"Phoenix: The Rise of an Icon"

Homecoming Fashion Show

By Brittany Summers

     Bowie State University's homecoming fashion show Oct. 11 was one of the first events to kick off an amazing week. Friends, students, and family members waited patiently for the show to begin. Suddenly, the lights dimmed and the curtains opened to show seven of Bowie's own students posing fiercely to start off this show.

     Scene after scene, the models walked fiercely down the runway with attitude, confidence, and class. Despite the technical difficulties, many students felt that this was an overall great show. Mr. Bowie State University 2010-2011, Ameer Walton stated, "I think that the show was excellent. The students did a great job putting it together; the models, fashion, everything was perfect." About 50 BSU students auditioned to be a part of this event and about 25 were selected to showcase their talents the night of the show.

     In past years, Bowie has allowed professional modeling troops to come in and participate in the show however, this year, the coordinators Brittany Gowdy, Deborah Thompson, and Shardonnay Wright, all Bowie State students, wanted to do something different.

   "We felt that it was time for the students to have something for themselves, something for them to be a part of and to be proud of. After all it is our homecoming and we should have something for our students to shine and to be recognized."

     That is exactly what happened. Students' faces radiated with pride and excitement every time they stepped foot onto the runway. Little did the audience know, they were in for another huge surprise this year.

     In between scenes, the coordinators introduced songstress YahZarah, an artist from the Washington area. She was an amazing singer and performer. With a strong voice and pleasant personality, her songs told a story and had the crowd bopping their heads to the beats. She had a great stage presence and made sure to engage the audience in her performance. YahZarah received a standing ovation and was even asked to perform more songs! What a great way to keep the audience pumped for the rest of the show.

     As the show continued, the models continued to strut their stuff with no signs of fear or insecurities on their faces. Although their faces and attitudes showed no types of nerves, Marquise Moore, a first time model stated, "I think I did a good job considering it was my first show. I was really nervous on stage with the whole atmosphere and the lights, but overall I had a lot of fun. My favorite scene was the last scene because I think I was used to walking by then and most of my nerves had already gone away." Other models like Moore did an excellent job of hiding their nerves and organizing an overall great show.

     Although the show was mainly run and coordinated by students, staff coordinator William Ridley also assisted the ladies with organizing such a phenomenal event. All of the outfits were coordinated perfectly, the lights shined so bright, and the stage design fit the overall theme of the show. This show was a great way to get Bowie State's homecoming week started.