The Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Delta Omega Omega Chapter hosted its 50th Debutante Cotillion on Saturday, December 16, 2017, at the Pine Bluff Convention Center.
This year’s cotillion, called the Golden Ball, marks the 50th Cotillion and the 2018 celebration will mark the 50th year. Debutantes, family and friends enjoyed interactive food and beverage stations as they mixed and mingled during the reception that preceded the ball. At the Cotillion, forty-five prim and proper young ladies dressed in formal white gowns danced across the floor to the Traditional Waltz with their fathers and then with their escorts. They followed up with the Cotillionette and a contemporary dance segment called The Golden Flare.
The theme for this year’s Cotillion was, “Precious Pearls Radiating Golden Beauty.”
“The fabulous decorations for the cotillion were attributed to the dream and creativity of the decorations committee chaired by sorority member, Dr. Jacquelyn Pryor,” said Program and Presentations Chairman Mattie Collins.
The presenters were Dr. Roy Burrell and his wife, Attorney Keidra Burrell who are both natives of New Orleans, Louisiana, but are now residents of Pine Bluff. During the formal introduction to society, each young lady took the floor individually to be presented to the audience of over six-hundred proud parents, relatives, mentors and supporters as their personal accomplishments and aspirations were announced. The Honorable Judge Alex Guynn gave the official welcome to society. Felicitations were given by sorority member, Mrs. Sheena Meadows.
Mrs. Sheena Meadows, Interim Assistant to the Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, presented the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Scholarships and awards to all forty-five Debutantes on behalf of Chancellor Laurence B. Alexander. “I would like to encourage you all to become a part of the pride,” Meadows said, addressing the debutantes. Debutante Kennedy McCoy was awarded the Chancellor’s Scholarship to UAPB for having the highest ACT score of 29. Other scholarships in varied amounts were awarded for books, tuition, and room and board cost. Hundreds of scholarships have been awarded since the first Debutante Cotillion was held in 1968 at Hestand Stadium. Debutantes completed a three month program that exposed them to social, cultural, academic, and community service projects to support them in their success after high school. Delta Omega Omega Chapter member Mrs. Willette Totten, confirmed that they were all certifiably equipped to be presented as they enter their new chapter in life. Golden Member of the sorority, Dr. Carolyn Blakely, followed up with the reading of expectations for Debutantes.
"When we are old and sleepy and all the stars of evening fall. We, yet, will cherish memories of "The Great Cotillion Ball."; excerpt of a poem written by Helen S. Cotton was read by Ms. Keisha Cawley. Cotillion guests were entertained with heart-warming songs from three dynamic soloists including Ms. Morgan Monk, Mr. Bobby Racy, Jr. and Mr. Duane Jackson. Reception entertainment was performed by Mr. Joshua Fletcher on piano.
Debutante Elise Darton, a senior at Pine Bluff High School, was crowned as Miss Debutante 2017 by Tri-Chairmen Ms. Commeka Goodloe, Ms. Michaela Howard and Mrs. Lavatia Wooten. Darton is the daughter of Rev. and Mrs. Arnold Robertson, Jr. and Mr. Elward Darton, II. Miss. Darton’s escort for the evening was Mr. Diaundre’ Ellison, son of Ms. Maricha Walker and Mr. Clint Ellison. Miss Darton stated, “I am excited to be completing my final year of high school and becoming a Debutante has been one of the highlights of my senior year! I’ve had the chance to meet so many young ladies from different backgrounds who share the same qualities as mine and who want to attend college, graduate, and have a successful career, while giving back to the community. I chose to become a Debutante so that I could learn how to better prepare myself for life after high school. It was my hope that I would learn what it takes to become a successful and respectable young woman in today’s society. The activities that I attended will allow me to use what I learned, not only while attending college, but for the rest of my life. My mom Damiccah Robertson was also a Debutante, so I am very excited and honored to be introduced to society, just as she was in 1994!”
