Eighteen young women participated in the Miss Circle City Coronation at Arlington High School on Sept. 17. Three seniors from here participated in the competition, and senior Destiny White was named queen. “(The judges) crown a queen and a first and second runner-up based on your character and your communication skills,” White said.

Seniors Jasmin Cheairs and Cherdalle Johnson also participated.

White said, “(The Coronation) is open to young minority women, but it’s run by the Indiana Black Expo, so it’s primarily African-American.”

White first learned about the competition from other students who had participated in the past. “I kind of knew about the program and then Mr. (Ken) Barlow (’82, vice president for community relations) sent out an email asking if we wanted to do it, and I thought I might as well,” White said.

In order to be admitted into the program, contestants must write an essay, participate in an interview and attend multiple practice sessions. The competition includes several events. “We have dance, a fashion show and during the second half of the evening we had a formal presentation about our goals and aspirations. Then the Top 10 girls had to answer questions on stage,” White said.

White is proud to have won. “I am humbled and happy,” she said.

White said she is glad she participated. She said, “My favorite part was that it was an entirely new experience for me and (to get) to know 16 young women who have changed my life for the better.”