PAGEANT HELPS PROMOTE LEADERS.

Byline: Romy Jacobson Daily News Staff Writer

Twenty-five high school students celebrated Black History Month by participating in the Black History Month Dinner and Pageant on Sunday.

The pageant, which was open to students of all cultures, included performances by students having to do with Black History Month. Some students read poems, performed songs and danced to material written by African-Americans.

``It is just an expression of student talent and achievements,'' said Claressa Slack, an English teacher and adviser for the African-American Cultural Club at Highland High School. ``They are presenting themselves as future leaders in the community.''

The ninth through 12th-graders, who are members of the African-American clubs of the Antelope Valley Union High School District, were chosen to participate by lottery from applications submitted by club members.

The male and female students participated in a community service project in order to teach them responsibility to the community, according to Slack, a pageant adviser.

This year the students collected old eye glasses to give to Lens Crafters, which will donate them to the needy.

Each student received a certificate of participation for the pupil's efforts.

Profits from the pageant will be shared by the district's five high schools to provide scholarships.

The Black History Month Pageant was created as a means of getting youths involved with the celebration of Black History Month and providing an opportunity for youths to develop leadership skills and build self-confidence, according to pageant officials.

``We're trying to promote successful leaders of the future,'' Slack said.