The Theta Psi chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated at the University of Central Arkansas, hosted their annual Miss Old Gold and Black scholarship pageant.

Five students at UCA competed for the title and a one-thousand dollar scholarship. The pageant is made to empower young black women and give them a platform to promote through their year of service. Candidates were scored by poise, talent, and GPA.

Mackenzie Farr, a junior at UCA, won the title. Farr won overall Oral expression, Overall Evening gown, tied for highest GPA, and won judge’s interview. 

Farr says “I was really surprised that I won, this is my first pageant. It was really challenging stepping outside of my comfort zone. I had so much fun bonding with the girls, each one of them is so amazing.”

She prepared for the pageant by attending rehearsals regularly and was helped by the previous Miss Old Gold and Black, Anessa Bryant, and mentored by Miss University of Central Arkansas.  

Farr’s platform is prioritizing children’s literacy in America. She will promote her platform with the brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha by getting donations for Dollar Parton’s Imagination Library and hosting local book drives for youth.   

She is ecstatic to compete at the district level Saturday, February 8th at Henderson State University. If Farr wins district, she will go on to compete in regionals in Oklahoma City in March.