By Gerard Flanagan, news writer/photographer/social media, Office of University Communications
CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. –England Blye, a senior from Louisville, Ky., majoring in English, was crowned Campbellsville University’s Valentine Pageant Queen during the annual Valentine’s Pageant Feb. 9 in Ransdell Chapel.
Blye represented the Alpha Lambda Delta Honors Society; she performed a recitation of an original poem titled “Curl Power.”
Blye also won for Best Poise and Appearance.
Hannah Sanders, a senior from Burgin, Ky., was first runner-up and won for Best Talent and Best Interview. Ashley Elder, a freshman from Danville, Ky., was second runner-up and won Miss Congeniality.
Sanders, who is majoring in Christian Missions, represented the School of Theology. She performed an American Sign Language interpretive movement to “Jesus People If” by Danny Gokey.
Elder, who is majoring in sports medicine, represented Stapp Hall. Elder performed an American Sign Language interpretive movement to “Even If” by MercyMe.
Four other candidates participated in the pageant as follows:
Asia Cooper, a freshman from Bardstown, Ky., majoring in nursing, representing the First Generation Scholars Program; Aubree Lane, a freshman from Nancy, Ky., majoring in marriage and family therapy representing the Office of Financial Aid;
T’Lea Scott, a sophomore from Louisville, Ky., majoring in music education, representing the Education Club; and Rachel Barnett, a senior from Burkesville, Ky., majoring in 8-12 social studies education, representing the Phi Alpha Theta History Honors Society.
Cooper performed a recitation of the poem “Phenomenal Woman” by Maya Angelou. Lang sang “How He Loves Us” by Chris Tomlin with piano accompaniment by Angela Wilson. Scott performed a melody of “Moon River” and “Love Song” on the violin with piano accompaniment by Lydia Usou. Barnett sang Adele’s “To Make You Feel My Love” with piano accompaniment by her mother, Shirley Barnett.
Campbellsville University’s Student Government Association (SGA) hosted the pageant.
“I was overjoyed at the participation we had for the Valentine’s Pageant this year,” Kate Cecil, president of SGA, said. “The contestants worked incredibly hard, and their effort completely paid off.
“Our 2022 Valentine Queen, England Blye, was exceptional in her poise and grace. She showed the judges originality in her talent by reciting a poem of her own creation and wowed them with her elegance. This university should be proud of all the contestants in this oldest tradition on campus.”
The SGA Council includes Cecil, a senior from Louisa, Ky.; Brooke Ann Buckner, a junior from Louisville, Ky.; Hannah Kendall, a junior from Benton, Ky.; and Hannah Wells, a senior from Paintsville, Ky.
The Valentine’s Pageant was started in 1942.
Dr. Elisha Lawrence, associate professor of education and assessment coordinator at Campbellsville University, and her husband, Jamie, executive director of ministry and church outreach at Campbellsville University, were the masters of ceremonies for this year’s pageant.
Judges were Blake Day, owner of White Orchid Florist and Gifts in Campbellsville; Megan Watkins, who recently started her own business as an Independent Consultant with Mary & Martha; and Wanda Washington, assistant director of diversity, community and Bridge to Success. Larry Birdsong, audio and visual services technician at Campbellsville University, provided audiovisual services.
Campbellsville University is a widely acclaimed Kentucky-based Christian university that has enrolled up to 12,000 students yearly. The university offers over 100 programs of study including doctoral, masters, bachelors, associate and certification programs. The website for complete information is www.campbellsville.edu.