Lee University will present its annual student talent showcase, Parade of Favorites (POF), on Friday, Oct. 20, at 7 p.m. in the Conn Center. This year’s theme is “Enchanted Evening,” inspired by the magic and charm of fairy tales.
POF features members of different campus clubs and organizations, but the heart behind POF is service. This year’s contestants and escorts partnered with WillowBend Farms, a non-profit, faith-based organization committed to addressing the supply and demand of human trafficking. The organization works toward its goal by offering trauma-informed, strength-based services to minor and adult survivors while simultaneously implementing innovative, prevention-based education and awareness to impact change.
“As someone who participated in POF last year, returning as the director has been so special to me,” said Raylee Evans, a senior public relations major, Cleveland native, and POF director. “I have loved working so closely with an organization like WillowBend Farms because every girl deserves a ‘happily ever after.’ It’s great to be reminded that all the clubs represented are ultimately representing Lee University and Christ and working toward a common goal.”
POF contestants and escorts, 2023. (Submitted photo.)
The event opens with a group dance performed by all the contestants and escorts. Contestants then compete and are scored on talent, interview, and formal wear. A variety of Lee’s student organizations are represented by 10 contestants this year.
Sarah Cagna, senior elementary education major, represents Alpha Gamma Chi. She is from Nashville, Tennessee, and is involved in Delta Zeta Tau, the student broadcast Lee Update, and the National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS). Cagna is also a former member of Lee’s women’s lacrosse team. She will be escorted by Micah Grow.
Madison Cutshall represents Alpha Psi Omega honor society. She is a senior theatre major from Clyde, Ohio, and has been involved in seven Lee Theatre productions through acting, doing hair and makeup, and directing. She has also participated in the spiritual life club Cru, Film Society, and various LeeU Cinema productions. Cutshall will be escorted by Braxton Brazell.
Emma Folsom, a senior exercise science with a pre-athletic training emphasis and disaster and healthcare mission management double major from Apison, Tennessee, is representing Phi Chi Gamma. She served as a floor leader during her freshman year and has been involved with Phi Chi Gamma since her sophomore year. Folsom will be escorted by Griffin Wong.
Belia Jackson, representing Epsilon Lambda Phi, is a junior TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) major. From Florence, Alabama, she is an English language teacher at the Center for English Language and Literacy and has served with Backyard Ministries. Jackson is a member of NSLS, Phi Sigma Iota honor society, Kairos Scholars Honors Program, and McNair Scholars Program. She will be escorted by Tony Venegas.
Clara Jerman, senior anthropology major, represents Pi Kappa Pi. She is from Dayton, Ohio, and is involved in Campus Choir, Power Unlimited, Alternative Chapel Band, and Delta Zeta Tau. Jerman will be escorted by Jackson Rice.
Alyssa Jones, a junior intercultural studies major from Arab, Alabama, is representing Omega Alpha Phi. She is a Poiema Scholar, peer mentor in the School of Theology & Ministry (STM), student worker in the STM and Campus Ministries Office, small group leader, and social media manager for Lee Chapel. Jones will be escorted by Zachary Rentzel.
Kylie Mascia represents Delta Zeta Tau. She is a senior youth ministry major from Adairsville, Georgia, and has been involved in Campus Choir since her first semester at Lee. Mascia will be escorted by Ian Mayes.
Ruthie Newton, representing Tau Kappa Omega, is a junior mathematics major. From Kennesaw, Georgia, she is involved in Omega Alpha Phi and was a member of Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band for two years. Newton will be escorted by Seth Countess.
Kylie Pereira, junior healthcare administration major, represents Sigma Nu Sigma. She is from Newark, Delaware, and is involved in The Hub’s Student Success Center and Project Freedom. Pereira will be escorted by Tyler Ivory.
Mary Rocheleau, a human development major with a business emphasis from Yorktown, Virginia, is representing Upsilon Xi. She is involved in Sigma Nu Sigma and Campus Choir. Rocheleau will be escorted by Connor Spence.
Assisting Evans with the event is Sara-Kate Dixon, a senior public relations major from Clover, South Carolina. Alex Smith, a 2021 Lee graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in business administration with an emphasis in marketing management from Knoxville, Tennessee, choreographed the group dances.
POF is a free event open to the community. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m.
For more information, contact the Office of Student Engagement at studentengagement@leeuniversity.edu.
