College Heights Herald article regarding homecoming queen Melissa Baggarly:
Twenty-one years after Alice Gatewood Waddell was crowned Western's first black Homecoming queen, her sorority sister achieved the same honor.
Melissa Baggarly gave Delta Sigma Theta something to cheer about by becoming the fourth black Homecoming queen Saturday night and the third Delta Sigma Theta to win the title.
Delta first vice president Maya Petties said Baggarly "exemplifies the type of people we select to become members of our organization.
"With those qualities, anyone who represents Delta will be able to represent the university."
Waddell said, "her character is somewhat important and she'll be a role model."
Waddell, a 1974 graduate from Bowling Green, is the older sister of Phyllis Gatewood, director of Minority Student Support Services and a Delta alumna.
Simpsonville senior Jeff Hall escorted Baggarly, a Centertown senior, for the occasion.
"I know how hard Melissa worked to get the homecoming queen title," he said. "I was just happy I could be a part of Western's history."
Baggarly placed third last year.
She received support from Omega Psi Phi fraternity, Delta Sigma Theta sorority and most of the black non-Greek organizations.
"I'm a well-rounded individual," she said. "I won't only just represent the black students . . . I'll represent all minorities with my accomplishment."
After the Homecoming game, Baggarly walked in Downing University Center where the black student alumni reception was held.
She was dressed in a red dress suit, carried her bouquet of flowers and the crown was in position on her head.
"I won," she shouted.
All rushed to hug Western's fourth black Homecoming queen.