Las Amigas Club honors 2017 Debutantes at Annual Ball
The Las Amigas Social & Civic Club presented their 44th Annual Debutante Ball on Wednesday, Dec. 27, at the Texarkana Convention Center in Texarkana, Texas. Twenty-one young ladies accompanied by their escorts were presented to society in the presence of their families and guests.
Greetings were extended by A. Denise Thomas, club president. Barbara Larry, Karen Brown and Alana Rhone introduced each young lady as they made their debut. The debutantes were introduced at a reception in August and have been honored at a variety of social activities during the debutante season. Cassandra Rhone served as this year’s chairperson for presentation and Larry served as general chairperson for the debutante season.
Rebekah Barnes is the 17-year-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Phillip Kevin Barnes Sr. of Texarkana, Ark. Rebekah is the granddaughter of Dorothy Barnes and the late Willie Barnes Jr. of Benton, Ark., and also the late Bernice Levingston and Cecil Levingston of El Dorado, Ark. Rebekah was presented by her father.
Rebekah is a senior at Arkansas High School, where she is a 4-year member of the Arkansas High School Band and 1-year Color Guard Captain. She is a former member of EYL Sweethearts for AKA.
Her escort was Antony L. Alexander II, son of Candace Hillary and Grandson of Wardell Jr. and Cora Richardson.
Rebekah is a member of Elect Temple Church of God in Christ, where she serves on the Usher Board.
Her satin corset ball gown has beaded lace appliqués featuring an organza pick-up skirt and corset back with chapel train.
Her Las Amigas sponsor is Mary Warren.
Brooklyn Symone Brewer is the 17-year-old daughter of Ulysses and Andrea Brewer of Texarkana, Ark. Brooklyn is the granddaughter of Marilyn Hardeman of Stamps, Ark. She was presented by her father.
Brooklyn is a senior at Arkansas High School where she is a member of the JROTC, varsity volleyball, track and basketball teams. She is president of YLD of Bridging the Gaps of Arkansas, a member of 4-H and Delta Gems.
Her escort was Johnathan Gullatt, son of John and Teresa Gullatt of Texarkana, Ark.
She attends Lonoke Baptist Church where she is a praise dancer, youth, and mass choir member.
Brooklyn wore a white, floor length sheer mesh overlay gown with floral accents.
Her Las Amigas Sponsor is Shirley Tubbs.
Jada Easter is the 17-yearold daughter of Sherequis Watkins of Texarkana, Texas and Carl Easter of El Dorado, Ark. Jada is the granddaughter of Rosa Willis of Nash, Texas, and the late Gerald Willis, and the late Mary Ann and Oliver Easter Sr. She was presented by her father.
Jada is a senior at Texas High School where she is a member of TAFE Club. She is a former member of d2i dance company, Student Council, Interact club, Mu Alpha Theta, HOSA, and Texas High Publications staff.
Her escort was Corey Webb II, son of Shatanya Aldridge of Texarkana, Texas.
Jada has been listed in National Honor Society; She is an honor roll student.
She wore a classic, elegant ball gown that boasts an intricately beaded bodice with a flattering sweetheart neckline and a beautiful corset back with a floor length crepe organza skirt.
Her Las Amigas sponsor is Maxine Crittenden.
Bliss Alexia Forte is the 18-year-old daughter of Tomiko McKinney of Cedar Hill, Texas. Bliss is the granddaughter of Rosie Johnson and the late Frank Johnson of Texarkana, Texas and Will and Bobby McKinney of Macedonia, Texas. Bliss was presented by her uncle, James Thomas.
Bliss is a Senior at Cedar Hill High School, where she a member of the Student Council, Boys and Girls Club and is a Fashion Ambassador at Nordstrom.
Her escort was Vonderick Stanley Jr., son of Vonderick and Natalie Stanley of Texarkana, Texas.
Bliss is a member of Mesquite Friendship Baptist Church.
Her strapless tulle ball gown featured a sweetheart neckline, lace appliques, and a basque waistline with a laced-up back. The designer is PC Mary’s of Dallas, Texas.
Her Las Amigas sponsor is Melva Hildreth Flowers.
