Lee University will present its 63rd annual student talent showcase, Parade of Favorites (POF), on Friday, Oct. 24, at 7 p.m. in the Conn Center.  
 
This year’s theme is “The crown and the flame,” inspired by the biblical scripture Isaiah 61:3 and reflects both honor and purpose, serving as a reminder that distinction comes not only from achievement but also from a spirit of humility and service.  
 
An anticipated tradition across campus clubs and organizations, all participants come together to support the heart of POF, which is service. This year’s contestants and escorts are partnering with Smoky Mountain Children’s Home, which provides care for at-risk children and teens through adoption, foster care, and residential programs, offering each child the opportunity to overcome the circumstances of their past, while exploring opportunities for their future. 
 
“Parade of Favorites is more than a showcase of talent – it’s a celebration of character, service, and the unique stories each student brings to our community,” said Dr. Tony Lombard, director of Student Connections and Engagement at Lee. “This year’s theme captures the essence of our mission: to honor not just accomplishments, but the heart behind them. We’re proud to partner with Smoky Mountain Children’s Home and highlight the power of purpose-driven leadership through our students.” 
  
POF 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 16 contestants this year.   
 
Anna Cuison, a senior business administration major, represents Phi Chi Gamma. She is from Franklin, Tennessee, and is involved in women’s rugby, Black Student Union, and The Caring Place. She will be escorted by Carter Patrick.  
 
Rachel Turner represents Alpha Gamma Chi. She is a senior biology major from Cleveland, Tennessee, and works locally as a patient care technician. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, running, and traveling. Turner will be escorted by Luke Haward.  
 
Grace Mumbower, a junior theological and professional studies major from Newnan, Georgia, is representing Tau Kappa Omega. She is also involved in Omega Alpha Phi and works at the Leonard Center. Mumbower will be escorted by Josh Goins.   
 
Beth Trippany, representing Theta Delta Kappa, is a senior psychology major. From Decatur, Alabama, she is involved in Gateway peer leading and Omega Alpha Phi and is a member of the Admissions A-Force team. Trippany will be escorted by Preston Damron.    
 
Leila Pavlovsky, senior music and worship major, represents Ladies of Lee. She is from Dallas, Texas, and has served as the choir’s Hilltop worship director, section leader, and secretary. Pavlovsky is passionate about mental health advocacy and faith. She will be escorted by Sam Ayers.   
 
Hannah Ruska, a senior exercise science major from Honolulu, Hawai’i, is representing Pi Kappa Pi. During her time at Lee, she’s been involved in Turning Point USA and served as a Summer Honors Peer Leader and an Omega Alpha Phi officer. Ruska’s service work spans hurricane relief, mission trips, and ministries like Isaiah 117 House. She will be escorted by Francis Rodriguez.  
 
Maya Hyatt represents Alpha Psi Omega. She is a senior musical theatre major from Greenville, South Carolina, and is heavily involved in Lee Theatre, where she has performed, choreographed, and served as both a teaching and office assistant. Hyatt will be escorted by Sam Martin.     
   
Macey Jones, representing Delta Zeta Tau, is a senior professional and theological studies major. From Cleveland, Tennessee, she has worked with Summer Honors, the Leonard Center, and LeeU Update during her time at Lee. Jones currently serves as chaplain and co-induction chair for Delta Zeta Tau. She will be escorted by Thomas Wood.  
 
Macee Miller, a sophomore music education major from Sevierville, Tennessee, is representing Lee Singers. She is a student worker for the Behavioral and Social Sciences Department and Student Life Office. Miller will be escorted by Mack Daniel.    
 
Abbie Stephens represents Upsilon Xi. She is a junior communications and digital media double major from Cartersville, Georgia, and is a member of Delta Zeta Tau. She serves at Second Harvest Thrift Store and Refuge Center. Stephens will be escorted by Elijah Wilds.  
 
Maya Nobles, representing the Peer Leaders program, is a senior music business major. From Mobridge, South Dakota, she is involved in multiple ensembles and the Dean’s Council, and she previously interned at the Danny Murray Recording Studio. She will be escorted by Kaleb Lasseter. 
 
Gabrielle Banker, a sophomore theatre major from Franklin, Tennessee, is representing Kappa Psi Nu. She has performed in several Lee Theatre productions and serves as Kappa’s chaplain. Banker will be escorted by Ben Bare.  
 
Genre Mae Davis represents Residential Life and Housing. She is a junior communication major from Huntsville, Alabama, and leads Backyard Ministry. Davis also serves on the Campus Activities Board. She will be escorted by Christian Arnold. 
 
Emilie Ballard, a senior psychology major, represents Sigma Nu Sigma. She is from Johnson City, Tennessee, and enjoys volunteering at local organizations such as Project Free2Fly and Signal Centers. Ballard will be escorted by Noah Hoogerheide. 
 
Bella Owens, representing Omega Alpha Phi, is a senior psychology major from Cleveland, Tennessee. She enjoys being active around campus and has served with Backyard Ministries, Operation Compassion, and Gateway Peer Leading. Owens will be escorted by Carter Douglas. 
 
Emma Smith, a senior business major from Athens, Georgia, is representing Epsilon Lambda Phi. She has served as Epsilon’s president and vice president and serves with Backyard Ministries and the Adopt-a-Grandparent program. Smith works for Presbyterian Villages, where she hopes to build her post-graduate career. She will be escorted by Tanner Welch.  
 
The student team for the event consists of Kiera Colson, creatives director; Ella Hepp, operations director; Ellie Newton, logistics director; Samantha Bucciarelli, hospitality director; Sydney Kruger, choreographer; Sophia Dunagan, social media manager; Luchen Strickland, emcee; Lia McKenzie, emcee; and Tatum Price, Office of Student Connections and Engagement student director of campus events.  
  
POF is a free event open to the community. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. Seating is first come, first served with a reserved seating section for the families of participants. There will be a section for the hearing impaired with student interpreters from the Lee University deaf studies minor program. 
  
For more information, email [email protected] or the Campus Activities Board at [email protected].