A new Miss Lander University was selected at the conclusion of the 2019/20 Miss Lander Pageant on Monday, Nov. 4, in Lander's Abney Cultural Center Auditorium.
The judges named Kara Bryonne Love, a senior exercise science major from Columbia, as Miss Lander 2019/20. Love wowed the audience with her dance routine of "Love Never Felt so Good," by Michael Jackson during the talent competition, and was officially crowned by outgoing Miss Lander Hannah Courtney Wilson, of Clinton. Wilson took her final walk as Miss Lander during the pageant.
Mass communications major Joey Plyler, of Chester, provided special entertainment in between competitions, singing "Dream a Little Dream of Me," and "Out There." Also featured were Miss Lander 2017/18, Arie Catherine O'Dell, who sang "For Good" from the musical Wicked; and the Lander University Jazz Combo.
In addition to Love, Abigail Lillian Smith, a freshman music major from Gainesville, Ga., was crowned first runner-up. Smith also received the award for best talent and the People's Choice Award. Kennedi Hal'Lee Smith, of Ware Shoals, was crowned second runner-up. Brittany Leah Adams, of Lyman, was named Miss Congeniality.
Other students competing in the pageant were Mariah Lee Boler, of Union; Virginia Deleary Sarvis, of Loris; Jessica Nicole Lewis, of Honea Path; and Mia Leviona Rogers, of Greenville.
The Miss Lander Pageant is sponsored by Lander's chapter of the National Association of Music Education. As Miss Lander, Love will now have the chance to compete in next year's Miss South Carolina Pageant.