Photo by Ronald Sitton

LaTish Edwards

   LaTish Edwards placed second runner-up in the state Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Black and Gold Pageant Feb. 5 in Conway.

   Edwards, a Monticello resident, competed against contestants from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, Arkansas State University, the University of Central Arkansas, Southern Arkansas University and Philander Smith College.

   Miss Black and Gold pageant first appeared on the UAM campus in fall 2003 courtesy of Alpha Phi Alpha. The pageant attempts to involve women and students on campus with a male fraternity in a positive ways and to raise money for their chapter. To qualify for the pageant, contestants must be single with no children, have a 2.5 college GPA, and participate in talent, swim suit, evening gown and question and answer sessions. Contestants compete at state, regional and national levels.

   "The pageant is beautiful thing for all females to showcase their beauty and talent," fraternity member Garren Rockwell said.

   Edwards attended Nashville High School. She previously competed in different pageants and won in Howard county. Currently, the junior majors in early childhood education, serves as captain of the UAM cheerleaders and works with the Ambassadors. Outside of school, Edwards enjoys church.