Miss Gateway Classic Scholarship Pageant
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Miss Gateway Classic 2007 Shenna Woods with First Runner Up Kenitria Reed (left) and Second Runner Up Amber Green (right).
Shenna Woods was crowned Miss Gateway Classic 2007 at the National City/AT&T Miss Gateway Classic Scholarship Pageant on Saturday, July 21, at the Emerson Performance Theatre at Harris-Stowe State University.
Woods, now a senior at Central Visual Performing Arts High School, was announced the winner after competing against eight other young ladies for the Miss Gateway Classic title and the $40,000 scholarship to attend an HBCU of her choice.
“I consider being Miss Gateway Classic an honor as well as an opportunity to represent the African American young women and the St. Louis area in its entirety in a positive way,” said Woods. “Thanks to the support of the St. Louis community and Earl Wilson, I will take my title very seriously and hold it close to my heart.”
The pageant was a final component of a two-month developmental program, of which Woods and the other young ladies participated. During the program, attendees were versed in numerous sessions where each received instruction in business education, interviewing techniques, college preparation, self-discipline, community involvement and leadership skills.
The actual selection process of Miss Gateway Classic consisted of participants being evaluated on panel interviews, poise and composure, creative and performing arts, and poise under pressure while answering a final question.
“I am confident that Shenna Woods as well as her court will represent the Foundation with the utmost care and dedication,” said Earl Wilson, President and CEO of the St. Louis Gateway Classic Sports Foundation. “To have the opportunity to award each participant a monetary amount for college expenses is a goal that proves satisfying when accomplished.”
To date, the Foundation has awarded more than $237,500 in scholarships as part of the Miss Gateway Classic Scholarship Pageant program, and over $2.2 million in scholarships for students to attend historical black colleges and universities.”
John Shivers, Senior Vice President of National City, and ReAnna Sill, Events Manager of AT&T, gave remarks during the program.
“National City is proud to be a sponsor of a program that recognizes the importance of a college education, and further support an organization that strives to award those deserving of such an opportunity.” said Shivers.
Sill added, “AT&T celebrates the path toward excellence. We are also honored to be a part of a program that acknowledges the importance of development for today’s youth.
As Woods was crowned Miss Gateway Classic 2007, she was not the only winner during the pageant. First runner up Kenitria Reed of Metro High School received a $1,000 scholarship and second runner up Amber Green of McCluer South Berkeley High School received a $500 scholarship. Although only the top three finishers were slated to receive scholarships, Wilson announced during the pageant that six remaining participants would also receive a $500 scholarship award payable to a 4-year college of her choice for completing the program.
As Miss Gateway Classic, Woods will represent the St. Louis Gateway Classic Sports Foundation at numerous events during her year-long reign.
“The lessons I’ve learned while developing into a beautiful black butterfly with the direction of the Gateway Classic are ones that I will remember and share with other youth during my reign and years to come.” said Woods.
