A new winner will soon be crowned as the 2015 Miss University of Florida. The Florida Blue Key event is an accredited pageant, with the winner going on to compete in the official Miss Florida Pageant this summer.

Participation is open to all women who are full-time University of Florida students. Ten to 15 women will compete and promote their platforms and organizations. One woman will win a scholarship and the ability to promote her platform on campus and within the community .

Here are five reasons why you should be in a seat at the Curtis M. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts at 7 p.m. on Feb. 16 to support the pageant.

1. Tradition. Any Gator knows that tradition lies at the heart of the school. From "We Are The Boys" to Gator Growl, some things are just meant to happen. The Miss University of Florida Pageant has been a tradition for almost 60 years now.  As one of the only successful student-run state pageants, the event is iconic for the University of Florida. The pageant brings together college women from many different backgrounds, dreams and places in life every year.

2. Community involvement. The impact that not only the crowned Miss University of Florida, but also all of the contestants make in the community is immense. This year alone, Miss University of Florida 2014 Elizabeth Fechtel has done various work with Dance Marathon, the Light the Night Walk and sexual assault awareness efforts to name a few things.

3. UF representation at Miss Florida. The winner of the Miss UF Pageant moves on to the official Miss Florida Pageant. The winner of the Miss Florida Pageant moves onto the Miss American Pageant. To have a University of Florida student represent our school at Miss Florida is amazing on its own. Imagine how proud we would all be if she were to also move on to Miss America. 

4. Values. The Miss University of Florida Pageant promotes leadership, high academic standards and good moral character. The winner will promote her platform and work to make the community a better place. Few organizations can promote the same values.

5. Entertainment. Last, but not least, the pageant is fun for everyone. The pageant includes a private interview prior to the event, but during the event will be an onstage question answered by each contestant, a talent competition, an evening wear portion and a lifestyle and fitness swimwear portion. 

Admission is open to the public and tickets are available for purchase through the Phillips Center. For more information about the pageant, sponsorship, appearances or participation visit the Miss UF website at http://fbk.org/miss-UF.