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Lee University presents Parade of Favorites, an annual student showcase of talent on Nov. 12 at 7 p.m. in the Conn Center.

This year’s theme is “Back to the Beat” and will include music from the 90s. There will also be special performances by Image Step Team, Boss Step Team, and All-Star Team from Cleveland Middle School. Porshia Gilliam is the event director.

“POF is an exciting opportunity to recognize and reward unique leaders for their growth and development. This year’s theme ‘Back to the Beat’ was chosen for its fun and eventful theme,” said Gilliam.

The ten contestants represent various student organizations at Lee. The ladies and their escorts undergo extensive preparation for the event during the semester.

Emilie Swanson, a senior theatre major, will be representing Alpha Gamma Chi as a little sister. She is from Richmond, Va., and plans to work in children’s theatre to share her passion for the arts. Keith Crothers Jr., a member of Alpha Gamma Chi, is Swanson’s escort.

Amber Lashae Kienlen from Cleveland, Tenn., is this year’s representative for the IMAGE step team. She is a senior biology major and hopes to attend a physician assistant school to work in pediatrics. Dante Massengil, also a member of the IMAGE step team, is Kienlen’s escort.

Kelsey Buttrey is a senior sociology major from Franklin, Tenn., and is participating on behalf of Zeta Chi Lambda. She plans to pursue a masters in counseling. Buttrey is being escorted by Olumide “Mide” Adedo, beau of Zeta Chi Lambda and member of Theta Delta Kappa.

Laura Smith, a middle grades education major from Troy, Ohio, is representing Theta Delta Kappa as a little sister. Smith wants to teach middle school English in an inner city school to “make an impact through teaching.” Russell Clanton of Theta Delta Kappa is her escort.

Emily Light, sweetheart for Upsilon Xi, is a senior theology major from Hendersonville, Tenn. Her plans after graduation include youth ministry, emphasizing the incorporation of theology into discipleship. Her escort is Justin Filipone of Upsilon Xi.

Courtney Harmon is a senior public relations major from Cincinnati, Ohio, and is the representative for Omega Alpha Phi. She hopes to be a mentor to young children and work in ministry. Eusebio “Fez” Villamor, Jr., of Alpha Gamma Chi and Omega Alpha Phi, is her escort.

Megan Swartout from Etowah, Tenn., is representing Sigma Nu Sigma. She is a junior middle grades education major and hopes to teach middle school as well as sponsor a Special Olympics chapter at her school. Todd Hammond of Alpha Gamma Chi and Sigma Nu Sigma is her escort.

Rachel Sawyer, a senior biology and pre-med major, is from Macon, Ga., and is participating on behalf of Lee Singers. Her future plans are to attend a physician assistant graduate school. Jared Mattsson of Pi Kappa Pi is her escort.

Cyvannah Doll is from Lynnville, Iowa, and is the representative for Epsilon Lambda Phi. She is a sophomore communication major with an emphasis in advertising, and she hopes to work for an advertising agency after she graduates. Mitch Gibson of Pi Kappa Pi and Epsilon Lambda Phi is her escort.

Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.

For more information, please contact the Lee University Office of Student Development at 423-614-8406 or email McDaniel at [email protected].