A Night of Elegance: Mr. and Miss Bowie State University are Crowned in Elaborate CeremonyBy Jasmine Carr Mr. and Miss Bowie State University were crowned in an elaborate coronation ceremony Oct. 5, the centerpiece of this year's weeklong homecoming festivities.
The royal couple was presented in the Samuel L. Myers Auditorium in the Martin Luther King Jr. Communications Arts Center before an enthralled audience of students, parents, alumni, faculty, administrators and friends of the university. At the coronation, Miss Bowie State Shanel Gaither and Mr. Bowie State Jermaine Rawlings were feted with music, speeches and dance. The evening, called "Harlem Nights," also showcased the royal court and campus organizations kings and queens. Going to coronation is important because not only does it allow students to the opportunity to find out who some of the students and faculty are who hold positions on campus, but it also affords the chance to dress in formal wear and attend one of the most elegant events of the school year. At the 2008 coronation there was a great turn out, as there is every year. The audience included past homecoming queens and kings, parents and students. The "Harlem Nights" theme was front and center in the opening performance, "So You Think You Can Dance." This scene was entertaining. It involved Mr. and Miss. Bowie State University 2008-2009, their royal court, class kings and queens and the BSU Jazz Ensemble. Another, scene that was nice was "It's a King Thing," performed by the ladies of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority and the men of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity.  Everyone in the coronation did an excellent job, especially Mr. and Miss Bowie State University; Kirk Presley, who played Cab Calloway; the royal court; BSU Jazz Ensemble; Shannon Courtney and George Ross II; organization kings and queens, and the class kings and queens.
As the coronation ended, the Inaugural Ball began in the Theodore McKeldin Gymnasium. The formal ball featured dancing, food and a boisterous celebration of the crowning of Mr. and Miss Bowie State University. BSU student Ashley Phillips said she likes what she has seen so far from Mr. and Miss Bowie State. "I think they are great people," she said. "I have to wait until the year goes further to see how they do in their position." Bowie State University faculty member Sharon Glaster clearly enjoyed the evening, and had high praise for Mr. and Miss Bowie State University 2008-2009. "We are excited about there leadership this year, many forward positive decision in doing great things." Robert Baton, associate dean of students, agreed. "They are very dynamic couple, really expecting great things out of them to. They have a long and storied tradition to live up to. I'm sure they will live up to tradition." | 
I chose Bowie State University because not only was it close to home, but it also has a growing and terrific communications department. 
Talented Baltimore vocalist Lisa Mack began singing at the age of 4. Her talent helped her win the crown of Miss Bowie State University in 1992 and placed her as a finalist at the 6th annual Miss Collegiate African American Pageant.
