Amber Wallace wins first Sister Big Bone Pageant

As a part of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.'s Omega Week, Leroy Rankin, senior recreational therapy major, sponsored the first annual Sister Bone pageant along with the help of friends Nefertiti Bagley and Adena Parsons, and members of Omega Essence Katrina Haney and Tabia Kintz.

The pageant was held Friday at 7 p.m. in the Alar Room. The Sister Big Bone Pageant showcased eight plus size women. The contestants were Shannon, Jessica, Tangina, Ashley, Racheal, Katrina, Amber, and Dominque.

Each contestant was judged based on their walk, style in club, business, and dressy attire, the way they answered questions, and they way they captured the crowd.

The winner of the pageant was Amber Wallace, graduating senior, elementary education. Wallace said "I really wanted to be a part of the event because it is something for plus size women."

Rankin said he put on the Sister Big Bone pageant because he wanted to do something different. "Plus size women are the latest trend," he said.

Katrina Rowe, participant and first-year physical thearpy major, said she was happy to be apart of this event. "Big girls don't get enough notice."

Rankin as well as the contestants said they were surprised at the turn out.

He wanted to make sure to give special thanks to the Omegas, Essence, Bagley, Parsons, and the contestants for doing this with such late notice.

"Many of the girls thought it was a joke," he said.

Sharonica Griffin, first-year elementary education major thought the pageant was positive. "It showed that it is not about the stereotypical image. I believe it should be more events like this."

Wallace stated that if they have more events like this she plans to be apart of all of them.

"I had a good time, and I left with some new friends. I believe everybody who participated is a winner. It took a lot of courage to be part of the show."