Lee University will present its 62nd annual student talent showcase, Parade of Favorites (POF), on Friday, Oct. 25, at 7 p.m. in the Conn Center. This year’s theme is “Olympics,” inspired by the 1996 Atlanta Summer Olympics and the Olympic motto, “Faster, Higher, Stronger – Together.” 

A fun tradition bringing together members of different campus clubs and organizations, all participants come together to support the heart of POF, service. This year’s contestants and escorts are partnering with Isaiah 117, a local foster care organization that provides housing, along with physical and emotional support, to children awaiting placement in a safe and loving environment. 

“I believe the Olympic motto embodies the spirit of foster care, Parade of Favorites, and Lee University,” said Raylee Evans, a senior public relations major, Cleveland native, and POF director.  “For 62 years, this annual event has brought together students, staff, and alumni to celebrate the diverse clubs and organizations on campus. As these various groups come together, we see Lee as one student body and one body of Christ. Our differences are what make us united, and together, we fulfill our calling to be ‘one.’”  

The event will open with a group dance performed by all the contestants and their escorts. The contestants will then compete in the categories of talent, interview, and formal wear, being scored on their performances. 

A variety of Lee’s student organizations are represented through nine contestants this year.  

Kiera Colson, junior industrial-organizational psychology major, represents Pi Kappa Pi. She is from Sevierville, Tennessee, and is involved in Epsilon Lambda Phi, Servant and Leadership Training, Summer Honors, Agents of Impact Mission, and American Sign Language Club. Colson is also a student worker in the office of First Year Programs and a member of the Lee Socials Team. She will be escorted by Antonio Venegas. 

Grayson Cook represents Alpha Gamma Chi. She is a senior business administration major from Clemson, South Carolina, and has been involved in Sigma Nu Sigma, Delta Mu Delta, the National Society of Leadership and Success, and the Admissions A-Force. Cook will be escorted by Brady Moore.   

Emily Lawson, a senior digital media studies major with a journalism emphasis from Alpharetta, Georgia, is representing Upsilon Xi. She is also involved in Sigma Nu Sigma and the cheerleading team. Lawson will be escorted by Grant Stevens.   

Lauren Miller, representing Omega Alpha Phi, is a senior elementary education major. From Nashville, Tennessee, she is a member of Theta Delta Kappa and a pro-life organization. Miller serves with Backyard Ministries, and she will be escorted by Caleb Grow.   

Emma Grace Morgan, senior middle grades education major, represents Theta Delta Kappa. She is from Beavercreek, Ohio, and is involved in Omega Alpha Phi, A-Force, Lee’s Media Services team, Backyard Ministries, and Real-Life Church. Morgan will be escorted by Daniel Motter. 

Kenadi Morgan, a junior elementary education major from Calhoun, Georgia, is representing Tau Kappa Omega. She is a member of Delta Zeta Tau, Backyard Ministries, the sand volleyball club, and a student worker in the campus post office. Morgan will be escorted by Nick Fuller. 

Marie Slone represents Sigma Nu Sigma. She is a senior public relations and advertising major from Lexington, Kentucky, and a member of the Learn Engage Achieve Program (LEAP), McNair Scholars Program, and the Run Club. Slone has served as public relations coordinator for Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA), director of Lee’s House of Blues, and currently works on Lee’s media and marketing team. Slone will be escorted by Andrew Creel.       

Avery Stenzel, representing Delta Zeta Tau, is a junior elementary education member. From Hendersonville, Tennessee, she is involved in Backyard Ministries and Lee Singers. Stenzel will be escorted by Grady Gammon.   

Madison VanHook, a junior psychology major from Cleveland, Tennessee, is representing Epsilon Lambda Phi. She is a student worker for the Behavioral and Social Sciences Department and Student Life Office. VanHook will be escorted by JP Moore.   

Assisting Evans with the event is Raybecca Calvert, a junior business administration major from Franklin, Tennessee. Ashley Harper, a 2021 psychology graduate, 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 Connections & Engagement at [email protected] or the Campus Activities Board at .