Oswego, N.Y- An annual male beauty pageant, originally hosted by sorority Delta Phi Epsilon, was given to Phi Sigma Sigma this year for undisclosed reasons. The official name of event was changed to “Mr. Phi Significant.”
The event’s message remains the same each year. It honors former Oswego State student Jennifer Knighton, a sister of Delta Phi Epsilon who passed away in an alcohol related accident on Jul. 19, 2009. Her father, Joe LaPoint, organized the event in her honor.
“This is the way I make peace and make sense of it, and to keep her legacy alive so that all the huge enormous promise and potential that she had didn’t just end when she left us,” he said.
Phi Sigma Sigma sister Morgan Rumpf co-hosted the event and says she’s honored to have LaPoint’s support year after year.
“The strength that it takes for him to get up on stage and continue year after year to be here in support and fly across the country for this event is just anything we could ask for in him,” she said.
Eight contestants competed in four categories; swimwear, evening attire, talent and questions. Delta Sigma Phi brother Rich Yonkers was the overall winner and crowned “Mr Phi. Significant.”
All proceeds for the event will go towards the Jennifer Knighton Scholarship Fund and the Kids In Need Foundation.