Debutante Cotillion / An Array of Precious Pearls

An Array of Precious Pearls

By Phyllis Stokes
Of The Commercial Staff

The 46th Annual Debutante Cotillion presented by Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., Delta Omega Omega Chapter was held recently at the Pine Bluff Convention Center. All eyes steadfastly gazed as 36 young ladies were formally introduced to society.

The banquet hall, softly decorated in pink and white with a rose-petal-covered floor and pearl-wrapped glass centerpieces, set the stage for this year’s theme, “An Array of Precious Pearls.” Debutantes were introduced by Laurence B. Alexander, chancellor of the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, and Carolyn Frazier Blakely, a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha and inductee to the National Alumni Hall of Fame at UAPB. Soloist Keith Savage serenaded the ladies with “Something About Your Love” and “You Are So Beautiful.” Felicitations were offered by Bettye Wright and Teresa Moka.

As the curtain opened, each debutante, elegantly dressed in a full-length white ball gown, emerged as an iridescent gem from its shell. Demonstrating poise and sophistication, the young ladies stepped onto the platform to a waiting audience of parents, relatives, escorts, friends and other well-wishers. Through their approximately four-month process of preparation, the debutantes — all high school seniors — participated in activities aimed at developing character, enhancing academic excellence, practicing proper etiquette and social graces in their goals of becoming exceptional women discovering and fulfilling their dreams.

Sabrene Jolley, a senior at Pine Bluff High School is already making her mark doing poetry on 88.3 KABF Young & Unashamed Radio in Little Rock. Sabrene is honored to have been selected as a debutante. “It feels good,” she said. “Not many girls get picked … I am happy that I did.” Sharing her pre-Cotillion jitters she added, “We spent a lot of time preparing and I pray we do a very good job when we dance and present ourselves in front of people.” She said the experience has benefited her because, “a lot of things they have talked to us about has helped me grow.” Morgan Gathen from Warren High School aspires to go to the University of Arkansas at Little Rock to become a pediatric nurse. Happy that the big moment had finally arrived she said, “I am excited to see everyone do all the things we have practiced.” She did, however, admit to being “a little nervous about remembering the steps to the dance and the curtsey.”

On the other hand, Cotillion committee team member, Mattie Collins lacked no confidence. “Theses ladies are sharp,” she said. “They have worked so well together and had great attitudes. We are proud of them.” The committee was especially proud that 29 of the 36 debutantes are honor students. The debutante with the highest grade point average in each of the six schools represented received the GPA Cotillion Award.

Recipients were Morgan Gathen, Jensen Johnson, Kennedi Brown, Ja’Toria Kaye Burton, Daphne Dunn and Andrea Williams. Miss Congeniality was awarded to Samicia King. The Margaret Spearman award, given to the debutante who most clearly exemplified the expected character, personality, and spirit typically observed in young women chosen to be debutantes went to Kennedy Camille DeBose, a senior at Pine Bluff High School. Jenson and Morgan were respectively second and first runner-up for the crown, while Miss Debutante went to Aeriel Mack, a senior at PBHS.

After the debutantes gracefully waltzed with their fathers or gentleman presenters, followed by a waltz with their escorts, the evening climaxed with the sorority sisters singing their national hymn.

Terri Jackson is the president of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., Delta Omega Omega Chapter. Since 1968, Delta Omega Omega Chapter has provided an avenue for young ladies in the community to gain skills to help them transition successfully into adulthood.

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