Here she is, Miss America. Well, maybe not yet, but whoever wins the Miss University of Georgia pageant could be on her way to becoming the next Miss America.

The Miss University of Georgia pageant is a preliminary event to the Miss Georgia pageant.

Contrary to popular belief, this event is not a beauty pageant; it is a scholarship pageant.

“The Miss UGA Pageant has gone way beyond just being a beauty pageant,” said Jarrell Anthony, a director of student activities at the University.

According to the Miss UGA Web site (www.uga.edu/stuact), the Miss America Organization is the single largest source of scholarship money for women in the world.

Contestants are judged on four categories: a 12 minute private interview with judges, a lifestyle and fitness portion — also known as the swimsuit event — a presence and poise section — also called the evening gown portion — and an artistic expression event where contestants perform talents.

“People often come to the pageant to watch fellow students showcasing their talents,” Anthony said.

He said the contestants this year offer a prominent display of skills, ranging from clogging to twirling and vocals to dramatic monologue.

Not only will attendants view fellow students compete, the University’s Ballroom Dancing club is scheduled to perform two of their routines.

This year’s Emcee is Osjha Anderson, a graduate of the University law school as well as the winner of the Miss UGA and Miss Georgia pageants in 1999.

“Osjha Anderson won the talent award in the Miss America pageant and will be singing at the pageant,” Anthony said.

Also scheduled to sing is current student and former University football player Adam Johnson.

Anthony and contestants emphasize the point that this pageant is about much more than beauty.

“The judges are looking for a well-rounded, well-spoken and balanced spokeswoman for the University and her chosen platform,” Anthony said.

Kelli Thomas, a junior contestant from Lilburn, said the judges are looking for an articulate woman who can represent the University and contribute to the school by promoting her platform, being involved and getting others involved in campus activities.

This year, platforms range from alcohol and substance abuse awareness to breast cancer awareness and HIV prevention, Anthony said.

Thomas said that preparing for a pageant is a lot like training for a sport.

“You condition, you train and you practice to be the best,” she said. “You have to work hard and stay focused on the task at hand — winning the crown!”