Valerie Brown, Miss SAU 2010
MAGNOLIA — Valerie Brown, a senior biology major from Crossett, was recently crowned Miss Southern Arkansas University 2010. The annual competition was held on October 22 in SAU’s Harton Theater.
“I am very honored and excited to represent SAU this year,” said Brown.
As Miss Southern Arkansas University, Brown will receive a scholarship for two semesters of tuition at SAU. She will also represent the University at various functions and will compete at the Miss Arkansas pageant in Hot Springs in July 2010.
“Valerie is an intelligent, well-spoken, and extremely talented young woman,” said Anne Marie Sharp, executive director of Miss SAU. “She will be a great representative for SAU throughout the year and at the Miss Arkansas Scholarship Pageant in July.”
Brown also received the interview award and the talent award. She was awarded a $400 scholarship for winning the talent portion of the event.
This was Brown’s fifth pageant; she was crowned Miss Magnolia last year and competed for the title of Miss Arkansas in July. She is a member of the Heritage Singers and Chamber Singers at SAU and serves as secretary in Delta Sigma Theta. She is a member of the Black Students Association, and holds the title of ‘Miss BSA.’
“Competing at Miss Arkansas was a great experience,” Brown said. “It inspired me to go back and try for the crown again because I was able to learn more about what the job actually is.”
Brown’s platform, “Be Positive to Stay HIV Negative,” concerns HIV and AIDs awareness. “My sorority does a lot of work for HIV and AIDs awareness. I was inspired to make it my platform when I realized mostly women are affected,” she said.
“One of the greatest things about pageants is that you learn to be confident. After competing so many times you get used to the experience and push yourself to do better.” For more information on the Miss SAU pageant, contact Sharp at 235-5260.
