The Lee University Parade of Favorites participants
Lee University will present its annual student talent showcase, Parade of Favorites, on Friday, Oct. 28, at 7 p.m. in the Conn Center. This year marks the 60th anniversary of the showcase and the theme, “Diamond,” is representative of the occasion.
POF features members of different campus clubs and organizations, but the heart behind POF is service. This year’s contestants and escorts partnered with City of Refuge located in Calhoun, which is a faith-based organization that helps individuals and families transition out of crisis.
“This year, we wanted to focus on highlighting the importance of embodying the spirit of excellence as referenced in Daniel 6:3-4 within our clubs, broader student body, and campus,” said Karli Deel, a senior history education major from Atlanta and POF director. “We hope this show honors everything that Lee represents and strives toward.”
The event opens with a group dance performed by all the contestants and escorts together. Contestants then compete and are scored on talent, interview, and formal wear. A variety of Lee’s student organizations are represented through nine contestants this year.
Ansley Beaton represents Epsilon Lambda Phi. She is a sophomore public relations major from Dayton, and is on Imago Dei’s social media and public relations team. Ms. Beaton will be escorted by Jon Walter.
Carolyn Carpenter, senior communications major and Christian ministries minor, represents Upsilon Xi. She is from Senoia, Ga., and is a member of Delta Zeta Tau, Campus Choir, and Power Unlimited. Ms. Carpenter will be escorted by Mikey Von Tagen.
Raylee Evans, representing the Admissions Office, is a junior public relations major from Cleveland. She is involved in Lee’s ministry club Cru, National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS), Sand Volleyball Club, intramurals, and is a photographer for the Lee Clarion, Lee’s student newspaper. Ms. Evans will be escorted by Abdiel Medina.
McKenzie Goff, a senior psychology major from Cleveland, is representing Pi Kappa Pi. Goff is a member of Sigma Nu Sigma, Admissions A-Force, Lee Singers, and NSLS. She will be escorted by Ruben Lavariega.
Katie Kirk, representing the Office of Student Engagement, is a human development major with an emphasis on deaf studies. From Springboro, Ohio, she is a peer leader and peer mentor in the Student Success Hub on campus. Ms. Kirk will be escorted by Micah Dake.
Kira Passmore, a sophomore nursing major from Fort Mill, S.C., is representing Sigma Nu Sigma. In addition to being a member of Sigma Nu Sigma, Ms. Passmore sings in Campus Choir and will be escorted by Joshua Woosley.
Maddie Robinson represents Delta Zeta Tau. She is a senior discipleship ministries major from Cleveland, and is involved with DZT, Tau Kappa Omega, Admissions A-Force, NSLS, and is a student worker for the president’s office. Ms. Robinson will be escorted by Josh Kendrick.
Karli Tilley is a junior accounting major from Clanton, Al., representing the Tennis Club. Ms. Tilley is a student worker in the Office of Student Conduct, lead office manager in the Office of Publications, and a member of the Mosiac Council. She will be escorted by Brandon Newell.
Abby Watlington, representing Omega Alpha Phi, is a senior nursing major from Birmingham, Al. In addition to being a member of Omega Alpha Phi, Ms. Watlington is in Phi Eta Sigma and the Nursing Mentorship Program and will be escorted by David Priatko.
Assisting Ms. Deel with the event is Anna Kendrick, a senior psychology major from Albany, Georgia.