[Posted Jan. 30, 2008]

Chesapeake AKA's Debutante Cotillion

   “It Had To Be You” was the theme of the 3rd Annual Debutante Cotillion sponsored by Omicron Pi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., and it was a roaring success Saturday, January 12 at the  Chesapeake Conference Center!
    From the gorgeous canopy of lights within pink chiffon that fell gracefully down on four corners and crisscrossed in the center, to the pink covered chairs with a large green ribbon tied on the back of each chair, to the nine lovely young high school girls who were young ladies by the time the festivities were over, all was just wonderful! 
    Pink roses to the chapter president Mrs. Perdethia “Dee” Lowery, the visionary who conceived the idea of the cotillion and to Ms. Melinda N. Gainer, Inaugural Debutante Committee Chairperson 2004-2006, who served as the mistress of ceremonies this year.
   The program began with a circle of AKAs singing the Sorority Hymn in tribute to the nine Howard University young ladies who organized the sorority in 1908, 100 years ago.
   Mrs. Lowery gave opening remarks and recognition of special guests, and the Rev. Bobby A. Bowser, pastor of Mt. Lebanon Baptist Church, Norfolk rendered the invocation.
   Ms. Alexandra B. Shearin, Miss Cotillion 2006 and Debs from 2006 did their Farewell Walk with the music “Unforgettable.”
   The nine gorgeously dressed debutantes were then introduced by Ms. Melinda N. Gainer.

    When each debutante was introduced, her parents and her escort were with her, the mother was kissed on both cheeks and given the bouquet of red roses. The Deb and her escort then formed a line until all of them were introduced.

   The next segments involved Cotillion Father and Daughter Dance and the Cotillion Formal Waltz featuring the Blue Danube by Strauss with the Deb and her escort.
   The speaker, who gave a motivating challenge, was Mrs. Mitzi Glass. She recounted the story of Esther to the young ladies while also reminding them to remember that God has a destiny for each of them. Mrs. Beulah Willis-Brown, first vice president of Omicron Pi Omega Chapter introduced the speaker.
   With the music “Save the Last dance for me, the Debs and their escorts did the Cotillion Quick Step A solo of Accolade “It Had to Be You” was then sung by Ms. Sarah Phillips. Earlier in the program she sang an Inspirational Selection “More than Wonderful.” Versatile Mrs. Geraldine Boone was the accompanist.
   Special awards were given in several categories, and Miss Cotillion, Miss Kimberly Michelle Brown was crowned. Runner-ups were Miss Chelsi Shani Burnett and Miss Jenay Nicole McDonald.
   Each debutante received a beautiful pearl engraved bracelet and each escort a gift. Several of the Debs received scholarships.
   The nine Debs and their Escorts were as follows: Miss Diana L. Brown/ Mr. Andre L. Parker; Miss Kimberly M. Brown/ Mr. Andre Fleming; Miss Chelsi S. Burnett/ Mr.Warren Harris II; Miss Tomeika M. Jones/ Mr. Kevin Carroll; Miss Jenny N. McDonald/Mr. Desmond Strickland; Miss Leah N. Mitchell/Mr. Tyrone Kee; Miss Chanelle D. Roberts/Mr. Michael Strong; Miss Tiesha P. Robinson/ Mr. Canton Ashby Jr.; Miss Alicia L. Wilson/Mr. Charles Stokes, Jr.
   Dinner was served after the grand event.

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