Sophomore Alaina Davis has been named the 2012 Northwestern State University Miss Push America. Davis and 13 other contestants competed for the title. The 3^rd annual pageant, an outreach project of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, aims to raise awareness on behalf of people with disabilities.

Prior to the competition, contestants were encouraged to raise funds and awareness for the fraternity’s philanthropy, Push America. Since 1977, Push America has raised millions of dollars for and positively impacted the lives of thousands of people with disabilities.

Contestants on Wednesday, March 7th included sophomore Anne Bergeron of Houma, senior Heather Jacobson of Shreveport, senior Kendall Franklin of Beaumont, Texas, freshman Olivia Martzell of New Orleans, sophomore Lindsey McGinity of Alexandria, sophomore Courtney Kerry of Benton, freshman Ashley Lewis of Shreveport, junior Jessica Underwood of Anacoco, freshman Megan Smith of Baton Rouge, senior Ruth Fruge of Kinder, sophomore Sarah Baggett of Elizabeth, sophomore Gillian Brown of Bossier City, freshman Miranda Moore of Erwinville, and sophomore Alaina Davis of Sulphur.

The overall winner was selected based on judges’ scoring from interviews, fitness/sportswear, evening gown, and an on-stage question. A non-scoring talent portion included performances by contestants. Talent included singing, choreographed dancing, and violin and piano performances.

Miss Push America Alaina Davis, a theatre major and member of Sigma Sigma Sigma Sorority, will serve as an ambassador for Push America on the NSU campus during the 2012-2013 school year. “I feel extremely blessed and lucky to represent this great organization. It is a chance to be proactive and raise disability awareness as well as give back to the community,” Davis said. She hopes to pursue a career as a makeup artist or wig mistress.

First runner-up was Ruth Fruge and 2^nd runner-up was Sarah Baggett.

More than $2,300 was raised through the pageant and will support Push America’s programs to enhance the quality of life for people with disabilities and continue providing service opportunities for members of Pi Kappa Phi nationwide.

The NSU chapter of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity regularly engages its members in service projects on behalf of Push America. Most recently, members camped out on a scaffold for 48 hours to raise money and awareness. Last summer, one member participated in the Journey of Hope, a bicycle ride from Tampa to Tallahassee, Florida. Along the trek, riders participate in service projects and raising awareness about disabilities.

Push America committee chair Chris Alley and friend of the Fraternity Meaghan Foucheux organized the pageant, hoping to continue to change the way Northwestern State views people with disabilities and fraternities. “Push America is an important part of our fraternity experience,” Alley said. “We believe service to others is the best example of what words like ‘fraternity’ and ‘brotherhood’ are all about. That’s why we enjoy sharing the spirit and mission of Push America through this pageant each year.”