First Runner-Up, Debutante Corinne Ridgell stated, “My experience as a Debutante in the 2017 Debutante Cotillion of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated has been a learning experience as well as exciting and rewarding. I have met so many people from many different communities. Having participated in the various events and activities, I have gained knowledge, self- confidence, and character. It was rewarding when I was awarded an academic award and a book scholarship from the First Sisters Outreach, Inc. I hope that my learning experiences will assist me in my future endeavors and I pray that my future will include assisting young women in reaching their goals.”
Second Runner-Up, Debutante Nia Hall, is a Debutante from Little Rock Central High School and she traveled frequently to Pine Bluff to participate in activities and this grand event. Ms. Hall followed up with “I am glad that I was awarded second runner-up in the 2017 Debutante Program. This was a great accomplishment for me! Honestly, I was not interested in participating in the process initially. Not to mention, my dance skills were not the greatest. As I attended each event, I learned that the program is more about interacting with, supporting, and empowering other young African American women from various backgrounds, communities and other schools. However, the most important memory that I will take with me from Debutante experience is the self-confidence I have gained to complete this commitment. As I asked friends and family for donations, I realized their love and commitment to my future and dream of attending the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff was unquestionable. In the end, I am truly grateful for the opportunity to participate in the Debutante Cotillion and to being among such beautiful young ladies.”
Dr. Jacquelyn McCray, a Golden Member of the sorority, announced Debutante Briana Johnson as the winner of the 2017 Margaret Spearman Award. Miss Briana Johnson said, “As a 2017 Debutante, the experience has been great. This journey, has taught me leadership and social skills. I have learned to be more confident with myself and believe that I can achieve whatever goals I set for myself. This event and opportunity has opened up many doors for me. I have also developed friendships with the other girls that I hope last forever. I would like to thank the Tri-Chairmen for helping me become a better me. I will never forget this experience.”
Debutante Kaylin Dean was awarded the Miss Congeniality Award. This award was given to the friendliest and most amiable Debutante which was determined by a vote among the Debutantes.
A Golden Member of the sorority, Mrs. Dorothy McFadden, was also recognized for her years of work with the sorority choreography. The award was presented by member, Chandra Griffin who explained that the award was a surprise to Mrs. McFadden, but that she was unable to attend due to another obligation. 2016 Miss Debutante, Miss Alexi Mack, was also unable to attend the event due to illness; however, her grandmother, sorority member Mrs. Ruthie Mack, provided remarks.
Entry into the Debutante Program required a recommendation and grade point average of 2.50 and above. According to Tri-Chairmen Commeka Goodloe, “Most of the participants had very high ACT scores as well and cumulative grade point averages of 3.00-4.00.” Not only did these young ladies learn social skills, but they were also taught skills to prepare them for their ACT. They were also taken on college tours that educated them on what college entails and what is required to excel at that level of education.
"This 50th Debutante Cotillion is a vital part of our chapter’s history; some of these young ladies’ mothers were once debutantes." said Debutante Program and Presentation Committee Chairman and chapter member, Mattie Collins. “This group of young ladies were remarkable! Being selected to become a Debutante is a great honor and privilege that is only extended to a very limited number of young women.” stated the Debutante Publicity Committee Chairman and chapter member, Deborah A. Thomas.
This year’s Debutante Ball closed with refreshments in the lobby. Aramark Catering services provided food for the reception. Mrs. Rossia Brown-Broughton, chaired the committee.
This year’s Golden and historical event required the help of numerous committee members in order for it to be successful. In addition to Tri-Chairmen Commeka Goodloe, Michaela Howard, and Lavatia Wooten, President, Willette Totten and other Delta Omega Omega Officers, Committee Chairmen, Committee Co-Chairmen and numerous Delta Omega Omega Members who worked tirelessly. Golden Members with fifty years of service within the sorority include: Carolyn Blakely, Jessie Clemmons, Gwendolyn Cooper, Barbara Gathen, Katryne Horton, Jacquelyn McCray and Dorothy McFadden. Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated is an international service organization that was founded in 1908 on the campus of Howard University in Washington, D.C. It is the oldest Greek-letter organization established by African-American college- educated women.
The forty-five 2017 Debutantes represented:; Dollarway High School, Little Rock Central High School, North Little Rock High School, Pine Bluff High School, Ridgway Christian High School, Sheridan High School, Warren High School, Watson Chapel High School and White Hall High School.
