Amber Lashae Kienlen crowned 2011 Parade of Favorites winner
Share this +On Saturday, Nov. 12, Amber Lashae Kienlen was chosen as the winner of the 2011 Parade of Favorites.
Contestants compete for the Parade of Favorites crown in the categories of talent, formal wear, group dances and answering an interview question. They also undergo multiple rehearsals and interviews with the judges in advance.
The event, a longstanding tradition at Lee University, filled the Conn Center with supporters and audience members. The theme of the show was “Back to the Beat,” which was chosen to celebrate diversity in leadership.
Eight ladies were chosen from varying clubs around campus to compete for the title. An escort from the same club accompanied each contestant.
Kienlen represented Lee’s step team, Image. For her talent, she performed an original poem entitled “Can We Just Be Real?” that addressed adolescent issues.
Kelsey Buttrey, who represented Zeta Chi Lambda, was announced first runner-up. Buttrey said that, even though the rehearsals could be stressful, she enjoyed the camaraderie between everyone involved. Her favorite part, she said, was performing the group dances, choreographed by Lee alum James Vassell.
“We worked so hard to learn [the dances],” Buttrey said. “The choreographer [Vassell] is amazingly talented and has real gift for teaching dance.”
Buttrey’s platform was teen discipleship, which she said she believes is best demonstrated through mentoring.
“To me, [mentoring] means pursuing teens in order to demonstrate to them that they are important, capable, and, above all, loved by God,” Buttrey said.
Just a note: Amber’s last name as submitted by her POF bio is Kienlen – Lashae may be her middle name (unless she told you otherwise?). Also, there were 10 contestants not eight!
Although, I enjoyed reading about Miss Buttrey, 1st runner up and her comments, there was only a small mention about the winner and No interview or personal comment. This seems very improper and disrespectful. She could have at least been included being that she won the 2011 title. Several rules are always appropriate….”Give honor to whom, honor is due” as well as “Do unto others as we would have them do unto you”.