Tonight’s faculty pageant contestants will flaunt formal wear, answer tricky audience questions and showcase unique talents — all for a good cause.
Alpha Phi Omega, Delta Gamma chapter will host its second Faculty Pageant, with all proceeds going to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
The pageant, which begins at 7 p.m. in Baker University Center Ballroom, costs $3 to attend. Last year’s pageant raised almost $500.
“We just think it’s a great cause and one there’s a lot of information out there for,” said Grace Levally, co-chair of the coed fraternity’s pageant.
Levally said her APhiO pledge class held the pageant last year as its required service project, and it received such positive feedback that she volunteered to help host it again.
This year’s pageant is dedicated to Ava Nichols, a young girl diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor one year ago. Although her symptoms continue worsening, her family remains hopeful that her current medication proves successful, according to her Web page at avanichols.org.
Ava’s family will speak at the pageant about the emotional turmoil of raising a child with a terminal illness.
“I cannot wait,” Levally said about meeting Ava. “From what we’ve heard from her mother Traci, she’s adorable. We’re all so stoked to meet her and crown her pageant queen.”
Working alongside Ava helps put a face to the hours the philanthropy fraternity volunteers, said sophomore Sarah Hider, who holds the title of Miss Central Ohio.
“I’m so excited — it’s going to be great, and it’s a fun way to raise money for a good cause,” Hider said. “As a Miss Ohio contestant, I’m excited to see what these faculty members bring to the table.”
Faculty competitors will include Dr. Harold Perkins and Dr. Julie Suhr, among others.
Judges will announce the winner of the faculty competition at the end of the night. However, Levally said, Ava will be crowned pageant queen overall.
Donations are welcomed and all questions should be directed to Eric Horton at eh151607@ohiou.edu.
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