For additional information concerning the Debutante Cotillion please contact Tri-Chairmen at commekagoodloe@yahoo.com, myssmyke256@yahoo.com, or lwooten70@icloud.com.
Book Sponsorship Scholarships were awarded to the following Debutantes:
LM Wind Power
Gold sponsorship
Deb Kamrin Peters
Special Contributors
Highest ACT
Deb Kennedy McCoy
Miss Congeniality
Deb Kaylin Dean
Margaret Spearman Award
Deb Briana Johnson
UAPB 2018 Fall Book Scholarship
Deb Corrinne Ridgell
UAPB 2018 Fall Book Scholarship
Deb Tykia Roberson
UAPB 2018 Fall Book Scholarship
Deb De’Shabrion Williams
Delta Sigma Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc.
UAPB 2018 Fall Book Scholarship
Deb Tori Davis
Pine Bluff Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc.
UAPB 2018 Fall Book Scholarship
Deb Alantis Alexander
Alumni Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc.
UAPB 2018 Fall Book Scholarship
Deb Farolyn Murray
The University Foundation Scholarship:($250.00 One-time Book Scholarship)
Alantis Alexander Trinity Haynes
Deaysia Bishop Tinesha Hence
Kaya Boston Madison Jackson
Keirria Brice Briana Johnson
Marrissa Davis Farolyn Murray
Kaylin Dean Corrine Ridgell
Tyesha Ferguson Tykia Roberson
Jerrica Gipson Deachane Scott
Bobbi Simone Glover Jy’cia Spencer
Nia Hall Markiya Standoak
Roshuna Harris JoAnna Swygert
The Golden Lion Book: ($500.00 Book Scholarship per year)
Britney Bobo Kayla Evans
Joy Byrd Kimerria Handley
Carrington Craig Kiyah Jasper
Elise Darton Jaidan Woods-Keith
Tori Davis Nia Smith
The UAPB Leadership Scholarship ($1,000 per year)
Jerrica Bell Lakeeya Hopkins
Iliah Easter Robbye Payne
Destini Hill Kamrin Peters
The Dean’s Academic Tuition ($5,400 per year)
CeAnna Blunt
Charla Colen
Lydya Deshazier
Or’Lexis Lane
The University Scholarship ($11,880 per year)
Ariana Lovett
De’Shabrion Williams
The Chancellor’s Scholarship ($15,980 per year)
Kennedy McCoy
The forty-five 2017 Debutantes represented the following schools; Dollarway High School, Little Rock Central High School, North Little Rock High School, Pine Bluff High School, Ridgway Christian High School, Sheridan High School, Warren High School, Watson Chapel High School and White Hall High School.
Miss Debutante -Debutante Elise Darton
Parents: Rev. and Mrs. Arnold Robertson, Jr. and Mr. Elward Darton, II
Presenter: Rev. Arnold Robertson, Jr., Father
School: Pine Bluff High School
Escort: Diaundre’ Ellison
Parents of Escort: Ms. Maricha Walker and Mr. Clint Ellison
1st Runner Up -Debutante Corinne Ridgell
Parents: Mr. and Mrs. David Ridgell
Presenter: Mr. Thomas Gathen, Grandfather
School: Warren High School
Escort: Marcus Richardson
Parent of Escort: Ms. Maxine Fox
2nd Runner Up -Debutante Nia Hall
Parents: Ms. LaDonna Hall
Presenter: Mr. Nicholas Hall, Brother
School: Watson Chapel High School
Escort: Quentin Urquhart
Parent of Escort: Ms. Elaine Ridgell
Margaret Spearman Award - Debutante Briana Johnson
Parents: Mrs. Angela Johnson and Mr. Larry Johnson
Presenter: Mr. Joey Gardner, Brother
School: Pine Bluff High School
Escort: Tarius Burnett
Parents of Escort: Ms. Torrie Mitchell and Mr. Terry Burnett
Debutante Alantis Shavonne Alexander
Parents: Mr. and Mrs. Erick Walker, Sr.and Mr. Antonio Alexander
Presenter: Mr. Antonio Alexander, Father
School: White Hall High School
Escort: Emmanuel Young, Jr.
