The coronation of the new Miss A&T is one of the cornerstone events of Homecoming Week.

The queen’s official crowning is an elaborate SGA production that is put together to showcase the story of her life and her talents. Tanisha Fordham was honored on Thursday, October 9th with her coronation ceremony as Miss A&T 2008-2009 in the Corbett Sports Center.

This year’s coronation became one to remember, complete with a dramatic video presentation and even a marriage proposal.

The gym was decorated with the full sophistication suitable for a queen. “Aggies Journey up the Stairway Home” was the theme, which was a reflection of Fordham’s strong faith and Christianity. She said, “I pray that (the production) showed God’s face to someone.”

The stage was complete with a golden cloth-covered throne, angel statues, and a cloudy blue-sky backdrop. Special quests were seated on a stage opposite to the queen’s platform, which included Chancellor Stanley F. Battle, former Miss A&Ts, and royal courts from Johnson C. Smith University and Winston-Salem State University. Master of Ceremonies Dexter Mullins hosted the occasion, which began with a prayer and a special scripture reading.

Dean of Students Dr. Judy Rashid took the stage to recognize the special guests in attendance.

Before moving into the coronation of the new Miss A&T, Candace Michelle Johnson took her final walk as Miss NC A&T State University 2007-2008.

The royal court, which includes Senior Class Queen Emilee Christopher, Junior Class Queen Jaleeza Kent, Sophomore Class Queen Carla Saunders, Freshman Class Queen Nicole Reynolds, and royal attendants Natalie Gwishiri, Sa’Troya Truss and Jerrod Johnson, entered the gym to the song “I’ll Take You There” by the Staple Singers.

As each member of the court made their individual entrance, they performed each part of the song where they defeated “dark angels and demons”, correlating with the theme selected by Fordham.

In a special interlude, Tiffany Riddick gave a spoken word performance, and then the organizational kings and queens were introduced to the song “Meant to Live”, performed by Switchfoot. There was a special ensemble from the classic “The Color Purple” accompanied with a slideshow composed by Fordham.

Riddick returned for a final spoken word performance, followed by a presentation of Fordham’s original oratory “Ego Tripping”, which she performed at the NBCA Hall of Fame pageant in Atlanta. A final dance tribute to the gospel song, “Prodigal Son” was performed, and then Miss North Carolina A&T State University 2008-2009 made her entrance. Her boyfriend, Robert Alston, escorted her.

There was a dramatic video presentation as she came out, depicting Fordham being surrounded by bad influences such as smoking and alcohol.

As she walked out, she was covered in a black robe as dark angels tried to get to her but were defeated. When she arrived at her throne, she disrobed, uncovering her beautiful white dress.

Fordham was presented with her crown by Johnson and took her first walk to the song “Superwoman” by Alicia Keys before she sat on her throne. The organizational kings and queens then honored her with a waltz.

In her royal address, she thanked God and her supporters in her own unique poetic and musical style. “Look how far the Lord has brought us” was a recurring statement as she spoke about her faith and how it is always right to do the Lord’s work and be grateful for what He has done.

Dr. Rashid allowed special guests to present Miss A&T with tributes. SGA members, other royal courts, family and friends stood before the queen and gave their loving remarks. The most exciting tribute came from boyfriend Robert Alston, who recited Bible verses and loving remarks before shocking the crowd by presenting Fordham with a marriage proposal. Of course, she said yes.

“This couldn’t have been a better night for me. What girl wouldn’t want to be proposed to like that?”

With closing remarks from Chancellor Battle and SGA President Marcus Bass, the crowd was left with only positive impressions from the ceremony.

Alease Duncan, a junior political science and public relations major from Capital Heights, Md. said, “I thought it was really nice. I liked the theme, the spoken word and the way that they narrated everything. I thought it was very nice that Rob proposed to Tanisha and it was shocking.”

With Fordham wearing two crowns and an engagement ring, there are only great things to be expected from the rising star.

• laporsha lowry