Traditions Council, Eagle Entertainment and the Office of Student Activities are sponsoring an interest meeting for the Miss Georgia Southern University Scholarship pageant.

The Miss GSU pageant is the official preliminary pageant for the Miss Georgia and Miss America pageants.

Beginning in 1921, the Miss America pageant system has been making history and offering scholarships to women all over the United States, and GSU has been a part of this longstanding tradition for 64 years.

The scholarship pageant began in 1948, when GSU was South Georgia Teacher’s College, and has become a longstanding tradition here at the university since then. The pageant is moving into its 64th year and looking for another eager batch of GSU women for the 2012 competition.

“We are looking to recruit women who really want to represent Georgia Southern University,” Miss GSU pageant advisor Olivia Barker said . “What we’re looking for is Georgia Southern’s sweetheart.”

It is the second year in a row that the pageant has been themed “Georgia Southern’s Sweetheart” and may become a new tradition, like the pageant itself, according to Barker.

“It is open to all Georgia Southern students who fit the requirements,” she said.  “We encourage people to take this chance to represent your university. It is a very cool opportunity to meet new people especially if you go on to the Miss Georgia pageant.”

Those wanting to be “Georgia Southern’s Sweetheart” must be currently enrolled as a full-time student at GSU, in good disciplinary and academic standing, complete at least one semester at GSU prior to competition and meet all the requirements for the Miss Georgia pageant.

The competition includes five phases in which each contestant will be judged. Private interview, artistic expression, lifestyle and fitness in swimsuit, evening wear and the on-stage questions all make up the total of a contestants score.

The winner receives a $1500 scholarship along with the opportunity to be Miss Georgia and Miss America.

“It is incredible to come and watch those girls put their heart and soul in it. I think it is esteemed to become Miss GSU,” Barker said.

Not only does Miss GSU have a chance to compete in the Miss America Pageant and win scholarship money, she also participates in community and campus wide events. Miss GSU can be seen at the annual lighting of sweetheart circle, homecoming events and much more.

The interest meeting will be held on Jan. 24 at 7 p.m. in the Russell Union, room 2047. The pageant will be held on Feb. 11 at 7 p.m. at the Performing Arts Center.