Parents of Escort: Mrs. TaCarla Young and Mr. Emmanuel Young, Sr.
Debutante Jerica Bell
Parents: Mr. and Mrs. Michael Johnson and Mr. and Mrs. Johnathan Bell
Presenter: Mr. Johnathan Bell, Father
School: Watson Chapel High School
Escort: Kaleb Hill
Parents of Escort: Ms. Tara Ward
Debutante Deaysia Bishop
Parents: The late Ms. Andrika Henderson and the late Mr. Reggie Bishop
Grandparents: Mr. Leevell and Mrs. Erma Henderson
Presenter: Mr. Leevell Henderson, Grandfather
School: Pine Bluff High School
Escort: Kylen Williams
Parents of Escort: Ms. Kincyl Kelly and Mr. Barry Williams
Debutante CeAnna Blunt
Parents: Mr. and Mrs. Clifton & Karen Blunt
Presenter: Mr. Clifton Blunt, Father
School: Watson Chapel High School
Escort: Chandler Tate
Parents of Escort: Mr. and Mrs. Vincent Tate
Debutante Britney Bobo
Parents: Mr. and Mrs. Gregory Bobo
Presenter: Mr. Gregory Bobo, Father
School: Pine Bluff High School
Escort: Kevawn Goins
Parents of Escort: Ms. Theresa Scott and the late Mr. Wiley Goins
Debutante Kaya Boston
Parents: Ms. Lamontica McFarland and Mr. Terrance Boston
Presenter: Mr. Terrance Boston, Father
School: Pine Bluff High School
Escort: Jaylin Dean
Parents of Escort: Mr. and Mrs. Jason Williams and Mr. and Mrs. Michael Dean
Debutante Keirria Brice
Parents: Mrs. Karla Brice and Mr. Kinney Brice
Presenter: Mr. Kinney Brice, Father
School: Pine Bluff High School
Escort: Derrick Sloan, Jr.
Parents of Escort: Mr. and Mrs. Derrick Sloane, Sr.
Debutante Joy Byrd
Parents: Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Byrd
Presenter: Mr. Raymond Byrd, Father
School: Ridgway Christian High School
Escort: Jarvis Paylor
Parents of Escort: Mr. and Mrs. Pete Paylor
Debutante Charla Colen
Parents: Dr. and Mrs. Charles Colen, Jr.
Presenter: Dr. Charles Colen, Jr., Father
School: Pine Bluff High School
Escort: Drayton Noble
Parents of Escort: Mr. Loyd and Mrs. Kellie Vaugh Noble
Debutante Carrington Craig
Parents: Ms. Sonja James and Mr. Anthony Craig
Presenter: Mr. Jesse Butler, Grandfather
School: Pine Bluff High School
Escort: Cameron Crane
Parents of Escort: Mr. and Mrs. Leo Crane
Debutante Marissa Davis
Parents: Rev. and Mrs. Renice Davis
Presenter: Rev. Renice Davis, Father
School: Arkansas Virtual Academy
Escort: Coby Rhodes
Parents of Escort: Mr. Lumound and Mrs. Tokemma Rhodes
Debutante Tori Davis
Parents: Mr. and Mrs. Kenny Davis
Presenter: Mr. Kenny Davis, Father
School: Pine Bluff High School
Escort: Gregory King
Parents of Escort: Mr. and Mrs. Nathaniel Jackson
Debutante Kaylin Dean
Parents: Mr. and Mrs. Jason Williams, and Mr. and Mrs. Michael Dean
Presenter: Mr. Jason Williams, Stepfather
School: Pine Bluff High School
Escort: Mr. Dimetrick Wallace
Parents of Escort: Mr. Deondrick Wallace and Ms. Kim Howard
Debutante Lydya DeShazier
Parents: Mr. and Mrs. Travis DeShazier
Presenter: Mr. Travis DeShazier, Father
School: Pine Bluff High School
Escort: Johnathon Callum
Parents of Escort: Mr. and Mrs. James Bowman
Debutante ILiah Easter
Parents: Mrs. Peggy Easter and Mr. Isaiah Easter
Presenter: Mr. Aubrey Goodwin, Grandfather
School: Ridgway Christian School
Escort: Braylon Hill
Parents of Escort: Mr. Juan and Mrs. Christi Hill
Debutante Kalaya Evans
Parents: Mr. Dewaine and Dr. Vivian Evans
Presenter: Mr. Dewaine Evans, Father
School: Pine Bluff High School
Escort: Wesley Hunt, Jr.