Jada French is the 18-yearold daughter of Tanilya French and Fred Bradley of Texarkana, Ark. Jada is the granddaughter of Jack and Joyce French of Texarkana, Ark., Danny and Freddie Walters of Texarkana, Texas, and Bennie Bead of Fort Smith, Ark. She was presented by her uncle, Terrence Roberts.
Jada is a senior at Arkansas High School, where she is a Varsity and Competition Cheerleader, a member of Nike Club, FCCLA and FBLA. Jada has been a cheerleader each year of high school.
Her escort was Cameron Harris, son of Rhonda Baker of Texarkana, Ark., and Ryan Harris of Nashville, Ark.
Jada is a A-B honor roll student and was named Arkansas High School’s Homecoming Queen for the 2017-18 school year. She was also on Homecoming Court each year of High School.
She attends St. James Baptist Church where she is a member of the youth and mass choirs and she is on the Christian Charmers Praise Dance Team.
Jada’s strapless white formal was designed by Michaelangelo. The bodice, which is made of Duchesse Satin and tiny beading, comes in at the waist, then flares out to a full floor length skirt, made of Organza, with the hem extended for a gentle glide.
Her Las Amigas sponsor is Cassandra Rhone.
Amoiya Chere Gentry is the 18-year-old daughter of Amesiah ThomasDuhart and Tony Duhart of Texarkana, Texas, and Troy Gentry and Angela Gentry of Madison, Miss. Amoiya is the granddaughter of Sherry Thomas of Oklahoma City, Okla., and Mr. and Mrs. Doug Burks Sr. of Texarkana, Texas, Margret HunterBurton of Gurdon, Ark., and Troy Gentry of Antione, Ark. She was presented by her father, Troy Gentry.
Amoiya is a Senior at Liberty-Eylau High School where she has been a 3-year member of Student Council and Key Club. A Varsity cheerleader and Varsity Basketball player for 2 years, as well as a 3-year Varsity Volleyball player.
Her escorte was Que’Chez Clark, son of Marcus and Kantrenell Gatewood of Texarkana, Texas.
Amoiya is an A & B Honor Roll Student, was named MVP 2016-2017 in Volleyball and had Honorable Mention in Basketball 2016-2017
She is a member of Mt. Grove Baptist Church.
Amoiya wore a long sleeve ball gown by designer Brandon Norman with a white mesh floral and white beaded top that cascade down into overflow of white tulle.
Her Las Amigas Sponsor is Denise Thomas.
Debutante Kamryn Hamilton is the daughter of Corinthians Hamilton and Nikki Hamilton of Nash, Texas. Kamryn is the granddaughter of Kim Gaines and Mae Hamilton of Texarkana, Texas, and the late Winfred Hamilton. She was presented by her father.
Kamryn is a senior at Texas High School where she is a 4-year member of the Texas High Cheerleaders. She was the Junior Varsity Cheer Captain her Junior year. She was selected as an All-American Cheerleader by the UCA Cheer Staff her senior year. Kamryn is member of the B.B. Lawson National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta Mathematics Honor Society, Ellene Johnson Jr. Rosebud Junior Garden, where she serves as the Progressive Dinner Chair. She is a two-year member of the THS Leadership program. Kamryn is an active member of Student Council serving as senior class representative and the current Pride and Patriotism Director. She has been a member of HOSA for the
past 3 years and the History Club for the past two years.
Her escort was Jaylon Matlock, son of Chris and Shaunda McGary of Nash, Texas and Justin and Deanna Matlock of Texarkana, Texas.
Kamryn has volunteered for the CASA Color Run, Race for the Cure, Special Olympics, Dash for Cash 5K, Tunnel of Hope, Domestic Violence, Community Café, Nash Fall Festival, Food drive for Harvest Texarkana, PAWS for a Cause, Glow Run and numerous Tiger Cheer camps for the youth. Kamryn was named the 2017 Homecoming Maid of Honor for Texas High. She is currently enrolled in Texarkana College where she has been taking dual credit classes throughout high school. She is ranked 75th out of her class of 400.
She attends Heritage Church where she is active in the youth service.
Her dress is a white, floor length, strapless, A-Line, David’s Bridal gown.
Her Las Amigas sponsor is Johnnie Wallace.
