RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. (February 22, 2008)---Cheryl Staten, a senior health information management major from Cabot, was crowned Miss Tech 2008 during the 53rd Miss Arkansas Tech University Scholarship Pageant at Witherspoon Auditorium on Friday night.
With the title, Staten wins a two-semester scholarship to Arkansas Tech, more than $4,000 in prizes and gift certificates and the right to represent Tech in the 2008 Miss Arkansas Pageant.
“I’m very excited,” said Staten. “I’ve been trying to win Miss Tech since I was a freshman, and I’m glad this moment is here. I am very proud to go forward and represent Tech to the best of my ability.”
Staten is the daughter of Connie and Tim Leonard and Ron Staten. Her talent was a vocal performance of “I Am Changing.” Encouraging others to get fit is her critical issue.
Staten was victorious in the lifestyle, fitness and swimsuit competition and the CenturyTel Interview competition.
Shanna Collins of Pottsville, winner of the Nona Dirksmeyer Talent Award for her vocal performance of “Don’t Rain on My Parade,” was first runner-up.
Savanna Knight of Charleston (second runner-up), Ashlei Harris of Little Rock (third runner-up) and Sarah Kesner of Fort Smith (fourth runner-up) rounded out the top five. A total of 11 contestants entered the 2008 Miss Tech Pageant, which was attended by a capacity crowd.
Knight was recognized for giving the best dance performance. She also won the Ray Moll Community Service Award and the Leslie Miller Leadership Award.
Kesner won the audience appeal award. TraNita Scott of North Little Rock was voted Miss Congeniality by her fellow contestants, and Charlotte Moore of Conway took the Virginia Bachman Scholastic Achievement Award.
Katie Bailey of Conway, Miss Arkansas 2007, and Leslie Miller of Clarksville, Miss Tech 2007, provided special entertainment during the pageant, as did Gina Parker, a member of the Arkansas Tech staff and the fourth runner-up in the 2007 Miss Arkansas Pageant.
The Arkansas Tech University Scholarship Pageant is sponsored by Delta Zeta sorority.
