As with many things in the past year, the pandemic has made event planning difficult. From adopting hybrid models in the classroom to postponing socially interactive student events, Sam Houston State University continues to face this dilemma in the new year. This spring’s Miss Sam Houston Pageant is no exception to the change.

Although the university tradition may not look the same as previous years, SHSU’s Program Council has found a way to make this annual pageant special. The pageant will remain in the Lowman Student Center Orange Ballroom, but there will be no live audience. Instead, the Program Council will record the event and release it on YouTube on Feb. 18 at 6 p.m.

Program Council Student Board President Alyssa Woodley, notes that this new approach will maintain safety and order.

 “All candidates, emcees, board members, and anyone else in the pageant is required to wear a mask at all times,” Woodley said. “Even if it is just them and one other member on stage, they will need to have a mask on. The only exception to this is when they are on-stage by themselves.”

According to Associate Director of Student Activities Dr. Rachel Valle, though this pageant was carefully structured with the interest of campus safety in mind, there’s still a lingering uncertainty on how future events will come to fruition.

Information regarding the event is still being released. For more information, follow the Program Council on Instagram for future updates.