TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- Individual contestants were not the only ones competing at the Miss Alabama Pageant earlier this month, but entire school programs were eligible for awards with the Miss University of Alabama Program named Best Large School Program during the event.

After competing against other major state colleges and universities, the UA program received the top honor for the first time in the program’s history.

The award was based on attendance, the number of contestants participating, script, choreography, set decorations, cash and in-kind scholarships and gifts awarded to contestants.

The Miss UA Program is sponsored by the UA National Alumni Association and is a member of the Miss America organization. Under the direction of Carol Wright for the past 11 years, the Miss UA Program has had two former Miss UAs win the title of Miss Alabama and a 1st runner-up to Miss Alabama.

The current Miss UA is Lee Elizabeth Parker, a vocalist from Cullman. Her platform, “Take a stand. Lend a hand. Stop Bullying Now!” is an educational program for teachers and school-age children about preventing bullying. Parker is a junior nursing major at the University.