The Warren Performing Arts Center went quiet on Dec. 4 in anticipation of the announcement of the 2024-2025 Mr. and Miss Black and Gold. After announcing the runners-up, seniors Harris Barker and Rica Ghine Manago were announced with the titles of Mr. and Miss Black and Gold.
As screams and cheers erupted from the crowd, the two headed to the front of the stage to receive their sashes and crowns.
“I didn’t really expect this because I just joined for fun, but I am so grateful for all of my friends that are here to support me, and I was just so thankful [for them],” Manago said.
The Mr. and Miss Black and Gold Pageant is open to junior and senior students. There were 21 students who participated in the pageant this year, with 16 ladies and 5 gentlemen, although only three of the male applicants appeared in the event itself. Junior Jayce Wells was second runner-up, and senior Byron Norris was the first runner-up.
“It felt good being a runner-up, but it only feels so good when there’s three people running,” Norris said.
The female runners-up were Samara Duccase, Janicah Porter, Ca’Marrah Mason and Amiyah Patterson.
“Let’s be honest, everybody up here is a winner,” teacher Susan Kalberer said before announcing Manago as the overall Miss Black and Gold winner.
The pageant first started in 2014 to allow students at Warren Central to demonstrate their unique character and to recognize students that set a good example for the rest of the student body, according to art teacher LaTonya Mason.
“[The purpose is] to build a sense of community and foster school spirit that seemed to be dwindling,” Mason said. “To celebrate students that exhibit leadership qualities.”
The pageant includes five different categories of competitions listed on the application.
A few of the categories take place ahead of the pageant event, including a private interview, a quiz on the school’s history and ticket sales. Manago and Barker both earned perfect scores on the pre-show interviews, according to Kalberer.
The remaining categories happen at the pageant itself, including casual attire and formal attire. The outfits worn by the contestants for the casual wear round were sharp and professional, and the outfits for the formal attire round were vibrant. They also answered on-stage interview questions like “What are some qualities of a good friend?” and “Is it possible to appeal to others but also stay true to yourself?”
Originally, the reward for winning the Mr. and Miss Black and Gold pageant came down to a simple crown and sash, but in more recent years there is now a monetary reward for winning.
“It was kind of crazy,” Barker said. “I mean there was only three of us so my chances were one in three, but hey I still won.”