1. For Immediate Release
Ana Nededog
Public Relations Assistant
(224) 545-4924
ajnededog@outlook.com
Organization Puts New Spin on Pageantry, Showcases Cultures Instead of Talents
CHARLESTON, Illinois, March 17, 2016/Daily Eastern News/ – Instead of conforming to
conventional methods of pageantry, the Asian American Association has put a twist to its newest
event, the Mr. & Ms. Asia pageant. Instead of exhibiting the individual talents of contestants, the
organization will instead be focusing on the different cultures they will be representing.
To celebrate Asian Heritage Month in May, AAA will be hosting the Mr. & Ms. Asia pageant for
the first time to showcase cultures throughout Asia. Instead of having individual competitors,
contestants will be with partners of their own choosing and both must represent the same
country.
The show consists of five segments, featuring unique traditions from each nation. Participants
will get the chance to walk the runway in three fashion shows. In these segments, contestants can
show off the stylings of their time-honored cultures while also embracing the fashions of the
modern world.
Pairs will also get to demonstrate their choreography skills in a dance competition displaying
classical dances from their country of choice. Lastly, the event will be finished off with a
question and answer segment, allowing contestants to tell a little more about themselves to the
audience.
“Holding this event, among others, would really help students and community members learn
more about Asian cultures, which they aren’t accustomed to,” said vice president, Monica
Burney.
The pageant will be held on Saturday, March 19 in the Grand Ballroom of the Martin Luther
King Jr. Student Union, from 6 to 9 p.m. Regular tickets are being sold early for $8 and VIP
tickets for $10. Tickets will also be sold at the door the night of the event for $5.
Along with this pageant, AAA will also be hosting other events to commemorate Asian Heritage
Month throughout the rest of March and early April. Two upcoming events are the Taste of Asia
on March 21 and Asia Night on March 25. For further information on this year’s Asian Heritage
Month, please visit the Office of Minority Affairs webpage at http://www.eiu.edu/minoraff/.

2. The Asian American Association was founded in 2002. The organization specifically promotes
the awareness of Asian culture to all people of different backgrounds. AAA works to offer both
cultural and social events throughout the year. Its main goal is to foster interpersonal
relationships among student, faculty and the community of EIU, providing an environment of
education and fun. We offer students the opportunity to lead, help, grow and succeed at Eastern
Illinois University.
###