On Wednesday, April 12, the Memorial Student Center auditorium was full of signs and support as the Dangerous Delta Theta Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Incorporated crowned Steffanie Monroe at the 8th annual Lady of the Dove Scholarship Pageant.Entitled “Reflections of the Past, the Essence of the Present,” contestants took on the roles of some of the greatest music icons of the past and present such as Alicia Keys, Beyonce, Mary J. Blige, Aretha Franklin, Diana Ross, Patti LaBelle, Tina Turner, and Gladys Knight. Ike and Tina Turner impersonators, Marvin Jackson and Johanna Thomas, were the master and mistress of ceremonies.
The pageant began with the contestants modeling sportswear. Then the crowd was wowed with musical talents as well as poetic showcases. The question and answer period required contestants to be quick yet thorough to demonstrate their character and intelligence. Finally, the contestants sparkled and bedazzled the crowd on the “red carpet” in their formal wear.
Not only did DJ Merk keep the crowd entertained, but the crowd received a special treat during intermission as Prairie View’s own, Catherine Burnley of Dalynisse, performed Beyonce’s Dangerously in Love.
Ms. Chandra Watkins, Lady of the Dove 2005-2006, was pleased with the results of the pageant. “I think the pageant was a huge success and the girls put in a lot of work and it really paid off; it showed throughout the entire pageant.”
Students enjoyed the pageant as well as the entertainment. “The Ike impersonator was really funny; the pageant as a whole was nice and it ran very smoothly,” said sophomore computer engineering major Antoinette Majors.
Monroe was surprised to win the crown. “I was in total shock because I really didn’t think I was going to win.” Furthermore, she enjoyed the entire experience. “It was fun and a learning experience.”
The runner-up was Ms. Jerlonda “Lonnie” Ross of New Orleans, La.
The men of Phi Beta Sigma were pleased yet relieved that the pageant was a success. The 2006 pageant coordinator, Gary Hill said, “It was a long road getting to this point. The ladies put in a lot of hard work and I had a lot of help from last year’s Lady of the Dove as well as my brothers of Phi Beta Sigma. As my first time putting on a pageant, it would not have been as great without the cooperation of the girls and my brothers.