Bailey Dingley, Campus Carrier Staff Writer

Krannert Center Activities Board (KCAB) revamped the Miss Berry competition for Spring 2018. 

According to KCAB President Karolyn Olsen, Miss Berry historically had been a typical pageant. The pageant was canceled the 2015-2016 school year. However, after talking to students and Student Government Association (SGA), KCAB decided to bring it back last year. 

“In the way that we have revamped it a bit, I think it’s important just because it is a ‘Be Berry’ thing and it is a good opportunity for students to get out there,” Olsen said. “It’s a good opportunity for students to speak about their passions and their place on campus.” 

Miss Berry is not a pageant, but a competition that revolves around the “Be Berry” idea. The contestants will be evaluated on their passion and commitment to the Berry motto of the Head, Heart and Hands, according to the Miss Berry application. 

“Miss Berry is an opportunity to recognize that talent and recognize those people who go above and beyond on campus,” senior Alex Skinner, a Miss Berry applicant said. 

According to Skinner, there is no beauty portion in the competition. There are introduction, interview, and talent portions. 

“It’s not a traditional beauty pageant,” Skinner said. “It’s more focused on the academic and the moral values and strengths of the women here at Berry.” 

Olsen emphasized that it is a competition, not a pageant, and encouraged students to not shy away from the competition. 

“We’ve done our best to keep it put together and professional as possible, but still being laid back and focused on involvement and really let people show their personalities,” Olsen said. 

The Miss Berry competition will be held on Saturday. Contestants will include Skinner, freshman Bri Greyling, senior Brianna Figueroa, junior Maddie Jordan, senior Christelle Balegamire, junior Maddie Bess and senior Olivia Ruck.