A music theater student was chosen to represent OCU in the Miss Oklahoma pageant in June.
Cosette Smith, music theater junior, was crowned Miss OCU 2019, and the winner of Miss OCU’s Outstanding Teen was Arriah Herrin. Both winners will be granted two semesters of tuition at OCU.
Cerena Chaney, dance junior, won first runner-up and People’s Choice and Kaylila Pasha, acting sophomore, won Miss Congeniality.
The other Miss OCU contestants this year were Mary Donelly, dance sophomore, and Caton Sullivan, entertainment business sophomore.
Smith said she credits the victory to having a strong support system.
“It was all thanks to the support of my friends and family that I am Miss OCU,” Smith said. “This was my first pageant I have ever competed in. I devoted a lot of time to prepare, stay up-to-date on current events and social issues and raise awareness for my platform of epilepsy.”
The Miss OCU and Miss OCU’s Outstanding Teen pageant is an annual event hosted at OCU that provides scholarships for students. The pageants were at 6 p.m. Oct. 20 in Kirkpatrick Auditorium in Kirkpatrick Fine Arts Center.
Darwina Marshall, president and executive director of Miss OCU, said the score is divided between five categories.
Private interview is 25 percent, talent is 30 percent, lifestyle and fitness is 10 percent, evening wear is 15 percent, and the onstage question is 20 percent, Marshall said.
Maggie Bond, economics/music senior, won the Miss OCU 2018 title alongside Gabrielle Gore, Miss OCU’s Outstanding Teen 2018.
“It’s a really wonderful experience and a wonderful year,” Bond said. “You get to grow a lot and meet great people. It’s not so hard to leave the title as much as the people.”
Bond was crowned Miss Broken Arrow on Oct. 14 and will return to Miss Oklahoma in June, where she was a semifinalist last year.
Smith will also compete in the state competition.
“I feel so honored to get to represent my university on the Miss Oklahoma stage,” Smith said. “I cannot wait to compete alongside so many other OCU students who are local title holders. I have already met so many amazing young women who empower me to be the best version of myself.”
Bond said she is excited for Smith.
“Get ready for the best year of your life. It’s going to be a lot, but it’s going to be the best time,” Bond said.
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