Senior communications major Mary Garnett was crowned 2007-2008 Miss Lady of the Dove at a scholarship pageant held by Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc., Thursday, March 8, in the Memorial Student Center auditorium.The pageant was creatively themed “An Evening of Hawaiian Love” and featured seven contestants each representing a different Hawaiian Island.
The participants in the pageant were contestant # 1 freshman Dana Polk, contestant #2 senior Mary Garnett, contestant #3 senior Jessica Crumedy, contestant #4 sophomore Latasha Woodson, contestant #5 freshman Porche’ Holcombe, contestant #6 freshman Aisha Hill and contestant #7 freshman Mary Bolden.
The first portion of the pageant was the introduction, in which each participant presented herself and the island she represented to the audience. Contestants wore grass skirts and bright colors to corroborate the Hawaiian theme.
The next phase of the competition was the active wear portion in which contestants showcased the latest fashions and accessories. The third phase was the talent expression. Talent acts included singing, dancing, poetry, and praise dancing.
Senior Aaryin Collins said, ” The talent portion was my favorite portion of the pageant. Each contestant’s act was very original and individualistic. It was obvious that they all worked really hard on their performances.”
The next phase of the competition was the question and answer portion in which each contestant was given the same question, and asked to give an individual response. The last phase was the evening wear portion where contestants were escorted on stage to showcase beautiful gowns they had chosen.
As the pageant came to a close and the 2006-2007 Miss Lady of the Dove Steffanie Monroe took her last walk, the moment came that everyone had been waiting for: the announcement of the winners.
The winner for best interview was Mary Garnett who was also the winner for best active wear as well as best formal wear. The winner for best talent was Latasha Woodson. The winner for Ms. Congeniality was Mary Bolden who was also the winner for best question and answer. The winner for most ads sold was Dana Polk. The 1st runner up for the title was Aisha Hill.
Pageant Coordinator Gary Hill said, “We host this pageant to promote intelligence, scholarship, and leadership among Prairie View women. This year’s pageant was a lot of hard work, but the outcome was well worth it. All the contestants did an excellent job and the competition was very close.”
The pageant winner received a $1,914 scholarship, a trophy, a crown, and a variety of other prizes.