Miss UCA pageant to take place this Friday

Ten young women will compete for the title of Miss University of Central Arkansas at the 2008 Miss UCA Scholarship Pageant this Friday, Nov. 2 at 7:30 p.m. at the Donald W. Reynolds Performance Hall.

This year’s contestants are: Leslie Bagwell, Ashlen Batson, Rachel Brown, Melissa Davis, Alicia Haflich, Jessica Marie Norris, Ashley Quinn, Cassie Jo Sanderlin, Sarah Jane Slocum and Abby Joan Taylor. The winner of the 2008 Miss UCA Pageant will compete for the title of Miss Arkansas this July 13-19 at the Summit Arena in Hot Springs.

The event is presented by Alpha Sigma Alpha Sorority and the Miss UCA Board of Directors. Doug Patchell will serve as master of ceremonies, and entertainment will be provided by Miss UCA 2007 Jamie Simpson, Miss White River 2008 Chanley Painter, the Ready Boys Band and A Cappella Mafia. The Phoenix Dancers of Alpha Sigma Alpha also will appear.

Each contestant will compete in Presentation & Community Achievement in a Private Interview, On-stage Question, Artistic Expression in Talent, Lifestyle and Fitness in Swimsuit, and Presence and Poise in Evening Wear before a panel of five judges. The winner will receive a one-year tuition-and-fees scholarship to UCA and over $2,500 in prizes. Scholarships totaling $2,300 will be given to other winners during the pageant.

Tickets are $8 for the UCA community with a UCA ID and $10 for the general public. Tickets may be purchased in advance through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and the box office will be open on Friday night from 6 to 8 p.m. Miss UCA Program Books will be on for sale for $5 and Miss UCA 2007 Jamie Simpson will be available to sign autographs before the pageant and during intermission. For more information, visit www.missuca.org.