Haley Penrod
Staff writer
hpenrod1@murraystate.edu
Cady Stribling
Contributing writer
cstribling1@murraystate.edu
Excitement, engagements and energy filled the Quad during the 61st annual All Campus Sing April 17.
The Honors College secured first place in the independent division with their performance of “Rise Up.” Coming in second was the International Students Organization, followed by the Murray State Cheerleading Team in third and the Black Student Council in fourth.
Jessa Pollard, senior from Meade County, Kentucky, is a member of SAI. She also coached the Honors College, winners of the independent division.
“I absolutely love All Campus Sing,” Pollard said. It’s my favorite event. It’s relaxing and takes my mind off things. I get to enjoy it with all of my friends and sisters.”
In the residential college division, Clark-Richmond came in first performing “Clark-Rich Goes to College.” Regents-Elizabeth placed second, followed by Springer-Franklin in third and Hart College in fourth.
Amber Lee Burkhead, member of the Clark-Richmond group, said they spent a lot of time in practice to prepare for ACS.
Delta Zeta took first place for the sorority division with their performance of “S.S. Delta Zeta.” Kappa Delta came in second, with Alpha Gamma Delta coming in third and Sigma Sigma Sigma in fourth.
Kendall Knox, junior and member of Delta Zeta from Chicago, Illinois, said winning first place was a big surprise and the most memorable part of ACS.
Knox also said this Murray State tradition shows the unity of Murray State.
“It shows how close of a community we have,” Knox said. “It shows how bonded all the Greek organizations are and even how bonded the residential and independent organizations are. It shows the unity that Murray State University has in all.”
While Kappa Delta did not win the sorority division, one of their sisters received some exciting news.
Rachel Warren, member of Kappa Delta, was proposed to in front of Lovett Auditorium as Kappa Delta’s performance wrapped up.
“I saw him in the corner of my eye and I was like, ‘why are you approaching the stairs, why are you coming up here,’” Warren said. “Then, he popped the question in front of everyone, and I was like, ‘yes, of course.’”
In the fraternity division, Sigma Phi Epsilon won first place with their “Rock Band” theme. Alpha Sigma Phi came in second, followed by Pi Kappa Alpha in third and Lambda Chi Alpha in fourth.
Jacob Kaufman, sophomore and member of Sig Ep from Paducah, Kentucky, said he could tell the brothers really wanted this from the first time they rehearsed.
“The brothers were frustrated because you are only allowed a limited amount of time on the steps,” Kaufman said. “It definitely was challenging to figure out the logistics of everything. But I could tell that all the brothers really wanted this and wanted to try their hardest to make this happen. I could really see their passion come out the first night on the steps and it was remarkable to watch.”
Sig Ep also won awards for best director and best choreography. Best soloist was awarded to Paxton Crider, president of Pi Kappa Alpha.
The award for most creativity went to Alpha Gamma Delta and spectators’ choice went to Alpha Delta Pi.
Tri Sigma was awarded three awards including best costume, most spirit and grand champions.
Ally Larson, senior and member of Tri Sigma from Belleville, Illinois, was the coordinator for Tri Sigma’s ACS performance.
Tri Sigma won Grand Champions Larson’s freshman year and she said she wanted to go out the same way she began.
“We had to put in a lot of work for the routine and costumes,” Larson said. “Spirit was a lot of being grand champ as well.”
Larson gave advice for future contenders to become grand champions one day.
“Work a lot toward spirit, put in as much effort as you can and have fun because I can feel they can tell when you can,” Larson said.