“Your Passport on an Adventure Across the World,” was the theme for the 10th annual Lady of the Dove Scholarship Pageant, sponsored by the Delta Theta chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.
The event was held in the Willie Albert Tempton Sr. Auditorium on April 2, and contestant Elizabeth Gardner was crowned “Miss Lady of the Dove 2008-2009.” Contestant Rosey Uzu was awarded runner-up.
Contestants competed in seven different categories; Miss Congeniality, Most Advertisements Sold, Active Wear, Question and Answer, Private Interview, Talent, and evening wear.
The master and mistress of ceremonies were Marvin Jackson and Jereme Gant. Each segment of the pageant had a different theme. The opening number was titled, “Boarding Flight 1914” and the crowning of the queen was titled “Baggage Claim.”
“As a former Lady of the Dove pageant contestant,” sophomore Mary Bolden said, “I enjoyed sitting back watching the ladies perform so well.”
Instead of wearing evening gowns for the question and answer portion, the contestants wore outfits that exuded their countries and acted as if they were coming off “Bluefly Airlines.” There were several different countries that each contestant portrayed, such as, China, Egypt, Nigeria, England and Mexico. The intermission, titled “Brief Layover at 145 N. Kennedy St.,” featured UJ Fashions models and Mary Garnett, Miss Lady of the Dove 2007-2008, displaying the collection “Prissy Picasso.”
Other awards were given as well. Asia Cydney was awarded Miss Congeniality and Active Wear. Rosey Uzu won most advertisements sold, talent, and runner-up Miss Lady of the Dove. Private interview, question and answer, evening wear, and Miss Lady of the Dove was awarded to Elizabeth Gardner.
“I truly enjoyed coordinating these classy young ladies for the past two months,” said Gary Hill, pageant coordinator. “Unfortunately this is my last year as pageant coordinator; I can honestly say I’ve done my best.”