Parents of Escort: Mr. Wesley Hunt, Sr. and Mrs. Vanina Hunt
Debutante Tyesha Ferguson
Parents: Ms. Tamela Ferguson and Mr. and Mrs. Marcus Toney
Presenter: Mr. Marcus Toney, Father
School: Pine Bluff High School
Escort: D’Vonte Jackson
Parents of Escort: Ms. Hazel Jackson
Debutante Jerrica Gipson
Parents: Mrs. Charliemay Gipson and Mr. Jeremy Gipson
Presenter: Mr. Fernard Gardner, Cousin
School: Pine Bluff High School
Escort: Taylor Johnson
Parents of Escort: Ms. Laura Hildreth and Mr. Bernard Johnson
Debutante Bobbi-Simone Glover
Parents: Ms. Mamie Smile and Mr. Vince Glover
Presenter: Mr. Vince Glover, Father
School: White Hall High School
Escort: Marcus Richardson
Parents of Escort: Ms. Maxine Fox
Debutante Kimerra Handley
Parents: Ms. Kimberly Williams and Mr. Thaddeus Handley
Presenter: Mr. Thaddeus Handley, Father
School: Watson Chapel High School
Escort: Jalyn Williams
Parents of Escort: Ms. Karla Williams and Mr. Corey Williams
Debutante Roshuna Harris
Parents: Mr. and Mrs. Rodney Washington and Mr. and Mrs. Rodney Harris
Presenter: Mr. Rodney Washington, Stepfather
School: Pine Bluff High School
Escort: Kevin Crumpton, Jr.
Parents of Escort: Rev. and Mrs. Kevin Crumpton,Sr.
Debutante Trinity Haynes
Parents: Ms. Nikita Brown and Mr. Jessie Haynes
Presenter: Mr. Kieran Scott, Brother
School: Pine Bluff High School
Escort: Isiah Singleton
Parents of Escort: Mr. and Mrs. Eddie Singleton
Debutante Tienesha Hence
Parents: Mr. Olenteonis Hence and the late Mrs. Tiesa Hence
Presenter: Mr. Olenteonis Hence, Father
School: White Hall High School
Escort: Kalab Glover
Parents of Escort: Mr. and Mrs. Joshua Owens
Debutante Destini Hill
Parents: Mrs. Laqueta Hill and the late Mr. Robert Hill
Presenter: Mr. John Releford, Sr, Grandfather
School: Watson Chapel High School
Escort: Demetris Johnson, Jr.
Parents of Escort: Ms. Flora Gipson and Mrs. Takellia Johnson and Mr. Demetris Johnson, Sr.
Debutante Lakeeya Hopkins
Parents: Ms. Amy Lowe and Mr. Elijah Hopkins
Presenter: Mr. Elijah Hopkins, Father
School: Dollarway High School
Escort: Kaleb Taylor
Parents of Escort: The late Ms. Latosha Hopkins and Rev. and Mrs. Christopher Mack III
Debutante Madison Jackson
Parents: Ms. Nicole Barr and Mr. James Jackson III
Presenter: Mr. James Jackson III, Father
School: Watson Chapel High School
Escort: Jordan Partridge
Parents of Escort: Ms. Chelley Partridge
Debutante Kiyah Jasper
Parents: Mr. and Mrs. Timothy Jasper, Sr.
Presenter: Mr. Timothy Jasper, Sr., Father
School: North Little Rock High School
Escort: Rex Smith, Jr.
Parents of Escort: Mrs. Amanda Hines and Mr. Rex Smith, Sr.
