Tolliver, 19, was crowned 2008 Miss Black Spartanburg on Friday night as the Epsilon Nu Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity presented the 34th annual Miss Black Spartanburg Regional Scholarship Pageant with a theme of "Change."

The Chapman Cultural Center hosted the event for the first time, and Tolliver, a music education major at Lander University, took center stage with her soulful rendition of George Gershwin's "Summertime" from the opera "Porgy and Bess." The Spartanburg native, who was the 2007 contest's first runner-up, drew a standing ovation from the crowd.

"I've been praying for this and wanting this, and God blessed me," Tolliver said. "I've been singing since I was 3, getting on my mom's nerves."

Right before the talent contest winner was announced, several in the crowd shouted "10," the number assigned to Tolliver. She said the shouts helped her keep a relaxed smile as the tension built.

Tolliver, daughter of Vive B. and Terrence Tolliver, also won the formal wear and evening gown competitions to help secure the tiara.

Tolliver said she learned three P's as the keys to pageantry, saying, "prepare early, practice and pray, and God will see you through."

Shameka McKinney, 2007's winner, recited her poem "Only God Can Judge Me" before transferring the sash Friday.

Kelda Latrelle Beatty, 19, of Gaffney was named first runner-up; Jessica Johnice Mills, 24, of Spartanburg was second runner-up; and Jusandra Antral Robinson, 18, of Greer, third runner-up.

Brittany Monique Smith, 18, was named Miss Congeniality, as voted on by the contestants. Smith and Blake Kristen Rice, 18, each of Spartanburg, tied in the fitness/swimsuit competition.

Beatty, who was third runner-up in 2006, is majoring in history at North Greenville University. She said she enjoyed the camaraderie during twice-weekly preparations for the event.

"Whoever needed help, no one was too shy to ask," Beatty said. "We love each other to death. Although it's a competition, we're not going to show favorites. We're going to hang out together and keep in touch."

The pageant was co-directed by Gladys Walker and Margarette Bell-Miller. Kelly Mac of 107.3 JAMZ served as mistress of ceremonies, and Warren Carson served as master of ceremonies.

Pageant Chairman Vernon D. Beatty said in the program that the organizers decided on the theme of "Change" to encourage contestants and audience members to think about changes in their lives that have happened and can happen.

That's not all that's going to change: Starting next year, the pageant's name will become the Miss Black Upstate Pageant.