Miss NDSU Raises $3,500 for Nokomis

The race was on to win the Miss NDSU crown and Danny Klecko’s heart.

The theme of the event, held at 7 p.m. Tuesday in the Festival Concert Hall, was Grease.

In an opening video, Danny and his best friend Kenickie, played by Shane Hofer and Kyle Dillon, go searching for Danny’s new girlfriend after Sandy chooses UND instead of NDSU. They interview many ladies, and even a guy, before deciding to hold Miss NDSU in order to choose the lucky girl.

Sixteen ladies stepped up to the stage for the honor to become the next Sandy.

Peter Sauser-Denesia, the special events and philanthropy chairman for Alpha Tau Omega fraternity, emceed the event. Nominating forms were given out to all student organizations with a mailbox in the student activities office, and as long as a candidate is nominated by an organization, “we don’t deny anyone,” Sauser-Denesia said.

Once nominated, the ladies must organize a group dance, individual lip sync skits, sport some Bison pride, and answer questions on stage.

Finalist Leah Johnson, sponsored by Alpha Gamma Rho, danced and lip-synced to “Feel Like a Woman” to start off the skits once the candidates were all introduced. Three girls danced to “Greased Lightning,” and many skits included men in dresses –including a group of Spice Girls, with semi-finalist Hilary Haugeberg as the only female.

Once the skits were through, there was a short intermission before Sauser-Denesia invited Nokomis Child Care Centers of Fargo Director Jane Greminger up to the stage with Hannah Reichel, the 2012 ATO Sweetheart and semi-finalist. Reichel has been a part-time teacher at Nokomis for over a year and shared some stories of children Nokomis has helped.

With the outrageous skits, the bad, or very good, lip-syncing, and all the crazy dancing, it was easy to forget the real reason for hosting Miss NDSU each year.

For thirteen years ATO has held the event in order to raise money for Nokomis. This year the event raised $3,500, Sauser-Denesia said. Greminger thanked ATO and the Miss NDSU candidates in her speech.

“I want you to know how much I appreciate them,” Greminger said. “All children deserve quality care.” With the money ATO donates they are able to make sure they can keep their doors open to all families in need. The center provides scholarships for families with special needs, whether they are financial or emotional.

After the speech, eight semi-finalists were chosen. Along with Haugeberg, Johnson, and Reichel; Bailee Blaeser, Molly Shultz, Lauren Wilvers, Mindy Ouren and Allison Haider were chosen to move on to the next round.

The semi-finalists were each asked a question – “To properly test my compatibility,” Danny said. Pulling from a hat, the candidates had to answer questions including Coke or Pepsi, a date with Thundar and Team Edward or Team Jacob.

When asked about what candy she was, Blaeser said, “Probably a Skittle, because they are a little sweet, a little sour and they’re great.”

While Danny decided on the contestants, a raffle was held for gift cards to Spicy Pie, iTunes, Tutti Frutti, Starbucks, and four party subs at Subway. Then it was time for the crowning of Miss NDSU.

“They all deserve to win,” Danny said to Keneckie. However, he narrowed it down to Johnson, Ouren and Wilvers for the final round.

“As Danny’s best friend,” Keneckie said, he had the honor of the last question. “What has had the most impact on your NDSU experience?”