Debutante Or’Lexis Lane
Parents: Mr. and Mrs. Ormond Lane
Presenter: Mr. Ormond Lane, Father
School: Pine Bluff High School
Escort: Jaylen Williams
Parents of Escort: Mr. and Mrs. Joshua Williams
Debutante Ariana Lovett
Parents: Ms. Travestine Lovett
Presenter: Mr. Alfred Flowers, Sr., Grandfather
School: Watson Chapel High School
Escort: Justin Tillar
Parents of Escort: Ms. Dewonna Collier
Debutante Kennedy McCoy
Parents: Ms. Sherri McCoy
Presenter: Mr. J. Y. Williams, Jr., Grandfather
School: Pine Bluff High School
Escort: Keith Boyd
Parents of Escort: Mr. Keith and Mrs. Jacquelyn Boyd
Debutante Farolyn Murray
Parents: Mr. and Mrs. Roosevelt Murray, Sr.
Presenter: Mr. Roosevelt Murray, Sr., Father
School: White Hall High School
Escort: Kendrick Williams, Jr.
Parents of Escort: Mr. and Mrs. Kendrick Williams, Sr.
Debutante Robbye Payne
Parents: Mr. and Mrs. Kelvin Payne
Presenter: Mr. Kelvin Payne, Father
School: Watson Chapel High School
Escort: Markevion Harris
Parents of Escort: Mr. and Mrs. Edward Barnett
Debutante Kamrin Peters
Parents: Mr. and Mrs. Michael Lee and Mr. Anthony Peters, Jr.
Presenter: Mr. Michael Lee, Stepfather
School: Watson Chapel High School
Escort:Cory Evans, Jr.
Parents of Escort: Mr. and Mrs. Cory Evans, Sr.
Debutante Tykia Roberson
Parents: Ms. Kenyada Ireland and Mr. Gregory Murray
Presenter: Mr. Gregory Murray, Father
School: Watson Chapel High School
Escort: Darian Scull
Parents of Escort: Ms. Carla Johnson
Debutante Deachane Scott
Parents: Mr. and Mrs. Michael and Tamika Scott
Presenter: Mr. Michael Scott, Father
School: Pine Bluff High School
Escort: Jyrimee Thompson
Parents of Escort: Mrs. Pamela Hawkins
Debutante Jylia Spencer
Parents: Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Blood and Mr. Jason Spencer
Presenter: Mr. Kevin Blood, Stepfather
School: Pine Bluff High School
Escort: Timothy Barnett
Parents of Escort: Mr. and Mrs. Edward Barnett
Debutante Nia Smith
Parents: Mrs. Stacey Smith and Mr. Terrance Smith
Presenter: Mr. Terrance Smith, Father
School: Little Rock Central High School
Escort: Jared Turner
Parents of Escort: Mr. and Mrs. Victor Turner
Debutante Markiya Standoak
Parents: Mr. and Mrs. Curtis Standoak, Sr.
Presenter: Mr. Curtis Standoak, Sr., Father
School: Pine Bluff High School
Escort: Jeremy Frazier
Parents of Escort: Ms. Marcia Ladd and Mr. Clevent Frazier
Debutante JoAnna Swygert
Parents: Mr. Barry Swygert and Mrs. Stephanie Swygert
Presenter: Mr. Barry Swygert, Father
School: Pine Bluff High School
Escort: Jeremy Tolbert
Parents of Escort: Mr. Jerry Tolbert and Mrs. Juanita Tolbert
Debutante De’Shabrion Williams
Parents: Mr. and Mrs. Larry Z. and Angelia Williams
Presenter: Mr. Larry Williams, Father
School: Watson Chapel High School
Escort: Dorian Livingston
Parents of Escort: Mr. and Mrs. Keidric Livingston and Ms. Karryette Hollowell
Debutante Jaidan Woods-Keith
Parents: Mr. and Mrs. Alton Young, Jr. and Mr. Davion Keith
Presenter: Mr. Alton Young, Jr., Stepfather
School: Pine Bluff High School
Escort: Jonathan Giddens
Parents of Escort: Mr. and Mrs. Johnny Giddens