In a most unusual year for all, 10 African American high school senior women from the Wichita area will be presented virtually to the community as they compete in the 2020 Fashionetta Scholarship Gala: “A New Era of Excellence.”

Unlike years past, these young women, known as Pearls, overcame the obstacles of a pandemic by virtually participating in workshops, college tours and raising money for their higher education.

Instead of the usual gala banquet, where the young women present what they’ve learned throughout the course of their Fashionetta experience, this year the Fashionetta Scholarship Gala will be broadcast on Sat., Dec 5, at 6 p.m. on WPS-TV Cox Cable Channel 20 and on www.usd259.org/wpstvonline. The gala will be re-broadcast on the Facebook pages of: Beta Kappa Omega of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated and Fashionetta Pearls.

This year’s Fashionetta will highlight songs, talent and Pearl Expressions, with the Pearls competing for top honors and awards in categories including scholastic achievement, essay writing, community service and talent.

The Pearl who has earned the highest percentage of participation points from all activities will be crowned Miss Fashionetta 2020.

Fashionetta has been a staple event in the Wichita area’s African-American community for 37 years. It is a premier program through which young women raise money to supplement their college tuition, fees and costs.

Fashionetta Pearls attend ACT/SAT preparation courses and learn about Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) as well as local and state institutions.

Fashionetta is sponsored by the Beta Kappa Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and Building Knowledge and Opportunities Foundation, Inc.