Students filled Reynolds performance hall in suits, greek letters and strut sweatsuits alike to battle for the title of Spring King on March 18, in efforts to raise money for Special Olympics.
Hosted by the sisters of Alpha Sigma Alpha, five contestants from various fraternities showcased their dancing skills with varying themes.
Mia Lendermon, a member of Alpha Sigma Alpha, said, “I really look forward to Spring King. It’s cool to see everyone’s unique themes, and you can always tell how hard everyone works.”
Jaxon Cazzell, who paired with Alpha Sigma Alpha, took home almost every title in the competition — formal wear, overall, people’s choice, introduction and talent.
Cazzell, accompanied by his friends and Alpha Sigma Alpha sisters, danced to the “La La Land” theme, twisting and twirling into first place.
Placing runner up in overall was Adam Littell, who sported a fur coat and a sassy demeanor as Ken from “Barbie.”
“I got to meet a lot of people, and it was nice to make those good connections,” said Littell.
“I really liked seeing everyone’s costumes, ideas and seeing them play out.”
Littell said that experiences like Spring King bring Greek unity and friendships outside of one’s own fraternity.
“I love this stuff,” Littell said. “It’s a great way to get the community together, make new friends, raise money for a good cause and a way to strengthen Greek unity. I loved seeing everyone’s energy, and it was such a fun experience.”
Other contestants, Tyler Robb, Joey Summers and Noah Britton sported various themes like “Zombies,” “Suits” and “Pitch Perfect.”
“It’s a way to get people engaged,” Lendermon said. “They’re helping with something that needs support, and it’s such a great way to involve everyone. It promotes Greek unity, and it goes to a cause that benefits everyone.”
Three sororities — Sigma Kappa, Delta Zeta and Alpha Sigma Tau — also competed for the first place title for the strut portion of Spring King, with Alpha Sigma Tau winning first place in the category.
“As a person who has experienced both sides of the stage,” Lendermon said. “It takes a lot of willpower to get up there and do something that you’re not the best at. I have a lot of respect for people who get on that stage and give it their all.”
Mia Webb, a freshman member of Sigma Kappa, said, “I’ve been in multiple greek pageants since I rushed, but Spring King was a special event for me this year as it was my first greek pageant as a dance chair.”
Webb, who danced alongside Littell, said that the group’s determination created a fun environment and a proud result.
“It took a lot of hard work and practice to get to where we got. I’m very proud of all my girls that performed. It was also very exciting to see all the creativity and different themes from the other sororities and fraternities.”
“Greek pageants enhance Greek unity because everyone gets to come together in the same building and support one another,” Webb said. “Sororities and fraternities partner up to come up with their performance. I’ve made so many friends in other fraternities because of Greek pageants like Spring King.”
