Miss Black Ohio USA & Miss Black Ohio Talented Teen USA 2012 Crowned in Cincinnati!

Nov. 2, 2011 - PRLog -- Cincinnati—On October 24, Ohio University Junior, Kayla Hardimon was crowned Miss Black Ohio USA 2012 at Miss Black Ohio 2012: Next Generation of First Ladies Pageant at the 20th Century Theater in Cincinnati, OH.  In addition to winning Miss Black Ohio, Kayla, a native of Indianapolis, was awarded a scholarship toward her studies in Broadcast Journalism with a focus on political science.

Serving as Vice-Commissioner for Black Affairs in Ohio University’s Student Senate, Kayla is also an appointed member to Ohio University’s Judicial Hearing Board and member of the General Fee Advisory Committee. She is active member of Phi Sigma Pi Honors Fraternity and Ohio University College Democrats as well.

“I was shocked when I heard my name announced as the winner. The amount of gratitude and honor that I felt cannot be put into words. My motivation for participating in the pageant was the impact and change that I want to see in the world and I am bless to have the opportunity to be the change that I wish to see,” said Kayla.

As Miss Black Ohio USA 2012, Kayla will travel across the state of Ohio to educate young women about “A Woman’s Worth” and taking away the false images of beauty and “perfection” that the world has and show each woman the splendor and strength that is within them.

Columbus, OH native Dominique Jackson was officially crowned Miss Black Ohio Talented Teen USA 2012 as well. A senior at Fort Hayes Arts and Academic High School, Dominique was awarded a scholarship toward her post-secondary education studies.

“Winning Miss Black Talented Teen Ohio 2012 is more than just title—it is about service. I was afraid to enter the pageant because I had no previous pageant experience. But I took a risk and the outcome was fantastic,” said Dominique.

Held in Cincinnati, OH for the second consecutive year, the Miss Black Ohio USA Pageant and Scholarship Program will expand its outreach to the community by incorporating programs for men and women through the Men and Women of Excellence Program.
      
"I am so proud of all the contestants the competed in the 2012 Miss Black Ohio USA Scholarship Pageant.  It was a fantastic show and I felt blessed and inspired to be surrounded by such amazing women. Next year will be equally exciting as we expand our outreach to men and women through the Women of Excellence Program,” stated Whitney Gaskins, Director of the Miss Black Ohio USA 2012 Pageant.

Additional winners:
Miss Black Ohio USA First Runner Up: Jelisa Barringer
Miss Black Ohio USA Second Runner Up: Patrice Barnes
Director’s Award: Patrice Barnes
Best Fitness Wear: Jelisa Barringer
Best Talent: Patrice Barnes
Best Interview: Brooke Antoine
Best Formal Wear: Sarah Zanders

The Miss Black Ohio USA 2013 competition will be held in Cincinnati, OH in August 2012. Applications are currently available at www.missblackohio.org.

About The Miss Black Ohio USA Scholarship Foundation

The mission of the Miss Black Ohio Scholarship Pageant is to provide educational opportunities to outstanding young women of color and develop the mind, body and spirit of a woman.  The Miss Black Ohio Scholarship Pageant celebrates scholastic achievement and believes that education is the key to lifelong success and empowerment. The Miss Black Ohio USA Pageant promotes this initiative by providing scholarship opportunities to its winners.