TRI-CITIES, Wash. – The Miss Juneteenth pageant in Richland offers African American high school girls a chance to earn scholarships and develop essential life skills.
Elouise Sparks, the Director of the Miss Juneteenth pageant, explained the program’s goals.
“Our pageant offers an opportunity for these young ladies to earn scholarships to go to college. We also have leadership classes that they do. They have communication classes. They have interviewing skill set classes. So, we try to prepare them for the future,” Sparks said.
The program is not just about pageantry. Sparks said she wants the contestants to be able to utilize what they learn with us throughout their life.
Sparks emphasized the impact the program has on her personally.
“For me, it’s just the thought of being able to assist these girls because college is expensive,” she stated. “So any money that you can get to help succeed in college, that’s what we want to do.”
The pageant is currently recruiting participants. Applicants must be African American girls in grades 10 through 12 with a GPA of 2.0 or higher.
“They have to have a talent. They have to have a gown, of course. This is not a beauty pageant. We’re all about education,” Sparks said.
A registration fee of $20 is required.
The program’s major fundraiser, “Night on the Runway with Kings,” is set for Saturday, February 22, at 6:00 p.m. at the Riverfront Hotel in Richland. Sparks described it as an all-male fashion show.
“Those guys come out with their swag and style. And I mean, they light up that room,” she said.
The event includes a fashion show, dinner, and a silent auction. Sparks and her daughter will emcee the event.
The actual Miss Juneteenth pageant will take place on June 13 at 6:00 p.m. at Chiawana High School. Sparks is actively recruiting participants by making appearances at schools.
For more information on the Miss Juneteenth pageant and upcoming events, click here.
Check out was real simple, can't wait for the tote bag