Past and present participants of the Miss Gateway Classic Scholarship Program took center stage at the St. Louis Gateway Classic Sports Foundation’s annual “Kick Off” reception recently held at the Hilton St. Louis at the Ballpark Hotel.
The St. Louis Gateway Classic Sports Foundation, in conjunction with National City and Harris-Stowe State University, will host the 2007 Miss Gateway Classic Scholarship Pageant on July 21 at the Emerson Performance Theatre at Harris-Stowe.
Featured at the “Kick Off” reception was Miss Gateway Classic 2002, Janell Wallace. Wallace recently became the most recent alumnus of the foundation’s scholarship program as she graduated from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff this May. Wallace’s accomplishments, such as being elected to serve as class president during her senior year, were recognized as the foundation presented her with a personal laptop computer.
Another highlight of the reception was Sarah Wise, a 2001 Miss Gateway Classic winner. Wise served as the mistress of ceremonies for the reception and will continue to facilitate the Miss Gateway Classic’s developmental program as well as serve as the pageant coordinator. Wise is a 2005 graduate of the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff.
Established in 1994, the Miss Gateway Classic scholarship program is designed for young ladies with high school junior status. Each applicant participates in an extensive developmental program which provides instruction on business education, dining etiquette, interviewing techniques, college preparedness, self-discipline, community involvement and leadership skills.
The young lady completing the developmental program and winning the pageant will receive a Gateway Classic scholarship valued at $40,000 to attend a historically black college or university of her choice.
“These young ladies are truly amazing,” said Earl Wilson, president and CEO of the St. Louis Gateway Classic Sports Foundation.
“To see their progress and development during the program, watch their growth as they become college students, congratulate them for becoming a Gateway Classic alumnus and partner with them for future events is what this foundation is all about.”
To date, the Foundation has awarded more than $192,000 in scholarships as part of the Miss Gateway Classic Scholarship Pageant program. To obtain more information about the pageant or to purchase tickets, call (314) 621-1994.