By Amanda Sergeyev

Excitement filled Schaeffer Auditorium on Tuesday, March 31 as the audience came to support the 18th annual Miss Kutztown pageant hosted by the Lambda Chi Alpha organization. On a clear Tuesday night, the Miss Kutztown event brought out friends and family and was able to raise funds to support the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

As each contestant was introduced, the cheers from fellow sorority sisters and fraternities were heard outside the auditorium. Participants had unique talents that included, but were not limited, to the flute, piano, singing and dancing. The show kept the audience in anticipation for the next performance.

As the results were being calculated, the crowd and contestants anxiously awaited to hear who was to be named the new Miss Kutztown. Lambda Chi Alpha’s president, Andrew Schroeder, kept the audience enticed by singing songs, interviewing contestants and telling jokes.

People sat up as they saw the envelope containing the name of the new Miss Kutztown. As the drum roll became softer, Schroeder proudly announced Keri Bongo as the new winner.

Bongo accepted the title with grace and modesty as the crown was placed on top of her head.

“It feels so great, but there were a ton of wonderful women up there as well. This was such a wonderful cause because of the proceeds we gained for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation,” she said. “I was just glad to be apart of it.”

Bongo’s piano and singing performance was heartfelt by the audience. She dedicated her song to a fellow sorority sister.

She said, “I never performed it for an audience before and I was nervous. I don’t really play piano, only chords, and I’m glad it was well received.”