By Jewell Porter
Editor-in-Chief
Denison’s very own chapter of Sigma Lambda Gamma Sorority, Inc. (SLG) came in first place in the Stroll For the Kids Competition, which was hosted by Delta Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc. at the University of Cincinnati last weekend. Denison’s chapter of Chi Sigma Tau Fraternity, Inc. (CST) ranked second in the competition.
Marina Martinez ‘15, vice president of Denison’s chapter of SLG, said that the purpose of the Stroll for the Kids Competition was to provide additional funding for Delta Phi Lambda’s philanthropy: Boys Hope Girls Hope (BHGH).
According to its website, the purpose of BHGH is as follows: “By providing children with arms-around care, safe homes and environments, a first-class education, opportunities to learn more about themselves and the world, and academic, financial and spiritual support through college, Boys Hope Girls Hope empowers children to realize the potential that is within them.”
Seven sororities and fraternities were featured in the competition, including Denison’s chapter. Martinez said that what made this competition so interesting was that “the competition was gender neutral, which was cool and different from what we’ve been accustomed to.”
Jessica Hess, Larissa Riviera, Daisy Ochoa, Marina Martinez, Cece McGee, Jillian Hadley, Helen Vaquero, Julieta Diaz, and Janyce Caraballo pose after winning first place.
SLG was the only sorority that participated in the competition. Two co-ed chapters and four fraternities, including CST, also participated in the strolling competition.
Because of the time spent planning their own event, Rico Suave, at the beginning of the month, SLG prepared their routine largely after returning to school after spring break. Martinez said, “As you can imagine, trying to choreography and perfect a competition worthy routine with 9 women in less than a week was very stressful.”
Martinez continued, “Yet, as we arrived to the competition we felt confident and prepared, despite the short time frame we had to practice. We dedicated many late nights to ensure we could put our best foot forward at our first ever competition.”
The sorority’s vice president said that her favorite part of the competition was their snippet of Beyonce’s song, “Freakum Dress.”
She said, “The moves we paired with it allowed us to showcase the sassy, confident women that we all are!”
Martinez could not be prouder of the job that SLG and CST both did at the Stroll for the Kids Competition. She said, “I would also like to applaud our fellow council members of Chi Sigma Tau for snagging the second place trophy at this competition!
She continued, “We now have two beautiful trophies to decorate our office with and I couldn’t be more proud of us!”
Photos Courtesy of Delta Phi Lamda