Bridgette Beasley of Kappa Kappa Gamma was crowned winner of Miss Kansas State 2017, hosted by Delta Upsilon fraternity and the Union Program Council in McCain Auditorium Tuesday evening.
Beasley, junior in biology, said she enjoyed the process of participating in the event.
“Everything was kind of awkward, a little overwhelming but also such a joy and so fun” Beasley said. “I love Kappa Kappa Gamma and the men of Delta Upsilon. This event was such a thrill and I’m extremely happy to have represented my sorority.”
The events emcees were Logan Green, sophomore in chemical engineering and philanthropy chair for the fraternity, and Christine Rock, senior in food science and industry and Miss K-State 2016.
For the talent portion of the competition, Beasley combined with a teammate from K-State’s On the Spot to perform improv.
Other talents included interpretive dancing, poetry recitation and a re-enactment of a dance scene from the film “Napoleon Dynamite.”
After the talent round, judges scored the candidates on passion and audience engagement, which reduced the field of 19 candidates to nine women. However, the emcees announced a 10th candidate, Topanga McBride, junior in agricultural communications and journalism, would also join the other women in the final rounds after the candidates had voted her in.
During the career portion of the competition, Beasley pretended to resuscitate a student dressed as an elderly man while the emcees narrated about Beasley’s ambition of pursuing a medical degree and working at an overseas clinic. Judges evaluated contestants on creativity, poise and character.
As a philanthropy of Delta Upsilon, the competition included a presentation by the fraternity on the Global Service Initiative, a national service project that allows members of Delta Upsilon the opportunity to volunteer and raise money for projects in Jamaica. In Negril, Jamaica, the organization has worked to build schoolrooms and renovate the area.
All proceeds from the event were given to the initiative, and according to the organization’s website, Delta Upsilon chapters across the country contribute upwards of $100,000 to the initiative each school year.
Green said he enjoyed organizing the competition.
“It was a lot of work but definitely worth it,” Green said. “I got a little choked up at the end calling the winners, but it was worth it. I enjoyed seeing the contestants and everything they represented.”
Competition winners:
- Miss K-State 2017: Bridgette Beasley, Kappa Kappa Gamma
- First Runner-Up: Kaytlyn Schwartz, Pi Beta Phi
- Second Runner-Up: Elizabeth Hayes, Kappa Alpha Theta
- Third Runner-Up: Natalie Alton, K-State Marching Band
- Miss Congeniality: Topanga McBride, Sigma Alpha Professional Agricultural Sorority
- Social Media Award: Cooper Allison, Gamma Phi Beta
- Fan Favorite: Sarah Zuspan, Zeta Tau Alpha
- Team Spirit: Ashton Thomas, Alpha Xi Delta
