Parade of Favorites commences Saturday night
Photo courtesy of the Lee University Office of Public Relations.
The 2019 Parade of Favorites (POF) student talent showcase, entitled “Flourish,” will be held Saturday, Nov. 9 at 7 p.m. in the Conn Center.
POF contestants compete in several categories including academics, evening wear, interview, talent, community involvement, POF involvement, service and impromptu interviews during the show. It is a time for clubs, choirs, honor societies, Greek service clubs and athletic teams to be involved in a single event.
“It gives clubs and campus an opportunity to highlight and support all our differences and how we all make up a vital part of the Lee community,” senior English major Randyl Music said. “It also reminds us that there is more than just us out there, and it takes us outside of ourselves, since we sponsor and serve at a nonprofit every year.”
In her second year as director of POF, Music is looking forward to another great showcase of some of Lee’s brightest. Music said she initially applied for the position at the suggestion of her bosses, but felt it was out of her comfort zone. Over a year later, she is grateful for the lessons she has learned through POF.
“I got way more out of it than I could have ever anticipated,” Music said. “I’ve been able to work on my leadership skills and event planning, even my confrontation skills a little bit. I’ve also gotten to meet and get to know so many different people than I would have ever known. It’s great seeing them every week,” Music said. “We all become like a big family, which sounds cliché but is the truth.”
Part of the POF “family” is sophomore TESOL and Spanish education major Miranda Phillips, who is representing Epsilon Lambda Phi. Through the months of POF preparation, Phillips said the relationships formed have been the most rewarding part of her experience.
“The people are all so extremely kind and fun to be around, it makes the experience so fun,” Phillips said. “People should attend POF so that they can see the different personalities and talents that different clubs have.”
While the ten contestants are the main focus, they are not alone in the process. Each contestant is escorted by a male from their club. Senior pastoral ministry major Ethan Coombe was chosen by Student Leadership Council to escort their representative, Cassidy Philley.
“[The contestants] are under immense pressure to perform well, and even doing little things like grabbing them a bottle of water or sending a supportive text is noticed,” Coombe said. “You are in this together and it’s supposed to be fun.”
The POF team has practiced every Thursday since the first week of September. Choreographer Crystal Newson has used this time to teach the dances to the contestants and escorts. According to Coombe, practices have been one of his favorite aspects of the POF experience.
“I had never really had an opportunity to learn or just ‘let loose’ before POF,” Coombe said. “This year has given me a ton of confidence in seeing how all of the dances have come together.”
While the practices are fun, contestants say they also can put stress on school and work responsibilities, especially in the week leading up to the event. Despite the challenging time commitment, Phillips believes the experience has overall been rewarding.
“It’s been difficult balancing full time classes, work, homework and POF all at the same time,” Phillips said. “It’s really helped me realize what in my life is simply wasting time so that I am able to cut them out.”
The contestants and POF team are about to see the culmination of all their efforts. Music is excited for students, families, faculty and community members to come together to view the show.
“I just want to give a shout out to this year’s contestants and escorts,” Music said. “They have worked so hard and truly supported one another. I am so proud to work with them and I can’t wait for everyone to see it all come together on Saturday.”
This event is free and open to all. For more information on the contestants and their escorts, check out POF’s Instagram page.
