For the first time in almost 20 years, winners of the highly competitive Miss Prairie View pageant gathered Friday, Nov. 3, for a luncheon in the President’s Dinning Hall.The luncheon began with a greeting from the reigning Miss Prairie View, Lindsey Slay, who presided as mistress of ceremony. There was a warm welcome from Brandy Byers, Miss Prairie View 2005-2006. Lorie Freeman, Miss Prairie View 2003- 2004, gave the occasion and was also an active participant in organizing the gathering along with Denise Simmons of the Department of Student Activities and Lenice Brown of the Office of Admissions.
After lunch, there was an introduction of all former Miss Prairie titleholders as they recalled their most honorable moments with small enlightening speeches. “My happiest moment was when they first called me,” said Freeman. “I had been praying and asking God that if this was for me, then he would give it to me, and at that moment he showed me how wonderful he could truly be.”
“Naturally you feel like a role model and you want to uphold high standards,” commented Dora Dabbs, Miss Prairie View 1953, who was also Miss Homecoming 1993 and Miss Golden Girl 2003.
“This is a memorable occasion because it allowed us to become reacquainted and offered a glimpse of history and tradition,” stated Donna York, who became the first international student to be crowned Miss Prairie View. “The real purpose is women being examples to and for other women as you strive to set achievements,” said York.
“Being at an HBCU, this is one of the best things that you can do because you are saying I’m educated, I’m beautiful, and I’m strong,” said York as an inspirational message to young women interested in the pageant experience.
President Wright spoke on behalf of Prairie View A&M University as a believer that anybody who has been successful has been assisted by someone else. “This is really your university and the desire to continue this reunion would build and benefit those who can use it,” Wright said.
The luncheon concluded with a group photo in front of Anderson Hall.