Editor’s note: This article has been changed to clarify that Nicki Croly is spelled “Nicki,” not “Nicky.”

Sigma Phi Epsilon, claimed as the largest campus fraternity in the U.S., put on their annual Ms. Greek pageant to raise money for its partner organization: Youth Aids Foundation.

Three contestants competed for the first-place prize: Nicki Croly from Delta Gamma, Michelle Sawa from Gamma Phi Beta and Jessica Johnson from Sigma Kappa.

This year, the pageant’s structure was similar to mainstream pageants.

“This is our version of the ‘Miss America pageant,’ ” said Adam Miller, president of Sigma Phi Epsilon.

However, Sigma Phi Epsilon aimed to not objectify the women in any manner. Hence, there was no swimsuit competition.

In previous years, the pageant has presented an array of talents.

“We’ve seen everything from singing and dancing to performing skits right from ‘Saturday Night Live.’ And there’s always surprises,” Miller said.

Some women like to keep their talents a secret until the minute they go on stage, Miller said. Contestants are allowed to have their sorority sisters and fraternity brothers help during the talent portion.

At the pageant, held on March 30, Sawa did a song-and-dance combination for her talent.

Johnson performed a more humorous dance to a Michael Jackson song.

And Croly combined a mixture of performance art with physical art. While speaking to her audience during breaks, she used a canvas to spray paint a Sigma Phi Epsilon flag while facing its back against the audience. She revealed the flag after it was complete.

“Croly’s performance was one of those surprises I was talking about,” Miller said.

Croly took first place in the contest. She received a tiara, winning sash and flowers. Sawa took second place, and Johnson placed third ?” both received a bouquet of flowers.

The judges ranged from five different sororities and fraternities. Each helped in deciding who would be the winner.

More than 200 people attended the event and more than $1000 was raised.

“All ticket profits go to the Youth Aids Foundation,” Miller said.

Binde Rai can be reached at [email protected]