
Last year’s winner, Courtney Tatman, placed fourth runner-up in the Miss Louisiana USA Pageant.
The Miss LSU pageant will be Saturday, April 26, at 7 p.m. in the Union Theater.