Brittany Hampton is the 17-year-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Hampton of Texarkana, Ark. Brittany is the granddaughter of Betty Wyrick of Texarkana, Texas, and Susan Dunbar and the late Eli Hampton of Mandeville, Ark. She was presented by her father.
Brittany is a senior at Arkansas high school where she is a member of art club, Nike, student council and Interact clubs.
Her escort was Geoffrey Shields, the son of Geoffrey Shields and Saudiea Carter.
She attends Spiritual Deliverance Church in Mandeville, Ark.
Her dress was designed by Lovely Creation. The tulle ballgown has lace and beading details overlapping the bodice and extending to the upper skirt. It has a button up closure to the back.
Her Las Amigas Sponsor is JoAnn Rice.
Derrica LaShae Henderson is the 17- year old daughter of Trilisha (Shae) and Myron Young and Derrick Henderson, all of Texarkana, Texas. Derrica is the granddaughter of the late John Gene Chatman and Bennie V. Chatman of Texarkana, Texas and Charles and Lillie Young of Wake Village, Texas. She was presented by her step-father, Myron Young.
Derrica is a senior at Liberty-Eylau High School where she is a member of the Student Council, Key Club, Yearbook, Newspaper committee, varsity volleyball and basketball teams, where she has played varsity for the past 4 years.
Her escort was her cousin, Eddie Lee Briscoe Jr., son of Eddie and LaQuisha Briscoe.
Derrica has been listed on the 1st Team All District Volleyball team; She is an A/B honor roll student.
She attends The House of Refuge Church.
Derrica wore a strapless white satin gown.
Her Las Amigas sponsor is Lillie Young.
Ariel Hill is the 17-yearold daughter of Patrick Hill and the late Monica Hill. Ariel is the granddaughter of Sylvester Hill Sr. and Mable Hill of Texarkana, Texas; Elijah Easter of Little Rock, Ark., and Shirley Kingsby of Hope, Ark. Her cousin Kayla Hill stood in for her mother. She was presented by her father.
Ariel is a senior at LibertyEylau High School where she is a member of the Student Council, Interact Club, Spanish Club, National Honor Society, HOSA and is a Varsity cheerleader.
Her escort was her cousin, Kaleb Hill, son of Sylvester Hill, Jr. and Lynn Hill of Beaumont, Texas.
Ariel is in the top 10 percent of her class and an A Honor Roll student. Ariel has also served as a Princess on the Homecoming Court for two years. She attends Evergreen Baptist Church.
Ariel wore a modern day princess ball gown. The outer layer is made of tulle, and the lining is satin. The fitted bodice is covered with all-over lace, a layered full tulle skirt, and a sheer high collar neckline that frames the face.
Her Las Amigas sponsor is Leatrice Haskins.
Madison Holman is the 17-year-old daughter of Sylvester and Stephanie Henderson of Texarkana, Texas, and Thomas Holman of Huntsville, Ala. Madison is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ausby Robert Starks of Texarkana, Ark., and the great-granddaughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Clyde L. Washington Sr. Madison was presented by her cousin, LaMar Snowden.
Madison is a senior at Liberty-Eylau High school, where she is a member of Student Leadership, Student Council and the National Honor Society. Madison was a member of the Leopard Volleyball & Softball teams, sang in Leopard Choir and served as a member of Fellowship of Christian Students, Interact & Spanish Clubs.
Her escort was Daunte’ Houff, son of Charlotte Rigsby and Darrell Houff of Texarkana, Texas.
Madison has been listed in Who’s Who Among American High School Students, she is an A Honor Roll Student, and she is a volunteer with Harvest Texarkana and Wadley Youth Auxiliary. Madison also served several years as a member of the Zeta Phi Beta Archonette Youth Auxiliary, where she was a step leader.
Madison is a member of the Atlanta Street Church of Christ in Texarkana, Texas, where she is active in the youth group and is a member of the church choir.
Madison chose a Strapless Tulle Ball Gown with a beaded satin cuffed corset bodice.
Her Las Amigas sponsor is Essie Dodd.
