Winners
Miss UT Asia crowned at pageant
By
Apr 15, 2009, 08:48

Enthusiastic cheers and applause erupted from the audience when Sonam Shahani was crowned winner of the Miss UT Asia culture pageant Tuesday night.

Representing India, the marketing and education junior won a $500 scholarship presented by members from the Gamma Beta fraternity.

She was also chosen as Miss Congeniality by her peers.

A panel of judges including Miss United States ambassador Aurora Bisig, Student Events Center president Thomas Trinh and senior Asian studies lecturer Hoang Ngo named Shahani the winner.

The event, held in the Texas Union Ballroom, was coordinated by the Asian American Culture Committee with additional help from the fraternity.

“I hope that people see how creative, smart, well-rounded and beautiful these girls are,” said Amy Hoang, the event’s co-chairwoman. “If people thought Asians were underrepresented before, they won’t think that after this.”

For the first round, the 15 contestants showcased a colorful array of clothes from the countries they represented including South Korea, Vietnam, India, Taiwan, Iran and China.

The second part consisted of a talent round in which contestants performed various acts, including a Japanese martial art duel and a fusion of classical and modern dances. Other performances included songs in various languages, musical-instrument performances and even a step routine.

After the judges narrowed the group down to 10, the contestants went backstage, where they were given three minutes to dig through a box and pick out clothes and
accessories. For the surprise third round, they had to explain how each item they chose represented their personality.

Only five contestants remained on stage for the question-and-answer round. The hosts asked them each a question about cultural barriers, what it means to be of Asian descent in America and what changes can be made toward progress for the Asian-American community.

“I want people to see that this was not a beauty pageant and that it was more than just how we walked,” Shahani said. “As an RA, I’m used to teaching about diversity, and this is a different way for me to be a leader for people.”

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