Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. recently presented 28 young ladies in “A Symphony of Loveliness” during its 44th annual Debutante Cotillion.
Cynthia Bennett, president of the Delta Omega Omega Chapter of AKA, greeted attendees by thanking the “community, parents and other supporters” for their “continued support of the annual Debutante Cotillion.”
“We extend congratulations to all the lovely debutantes, for they truly exhibit “A Symphony of Loveliness,” Bennett said. “To the families, friends and guests on this special occasion, we hope you will remember this experience with great pleasure and pride.”
Brianna Marjené Allen, a senior at Dollarway High School, was crowned Miss Debutante 2011-2012. She is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Troy Mooney and was escorted by Lawrence D. Allen.
Jazman L. Gulley, a senior at Pine Bluff High School, was first runner-up. Her parents are the Rev. and Mrs. John Jones and Willie Gulley. She was escorted by Shequil Jones.
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The second runner-up was Brittany S. Turner, a senior at Watson Chapel High School. She is the daughter of Tangela Turner and Larry Turner. Her escort was Earnest Jones III.
Other 2011 debutantes included:
• Alexus Priscella Bradley, a senior at PBHS. She is the daughter of Cara Wooten and Toney Bradley. She was escorted by Devonte Rose.
• Morgan A. Collins, a senior at WCHS. Her parents are Barbara Collins and Michael Collins. She was escorted by Demarrius Barnett.
• Mikeala J. Copeland, a senior at PBHS. She is the daughter of Javonnia Copeland. She was escorted by Steven Jackson.
• CeVon L. Corbin, a senior at PBHS. Her parents are Toni Jasper and Curtis Corbin. Her escort was Alexander Smith.
• Teiler S. Ferguson, a senior at WCHS. She is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Sherman Ferguson. Her escort was Terrence Boston.
• Jalyssa A. Gardner, a senior at PBHS. She is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jimmy Sanders. Her escort was Gavin Braswell.
• Toreia LeShai Harris, a senior at PBHS. Her parents are Mr. and Mrs. Cleo Harris Sr. She was escorted by Patrick Grady.
• Atiya LaDawn Hayes, a senior at PBHS. She is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Curtis Standoak Sr. and Randy Hayes. She was escorted by Jalen Reed.
• Khadijah A. Hobbs, a senior at PBHS. She is the daughter of CaRhonda Luster. Her escort was Ryant Mosby.
• Jessica Lynne Jeffers, a senior at WCHS. She is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Jeffers. She was escorted by Fernandez Evans.
• Paula L. Johnson, a senior at PBHS. She is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Johnson. Her escort was Quintez Lee.
• Aailyah M. Jones, a senior at Drew Central High School. Her parents are Mr. and Mrs. Shawn Jones. She was escorted by Chris Jones.
• Bria Rodnesha Jones, a senior at PBHS. She is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Rodney Jones. Her escort was Jalen Knowlton.
• Rikki P. Jones, a senior at Dollarway High School. Her parents are Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Jones. She was escorted by Devontre Daniels.
• Willandria R. Lambert, a senior at WCHS. She is the daughter of Josetta Lambert. She was escorted by Thaddeus Handley Jr.
• Kyra M. Lewis, a senior at PBHS. She is the daughter of Rita Lewis and Mark Lewis. Her escort was Eric Williams.
• Jacqueline Martin, a senior at PBHS. She is the daughter of Trina Martin. She was escorted by Marshall Hunt.
• Shaudrey M. Ramey, a senior at PBHS. Her parents are Tamisha Henderson and Michael Ramey. She was escorted by Larry Williams.
• Ashley A. Reed, a senior at WCHS. She is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Al Reed. Her escort was Rodney Ollison.
• Ehvan Daniece Shaw, a senior at PBHS. She is the daughter of Cassandra Shaw. She was escorted by Jalen Wilkins.
• Dominique L. Smith, a senior at WCHS. She is the daughter of Tess Smith. She was escorted by Xavier Westmoreland.
• Jaronica Sneed, a senior at PBHS. She is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Kelvin Johnson and Benny Sneed. She was escorted by Quentin Williams.
• Jasmine Angelica Stith, a senior at PBHS. Her parents are Louise Stith and James Earl Stith Sr. She was escorted by Shanen Todle.
• Martika J. White, a senior at PBHS. Her parents are Joyce White and J.W. White Jr. She was escorted by Vincent Edwards Jr.
• Inez L. Whitt, a senior at PBHS. She is the daughter of Freddie McLemore. She was escorted by George Gatewood III.
“AKAdemic” Excellence Awards were presented to Jaylssa Gardner, Aaliyah Jones, Inez Whitt, Ehvan Daniece Shaw and Jessica Lynne Jeffers.
Paula Laverne Johnson was presented the Margaret Spearman Award.
Miss Congeniality was awarded to Morgan Collins and Inez Whitt.
The tri-chairs for the event were Edna Allen, Dorothy McFadden and Alycia Wiley.
Delta Omega Omega began the Debutante Ball Presentation in 1968 with 29 young ladies participating. Proceeds from the event are used to provide scholarships for young African American women who wish to further their education and to provide financial support to community organizations.