The Hornet Tribune

Issue date: 10/11/08 Section: University News

Media Credit: Bryant Magee Senior theater arts major and Atlanta native, Barbara Pringle, smiles radiantly as she is formally introduced to the Alabama State University community through song and dance during the crowning of Miss Alabama State University 2008-09.

The elegance of African royalty, dance and music captured the eyes, ears and hearts of the local community in celebration of Barbara Pringle's formal crowning at the Alabama State University Acadome on Oct. 9.

Pringle along with her court, First Attendant Brittany Woodard and Second Attendant Deshawn Sutton led 42 university queens under the theme "Golden Legacy: Rekindling the Fire for Our Generation."

The chosen theme was a reflection of "the tribute to our past forefathers, a charge for the present generation and hope for our future."

"When thoughts were running through my mind about coronation, I just remember thinking this is our chance," Pringle said. "I wanted students to know that they have the power, so that's when I came up with carrying the torch as the theme for the evening."

She continued.

"I didn't want my coronation to be like everyone else's," she said. "I wanted it to be something that people will never forget, but at the same time, change their attitudes. So I pulled different aspects of what I thought would have that effect. I just wanted everyone in attendance to have an experience, and I think they did."

Pringle believes preparing for the coronation would not have been as stressful if she had received the necessary assistance from her advisory team.

"None of them helped me," Pringle said. "I had to depend on my friends, family and church members in order to get things done. How can you walk in the day before the coronation, and not ask if anything needs to be done? I needed advisers who are willing to take ownership, like a Norbert Sullivan."

She continued.

"My emotional state was ridiculous," Pringle said. "I was still going over the show 30 minutes before the show began. I was on pins and needles the entire time, that shouldn't be, I wasn't able to enjoy my night."

The acceptance speech Pringle delivered received a standing ovation from the audience.

Continued...

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