Every year girls who are passionate about the University showcase their talent and prepare to compete in the Miss LSU USA pageant.
Although the 2004 pageant is not until March, the event’s organizers are already busy spreading the word and trying to nd more women to participate.
Holly Malbrough, who is in charge of the pageant, said that although Delta Zeta sorority is the main sponsor of the pageant, the University and the community are very helpful.
“LSU is on its way to national prominence not only with its academics, but with its athletics as well,” said Keely Cabra, a fashion merchandising senior who holds the title Miss LSU USA. “Holding the title of Miss LSU only challenges that individual to step up to the challenge of promoting our university in a way that deserves national recognition. Miss LSU is a voice for our university and campus.”
Throughout her year as queen, Cabra went on to compete in the Miss Louisiana USA competition. She also held autograph sessions, spoke at two Nokia Tiger pep rallies, spoke to the Louisiana Senate while in session, was presented at the LSU vs. Arkansas football
game and visited Tulane Children’s Hospital.
Cabra said there is a lot of behind-the-scenes work that goes into the pageant. Girls begin working on their hair, makeup and apparel weeks beforehand. Many of the participants have a diet plan, and some tan before the competition.
They also prepare to be interviewed by a panel of four to ve judges, and the interview is a large part of their score.
“The nal thing I did was to begin preparing why I wanted to be Miss LSU and what I would do with the title,” Cabra said. “These are things that anyone who is serious about competing for this title should think about. You should always have a goal and purpose.”
Last year, about 15 girls participated, but the size of the competition is expected to be larger this year.
Malbrough said the competition is more than just a beauty pageant for the girls, because it is reecting the spirit of the University, and the girls must prove themselves in a short amount of time.
According to Ashley Daughdrill, a sophomore fashion merchandising major and 2003 Miss LSU USA contestant, the Miss USA pageants are different from Miss America pageants, because the Miss America division requires a talent performance and platform.
“My favorite part of the competition was making new friends and enjoying a new experience,” said Daughdrill.
The Miss LSU pageant will be held in March. Each sorority on campus nominates one girl to participate in the pageant.
Cabra said the girls who did not win last year will be able to compete again this year, and will have another chance to realize their dream.