Ak-Sar-Ben

Ak-Sar-Ben royalty includes journalism majors

The mythical kingdom of Quivira as home for a few days in October to four students from the College of Journalism and Mass Communications.

The four were members of the court for the annual Ak-Sar-Ben coronation ceremonies held in Omaha Oct. 13-16. Sarah Duey and Kara Morrison were Ak-Sar-Ben countesses. Justin McWhorter and Patrick Piper were escorts.

According to Kathy Martin, publicity chairman for the Ak-Sar-Ben Women’s Ball committee, the members of the court are chosen as a way of honoring their families for the volunteer work they do in their respective communities. Twenty-three Ak-Sar-Ben princesses are chosen from among Omaha families; 23 countesses are chosen from other communities in the state. The 50 escorts come from all over the state since Martin says, the Ak-Sar-Ben festivities are “ a celebration for al of Nebraska.”

The events began on Wednesday evening with a dinner party for the participants and their families. The countesses, princesses and escorts spent time on Thursday, Friday and Saturday in rehearsals for the coronation ball, which was held Saturday evening.

The coronation itself drew about 5,000 people this year, Martin said, to honor more than 200 families for community service. Proceeds from the festival go to scholarships. “It’s a good way to bring a lot of people together and to incorporate good things from all over the state,” Martin says.

All four journalism students who were members of the court are seniors.

Duey, a news-editorial major, is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. David Duey, Scottsbluff. Morrison, also a news-editorial major, is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Morrison, Clearwater. McWhorter and Piper are both advertising majors. They are the sons of Mr. and Mrs. Steven McWorter, Omaha, and Mr. and Mrs. Charles Piper, Lincoln, respectively.