Feb. 22, 2016
For Immediate Release
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| Kendall Riddle smiles cheerfully while being applauded for winning the 2016 Valentine’s Pageant, to her left is 2015 winner Jessica Blakeman. (Campbellsville University Photo by Rachel DeCoursey) |
By Samantha Stevenson, student news writer
CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky.—Campbellsville University’s annual Valentine’s Day pageant was a night to remember, especially for Louisville native Kendall Riddle.
The pageant took place on CU’s campus in the Ransdell Chapel on Friday, February 12. Eleven contestants competed for a chance to win the honor of being crowned the Valentine Queen. This year’s theme was “A Night in Paris.” The Student Government Association spent the month setting the stage to give the chapel a Parisian feel, complete with a large Eiffel Tower.
The winner was Kendall Riddle, a junior Mass Communication major from Louisville, Ky. Riddle represented the Campus Times, CU’s school newspaper.
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| After being crowned 2016 CU Valentine’s Pageant winner, junior Kendall Riddle hugs Jessica Blakeman, winner of the 2015 pageant. (Campbellsville University Photo by Rachel DeCoursey) |
Riddle donned a champagne sequin covered evening gown when she was crowned Campbellsville University’s 2016 Valentine Queen. She was escorted by her uncle and CU’s Campus Minister, Ed Pavy. She performed “Mighty to Save” with piano accompaniment from her aunt, Kathy Pavy.
Bailey Foxworth, a senior Mass Communication major of Georgetown, Ky., was crowned first runner-up. Foxworth represented the swim team and was escorted by student Brandon Wiseheart. She performed a comedic exercise routine for her talent portion, poking fun at the fact that while she’s a student athlete on two university teams, (Cross Country and Swimming), she still hates to exercise.
Third runner-up was Joelle Collett, a sophomore Early Childhood Education major from Harrodsburg, Ky. Collett represented Stapp Hall and was escorted by Eli Wood. She performed a vocal rendition of the song “A Thousand Years” by Christina Perri.
Contestants were scored in three different categories: their interview, which took place prior to the pageant; their talent, which was performed live Friday night; and their poise and appearance, which was determined that evening based on a dance routine and the evening wear portion of the competition.
Their dance routine was choreographed by former 2014 Valentine Queen and Student Government Vice President of Public Relations, senior Shelby Mattingly of Versailles, Ky.
Contestants were also asked a question on stage, and were scored on their impromptu answer. Questions ranged from “Who is the most influential person in your life?” to “What did you learn about yourself from doing this pageant experience?”.
When Kendall Riddle was asked, “What is one word that you would use to describe yourself?” she answered, “Optimistic.”
“I would use that word to describe myself because I’m always trying to look on the bright side of things and you’ll never see me without a smile on my face,” Riddle said.
Riddle will move on to represent Campbellsville University at the Mountain Laurel Festival in Pineville, Ky. Should she be unable to attend, first runner-up Bailey Foxworth will take her place.
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| The 2016 CU Valentine’s Pageant winners pose together at the conclusion of the competition. L-R First runner up, senior Bailey Foxworth, winner, junior Kendall Riddle, 2015 pageant winner Jessica Blakeman, and sophomore Joelle Collett. (Campbellsville University Photo by Rachel DeCoursey) |
Amber Wright, sophomore from Marion, Ky., representing WLCU Broadcast Services, won the award for best poise and appearance. Wright started off the talent portion of the evening with a stand-up comedy routine, where, in the spirit of Valentine’s Day, she recalled her awkward encounters and failed dates for the audience.
Morgan Daulton, a sophomore representing the Women’s Village Phase Four, won the talent portion and also Miss Congeniality. Daulton performed an original piece on the piano.
Other contestants from the evening were Bethany Webb of Paintsville. Ky.; Breanne Ward of Marysville, Ky.; Brooke Pedigo of Cave City, Ky., Chelsey Robinson of Taylorsville, Ky.; Jessica Tinsley of Marion, Ky.; and Tiffany Yount of Lawrenceburg, Ky.
Picture of the event can be found on CU’s Flickr page.
Campbellsville University is a widely acclaimed Kentucky-based Christian university with more than 3,500 students offering over 80 programs of study including 24 master’s degrees, seven postgraduate areas and eight pre-professional programs. The website for complete information is campbellsville.edu.