Beauty, brains and talents will be on display Dec. 7 at the 35th Miss Black and Gold “I’m Every Woman” Scholarship Pageant at UW-Whitewater.

The Zeta Iota Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated is the host of the pageant.

“This pageant is a way for girls to build confidence, and bond with other girls here on campus,” Christopher Maniece, a member of Alpha Phi Alpha, said.

There are 11 contestants this year, all competing for the right to be called Miss Black and Gold 2012. The theme this year is in tribute to Whitney Houston’s song “I’m Every Woman.”

“Seeing past pageants really inspired me to put my talents and beauty on display and hopefully encourage other girls to do so,” sophomore Faith Britton, a contestant, said.

Besides the title Miss Black and Gold for first place, the second runner up is Miss Gold, the third is Miss Black, and other categories are Miss Congeniality, Miss Talent and Miss Annie C. Singleton. With many categories to win, the 11 contestants will be able to showcase themselves in front of audience and judges.

The pageant can also be used as a stepping stone for women who are not normally in the public eye.

“I wanted to participate in this year’s pageant to get over my fear of public speaking,” contestant Milia Mims, a senior, said.

The judges of this year’s pageant are Tiffany Tardy, Mai Yer Yang, Carl Meredith, Melissa, Freda J. Briscoe, Sarah L. Suter and Gerald Hyler.

“This year, these good girls are working hard, are dedicated, and I believe that it’ll benefit them,” said

Maniece, “They’re being creative and have brings a positive atmosphere to practice.”

Participating in pageants is new for sophomore LaCherie Weathers and some other contestants.

“This pageant has allowed me to explore my personality and bring out the best qualities of myself,” Weathers said. “I truly encourage any young lady to try this.”

The Miss Black and Gold Pageant will be at 6:30 p.m. on Nov. 7 in the University Center Hamilton Room.