Story By: Sarah Turner

MONTEVALLO, Ala. – The start of the spring semester in Montevallo also marks the return of the oldest homecoming tradition in the country, and this year, it was painted purple.

Since students returned to campus in January, competitions have steadily ramped up across athletics and activities, from esports to volleyball to ultimate frisbee. On Friday, Feb. 13, in the intermission between the two side’s shows, the College Night Dedication and the crowning of Mr. and Ms. Montevallo took place.

Every year, College Night is dedicated to a university faculty or staff member that has a strong influence on the student body, and is chosen by that year’s College Night side leaders. This year, College Night was dedicated to Jenny Bell, the Director of Student Life. 

Seniors David Rountree and Mia Wilson were named this year’s Mr. and Ms. Montevallo, voted on by the student body. 

“I feel absolutely on top of the world,” Wilson said after receiving her award. “This just means so much to me.”

Heading into the final show on Saturday, Feb. 14, Gold Side held the overall points lead thanks to strong performances in athletic events, but Purple Side claimed its second consecutive overall victory over Gold Side.

Gold Side: Cloaked in Red

Gold Side’s production transported the audience to Baxford, a fantasy village, under constant threat from an evil scientist, Romula, and her half-human, half-animal creations.

The story follows three village protectors, Goldie, Jack and Rory, who, with the help of Atticus, one of Romula’s former experiments, embark on a journey to stop the scientist’s reign of terror. Together, they must learn to trust one another to restore peace to the village.

Despite the loss, Paisley Barrow, Gold Side’s assistant women’s volleyball coach, said she was incredibly proud of the effort her side put forth.

“I know a lot goes into it, very late nights and so much work by the cast and every athletic team,” Barrow said. “But we win as a side, and we’re going to lose as a side together.”

Purple Side: Kaleidoscope

Purple Side’s show, Kaleidoscope, celebrated inclusivity, individuality and the power of connection.

The production followed Detective Dansby, a struggling investigator facing failure both in their career and personal life. With their job on the line, Dansby is handed a single piece of evidence, a kaleidoscope, in a critical case.

Looking through the kaleidoscope sends Dansby on a journey through different worlds, where they meet characters who have been excluded or overlooked. Along the way, Dansby not only solves the case, but also finds belonging and true friendship.

Mia Wilson, who was also an ensemble member in the show and one of Purple Side’s head vocal coaches, said the recognition meant everything to everyone involved.

“It means the world that we were really seen through our show,” Wilson said. “It was so fun and so exhilarating. I learned so much, and I’m so grateful that the judges were able to see that too.”

To watch both performances in full, visit the MontevalloForYou YouTube channel for the complete “Sweet Saturday” replay.