Lee continues annual tradition in 56th Parade of Favorites
Junior English major Brittney Perez is the winner of the 2018 Parade of Favorites at Lee University.
Photo by John David Clark
Crowds filled the Conn Center’s auditorium for Lee’s annual of Parade of Favorites (POF) the evening of Saturday, Nov. 10. In light of Lee’s Centennial Celebration, this year’s theme was “Reflections,” directed by Randyl Music.
Junior English major Brittney Perez was crowned Ms. Parade of Favorites in the 56th talent showcase.
"Winning Parade of Favorites was very surreal and humbling to say the least," said Perez. "I am honored to have had the opportunity to represent Campus Choir and to make my parents proud."
In addition to Campus Choir, Perez is a McNair Scholar involved in Alpha Beta Iota honor society and the Learn Engage Achieve Program (LEAP). She was escorted by Samuel Utt.
Every year students from different clubs, choirs and organizations perform a number of talents for an audience. Along with performing, participants fundraise for advertisements and participate in service projects during the semester.
Photo by John David Clark
Rehearsal for the Parade of Favorites showcase begins months in advance, allowing participants to get to know each other in the shared experience, according to junior public relations major and social media coordinator for POF Carrie Woodard.
“I love the people side of it,” Woodard said. “I would pull [the participants] out a lot and take pictures of them and just have one-on-one time with them.”
Perez echoed the sentiment behind Parade of Favorites, saying she would not trade her experience throughout the POF process for anything.
"I had the opportunity to make friendships with some of the most beautiful, kindhearted and talented people," said Perez. "POF has been a highlight of my time at Lee."
Mannah Liu, representing the Student leadership Council, performs at the 2018 Parade of Favorites.
Photo by John David Clark, Photo Editor
Junior nursing major Lucas Yanes escorted fellow junior nursing major Tori Stepp, who represented Epsilon Lambda Phi. He said that even though rehearsing was difficult at times, he was thankful for the growth that came out of it.
"I grew in responsibility and love," Yanes said. "The diverse group of people in Parade of Favorites let me love people in all the different ways God intended us to love others."
To watch the 2018 Parade of Favorites, visit Lee University’s livestream page.
