Kappa Sigma fraternity will be kicking off their annual South Seas week by hosting its fifth annual Miss South Seas Pageant April 23 at 7 p.m. in the Guillot University Center.

“During this week, alums and undergraduate members come together to raise money for Military Heroes and dedicate the week to community service both on and off campus,” said Kappa Sigma Faculty Advisor Bishop Alexander. “Over the years there was discussion about changing the name, but members voted to keep it because it’s unique and doesn’t copy anyone else’s pageant.”

So far, six UNA students —Whitney Rivers, Ashley Morgan, Jovonne Baker, Amber Lyons, Ashley Brewer and Danielle Patten — have signed up to compete for the Miss South Seas title.

“The contestants who compete are currently enrolled female students who come from all walks of life and nationalities,” Alexander said. “The pageant is open to both Greek and non-Greek women at UNA. We are still taking applications until Monday, April 20.”

The emcee for the pageant will be the 2013 Miss South Seas Hannah Smith, a UNA student and current NFL cheerleader for the Tennessee Titans, Alexander said.

The three categories for the pagant are on stage question, school spirit and evening wear. Frequent pageant participant and senior Tia Nall said she is most excited to see school spirit.

“I’m not used to that category being in a pageant,” Nall said. “I understand this is a more simple pageant so I really want to see what they do with that category. It’s also always good to see evening wear, because you get to admire everyone’s dresses.”

Interest in the pageant has grown this year due to the success of previous winners, Alexander said.

“Many of the past winners of Miss South Seas UNA have went on to win preliminary pageants in Miss Alabama, and have also placed in the Miss UNA pageant,” Alexander said. “The winner will get a lot of coaching and training this year from the panel of experts I have judging if she decides to comepete in the Miss UNA pageant in 2015. It’s our way of saying thank you for participating.”

For those in attendance, they should note that, for contestants, pageants are about more than just winning scholarships, Nall said.

“Pageants make you think about what you beleive in, what you represent, and they encourage you to be knowledgeable because they can ask anything (with on stage questions),” Nall said. “They motivate you to be an example, and they teach you to be confidient in yourself and stay out of your comfort zone.”

Tickets for the pageant will be $5 for students and $8 for the general public.

A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Military Heroes to support military veterans and their families.