Lashaun Neal was crowned Lady of the Dove 2009-2010 and Ciandra Alvord was crowned first runner-up in the Memorial Student Center auditorium Wednesday after weeks of preparation and hard work.
Alvord said, “The Lady of the Dove pageant was hard work We’ve been practicing for months and months and it’s all paid off. Through Christ all things can happen.”
Neal said, “Words don’t even express the feelings I have right now. It’s just amazing and I didn’t expect it but it shows that hard work and dedication pays off.”
The 11th Annual Lady of The Dove Scholarship pageant was hosted by Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. This pageant is hosted by the fraternity each year to give the young ladies who participate the opportunity to compete for various prizes and also money that they can use toward their educational needs. The scholarship is not directly related to the university. The first runner-up must host a seminar each semester that relates to her platform and the winner must host two in order to receive her scholarships. Once the semester is over, if the winners have completed their allotted tasks, the scholarships are immediately awarded directly from Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.
Chris Wesley, Kelly Gill, Marchandra Boyer, Gary Hill, and Shavon Johnson used their prior expertise and experience to judge the young ladies in four different events.
The pageant began with a rendition of the Spike Lee movie “School Daze.” The ladies performed a unique number before introducing themselves to the crowd. The first portion of the pageant was the Active Wear. The contestants strutted on the stage, representing a wide range of women who one might see in society. The next section of the pageant was dedicated to Talent. Each contestant chose a short piece to entertain the crowd. The talents consisted of poems, monologues and dance numbers. After the talent section the contestants competed for best question & answer. The final segment was the formal wear section. The ladies sashayed the runway in intricate designer gowns and made one last attempt to win over the crowd and the judges.
To keep the event entertaining Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. incorporated skits and brief intermissions to keep the crowd excited while the contestants transformed for the next segment. During one of the intermissions the “NEOs” of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. stomped the stage and strutted with their new brothers.
Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc. Former Lady of the Dove Elizabeth Gardner graced the stage so that she could transfer her crown to the new winner who would be taking her place as Lady of the Dove 2009-2010.
Participants were awarded plaques for “Most Spirited,” “Most ads Sold,” Best Formal wear,” “Best Active Wear,” “Best Question & Answer,” “Best Talent” and the winner and runner-up were also given sashes and crowns that they would wear until they pass on their title next academic year.