The elaborate dresses are definitely a memorable part of the Veiled Prophet Ball, but ask anyone involved with the tradition, and he or she will tell you it goes much deeper than silk and taffeta. The young women who walk during the ball are involved in their community and eager to make an impact in the world around them. T&S spoke with three maids about their accomplishments and goals for the future.
Anjolaoluwa Akande (pictured above)
MICDS (2013), Regent’s University London
What were you involved in during high school?
I was an MICDS Student Recruitment Ambassador, served on the International Committee, a member of the Signet Society (senior ambassador to the underclassmen), and active with the African American Mentor Program. I also did a lot of community service projects with Missouri Baptist Medical Center, Habitat for Humanity, Pennies for Peru and the National Charity League.
What are you studying?
Psychology
What are your career goals?
I want a career in public relations. I would really like to work for a company where I can use what I learn about human behavior to make the firm more successful.
What activities keep you busy in college?
I was the psychology representative for the BA program for my school council, serving as a liaison between the students and professors. I also write for the university newspaper and am events officer for the student union this school year.
What made you choose Regent’s?
I traveled around the world throughout my childhood, and I loved exploring different cultures. I wanted to be in a place where I could experience a different environment and most importantly, make friends with people from all over the world. I’m very grateful to be living in such a ‘melting pot.’
What is it like to be involved with the VP?
It’s really opened my eyes to the meaning of philanthropy and how rewarding it is to communities and those doing it. Being a part of the VP community service initiative taught me the importance of serving your community in any way you can. It’s allowed me to meet a lot of influential people in St. Louis associated with the organization. And it’s great to become friends with the other maids!
Has anyone else in your family walked?
My sister, Moyosola, was the 1st special maid at the 128th ball.
What did you do for community service?
I volunteered at Rainbow Village and Beyond Housing and gardened at Queeny Park. I really enjoyed getting to know more about the other maids. I have always been involved with community service but the VP captures the teamwork element that goes into these projects, which makes the experience even more memorable.
Tell me about finding your dress.
My entire family, especially my dad, was helpful in choosing a design. I spent a lot of time on Pinterest, reading fashion blogs and looking at various designers so I could get ideas. The African fabric was specially crafted for me; it’s authentic and bold, which speaks to my heritage and culture.
Hannah Kloppenburg
Ladue Horton Watkins (2013), University of Oklahoma
What were you involved in during high school?
I rowed for St. Louis Rowing Club all four years; my brother got me into it. I tried it as a freshman and fell in love with it.
What are you studying?
I’m a math education major.
What are your career goals?
One day I’ll be a math teacher, but I’m not sure which grade yet, maybe high school.
What activities keep you busy in college?
I was recruited by OU for rowing, so that takes up most of my time. We train all year and have a fall and spring season. About once a month, my team and I will do some kind of community service outreach, like playing bingo with nursing home residents.
What is it like to be involved with the VP?
When I first started doing the community service initiative, I didn’t understand how much of an impact it could have on me or those we were serving, but after a couple of Saturdays, I got it. And that time with my dad is so rare because we’re both so busy. Walking in the ball is very important to our families, but in reality, the most important thing is the community service.
Has anyone else in your family walked?
My sister, Sarah, was in the ball four years ago, and my mom, Ann, walked when she was our age. My aunts were in it also.
What did you do for community service?
I worked at a food pantry, fixed houses and planted flowers. It’s also a great way to get to know the other girls.
Tell me about finding your dress.
Not a lot of girls my age get to go through that process, so I felt very fortunate to get to try on so many beautiful dresses. Every time I think about my dress, I smile. My sister and mom helped me. It was hard keeping it a surprise from my dad, but I wanted to wait to reveal it to him that night.
Katherine Pope
Kirkwood High School (2013), University of Missouri
What were you involved in during high school?
Writer and editor on the yearbook staff; tennis (captain my senior year); class officer for Student Council; and co-president of the Mock Trial team, which helped me choose my major.
What are you studying?
Political science with a minor in informational technology.
What are your career goals?
My ultimate goal is to end up in Washington, D.C., after college to work in public policy. I would love to be a crisis manager for political campaigns.
What activities keep you busy in college?
I’m a member of Kappa Alpha Theta sorority, and we hold two fundraisers for CASA every year. It’s great to be in a sorority and also have the benefit of helping the community. I’m on the mock trial team, which is definitely more challenging at this level, and I’m a member of Pi Sigma Alpha, a political science club.
What is it like to be involved with the VP?
I went to my first VP when I was in seventh grade, and I was just blown away by it all. Every year I wanted to go back and pick out my favorite dresses. As I got older, my dad explained to me that a lot more went into it than just the big ball. My dad and I walked in the parade a couple of times. So much effort goes into it, and it was awesome to make all the watching kids smile.
Has anyone else in your family walked?
My mom walked, and also two of my cousins. It was cool to see their dresses, and to watch them go through the experience, waiting for mine.
What did you do for community service?
My dad and I did the Walk a Mile in Her Shoes event, which was pretty funny to see these men wearing red high heels with suits. My dad always made it very clear to me that walking in the VP was a privilege. My mom is on a volunteer board at Children’s Hospital, so she would always take me to events when I was little, and as I got older, I started helping out. I worked at the hospital’s summer camp for children with cerebral palsy, called Camp Independence.
Tell me about finding your dress.
My mom and I went to Enchanted Bride, and I fell in love with the owner. We started the process in March, and the dress was done in July. I didn’t let my dad see it until the night of because he wanted to keep it a surprise. I just can’t believe my year finally came. I’m very honored I got to participate and enjoyed spending the night with my dad and friends.
