Sorority presents 55th Debutante Cotillion
The 55th annual Debutante Cotillion presented by Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc.® Delta Omega Omega Chapter, was recently held at the Pine Bluff Convention Center.
Crowned Ms. Debutante 2023 was Tamara Tate; first runner up was Alaia-Kaia Bugg; and second runner up was Jada Barron.
Forty debutantes were introduced at the cotillion Dec. 16 with the theme “Enchanted Pearls Soaring to Greater Heights of Excellence,” according to a news release.
Debutantes were presented to society by presenters for the evening, Larry Williams and Jurnee Taylor. The event was filled with a traditional waltz with fathers and escorts and presentations of awards and scholarships.
Each Debutante participated in several months of activities, including academic, community service, personal growth, and cultural engagement. Debutantes, dressed in matching formal, white gowns, were presented while their accomplishments and future goals were shared with family and guests.
Debutantes presented were:
1. Debutante Laila Adams, Parents: Reginald and. Chelsea Adams, Escort: Lawrence Braylon Alexander.
2. Debutante Briona Barbee, Parents: Avery Jones and LaKeisha Higgins, Escort: Zric Washington.
3. Debutante Jada’ Barron, Parents: Henry and Amanda Barron, Escort: Branden Dominique Nicholas Brown.
4. Debutante Deja’ Bates, Parents: Antoine and Taniya Walker, Escort: Damiam Putillo.
5. Debutante Asia Bennett, Parents: DeShawn and Ansheka Bennett, Escort: Landon Rhodes.
6. Debutante Marionnia Benton, Parents: Mario and Zelda Benton, Bambi Bealer, Escort: Malachi T. McDonald.
7. Debutante Alala-Kaia Bugg, Parents: Phillip Bugg and Vanessa Wisemon, Escort: Kayleb A. Gardner.
8. Debutante Ryan Bullard, Parents: Oscar and Tish Bullard, Escort: Keaten Kylar Daniel.
9. Debutante Simone Burns-Harris, Parents: Raymond Harris and Acquanetta Burns, Escort: Quentin Hines Jr.
10. Debutante Makhiah Curry, Parents: Michael Curry and Tameka Banks, Escort: Chandler J. Laurent.
11. Debutante Nealia Foster, Parents: Rock Foster Sr. and the late Taksia Johnson, Escort: Alcarlos Mack Jr.
12. Debutante Suriyah Gilbert, Parents: Antonio Scott and Sharonda Gilbert, Escort: Omaryon L. Wilson.
13. Debutante Taleyah Grayson, Parents: Tyrus Grayson and TeErrica Wiley, Escort: Jacaleb Marquise Lanos.
14. Debutante Jazzmine Hampton, Parents: Marco Vines and Farjarie Hampton, Escort: Xavier Banks.
15. Debutante Ericia Hobbs, Parents: Mr. and Mrs. Bryan White, and Eric Hobbs, Escort: Troy Allen McMiller.
16. Debutante Daziah Johnson, Parents: Eugene Johnson and Latoya Eason, Escort: Achillies K.L. Ringo.
17. Debutante Janashia Johnson, Parents: Jamar Johnson, Escort: Adrian Jamal Owens.
18. Debutante E’Layah Jones, Parents: Commeka Goodloe-James, Escort: Taylor Darton.
19. Debutante Madison Jones, Parents: Shalaman Jackson and Lakeisha Jones, Escort: Jacolby Young.
20. Debutante Brooklyn Little, Parents: Randy Sr. and Toni Little, Escort: Kamar A. Dismuke.
21. Debutante Ta’Nylah Lyons, Parents: Marquis Lyons and Tomeka Williams, Escort: Escort Keyvon L. Greenwood.
22. Debutante Sydney Monroe, Parents: Shequita Miller, Escort: Devin Holmes.
23. Debutante Brooklyn Murray, Parents: Mr. and Mrs. Monte Murray, Escort: Kyen L. Weston.
24. Debutante Taylor Nelson, Parents: Marcus Nelson and Tonda Wright, Escort: Carl Anthony Walker.
25. Debutante Bethany Phillips, Parents: Ben and Sarah Phillips, Escort: Gerald T. Ivory.
26. Debutante Kennedi Phillips, Parents: Kenny and Chrystal Phillips, Escort: Jonathan K. Lewis.
27. Debutante Jannay Price, Parents: John Price III and Taniesha Price, Escort: Donovan Wright.
28. Debutante Chasity Reed, Parents: Brian Reed and Olivia Jones, Escort: Landon Alexander Holcomb.
29. Debutante Jerricah Robinson, Parents: Mr. and Mrs. Terrance Robinson, Escort: Lamar S. Walker Jr.
30. Debutante Ta’kirah Rodgers, Parents: Anthony and DelaShondra Rodgers, Escort: Anthony R. Goldsmith.
31. Debutante Kaileigh Sanders, Parents: Eric Sr. and Shaleta Corburn, Escort: Chryshawn L. Savage.
32. Debutante Aly’ssa Shorter, Melissa Shepherd and the late Solomon Shorter, Escort: Jaquan M. Crockett.
33. Debutante Paris Smith-Lampkin, Parents: Claudia Lampkin, Escort: Tanesha Rayford.
34. Debutante A’Riah Surratt, Parents: Arey and Tiffany Surratt, Escort: Derron Hampton.
35. Debutante Tamara Tate, Parents: Donald II and Chandra Tate, Escort: Taureen EK Sprinkle.
36. Debutante Aamori Urquhart, Parents: Roy Jr. and Teresa Urquhart, Escort: Tyler L. Williams.
37. Debutante Caneise West, Parents: Natoyia A. Johnson and the late Cedric L. West, Escort: Corey C. Matthews.
38. Debutante Jazzlyn Williams, Parents: Cedric and Stacey Williams, Escort: Gregron R. Payne.
39. Debutante Makiyah Williams, Parents: Barry II and Marinda Williams, Escort: John Thompson.
40. Debutante Courtney Woods, Parents: Carlous and Leslie Woods, Escort: Leon Williams III.