Kennethia Ma’Joyce Ivory is the 17-year-old daughter of Arnita Cobb of Texkana, Texas, and Kenneth Ivory Sr. of Dallas, Texas. She is the granddaughter of the late Annie Brown and the late Robbie Brown Sr. and Joyce Blackwell of Texarkana, Texas. She is the god-daughter of Marcia Crittenden of Texarkana, Texas. She was presented by her father.
Kennethia is a senior at Liberty-Eylau High School where she is a member of the Student Council, Drill Team, Leadership, and UIL Academic Team. She is also an honor roll student.
Her escort was La’travious Parker, son of Demitria Harmon and Avery Parker and Wilchris Harmon of Texarkana, Texas.
Kennethia has attended All-Rhythm Dance Alley and was selected as an AllAmerican dancer at MA Dance Camp.
She attends Evergreen Missionary Baptist Church in Nash, Texas.
Her Las Amigas sponsor is Dr. Pauline Haynes.
Laila Donyelle King is the 17-year-old daughter of Kyshia Johnson of Sulphur Springs, Texas, and Dondre Harris of Alexandra, Ark. Laila is the granddaughter of Donald Harris and Lorene Pearson. She was presented by her father.
Laila is a senior honor roll student at Sulphur Springs High School in Sulphur Springs, Texas, where she is a member of the Health Science and Technology club, Key club, High King Klub and Track and Field.
She was escorted by Corvin Cook. His parents are Sean and Amanda Cook of Ashdown, Ark.
Laila attends Morning Chapel Missionary Baptist Church where she is a member of the church choir, evangelism team, youth congress and praise dance team.
Laila wore a stunning off the shoulder ball gown with a princess waistline, fitted corset bodice topped with beaded lace and full skirt accented with white lace and beading.
Her Las Amigas sponsor is Cassandra Rhone.
Kyana Talise Norman is the 17-year-old daughter of LaKeisha WillinghamWillis and Darrius Norman of Texarkana, Texas. Kyana is also the granddaughter of Bryant and Mary Willingham of Texarkana, Ark., and Curtis Cornelius and Doris Norman of Texarkana, Ark. She was presented by her father.
Kyana is a senior at LibertyEylau High School where she is a member of Leadership, Student Council, Interact Club and National Honor Society.
Her escort was DeAndre Hoof, son of Monique and Kevin Florence of Texarkana, Texas.
Kyana is in the top 10 of her class with a current academic ranking as No. 7 with a 3.80 grade point average. She has also been selected for Homecoming Court consecutively for the past four years; she was crowned Homecoming Senior Princess of Honor this year. Kyana was also selected “Class Favorite Girl” her Freshman, Sophomore, and Junior year. Kyana is a 3-year Cheerleader.
Kyana has excelled in volleyball and also played club volleyball with “East Texas Juniors” (a Longviewbased team) and “Anarchy” (a Mount Pleasant-based team). Kyana was awarded a “Fighting Leopard” volleyball award and “Academic All-District” for volleyball during her junior year.
She attends Calvary Christian Church.
Kyana wore a Benton Marie
Maggie Sottero vintage style, corset back ball gown. Her gown glimmers with geometric embellishments, subtle crystals, and opalescent pearls. This vintage style encompasses new-classic columns, art deco designs, unique embroidery, and jewelry-inspired beading. Her Las Amigas Debutante sponsor is Barbara Larry.
Jordan O’Donald is the 17-year-old daughter of Phillip and Dr. Jacqueline O’Donald of Texarkana Ark.; and the granddaughter of Margie Taylor of Texarkana, Ark., and Billy and Rita O’Donald of Little Rock. Jordan was presented by her father.
Jordan is a senior at Arkansas High School, and formerly attended Texas High School. Jordan has been a Varsity cheerleader for both schools and has been active in both student councils. Her escort was Kendall Reid, son of Kenneth N. and Linda Reid.
Jordan is an officer in Jack & Jill of America, Twin Cities chapter. Jordan is an accomplished vocalist and plays piano. She is active with the youth ministry at Mt. Grove Baptist Church and a volunteer at Randy Sams’ Outreach Shelter, Harvest Texarkana and multiple nursing homes and rehab centers.
Jordan’s dress is made by Adrianna Papell. It is a sleeveless white princess dress with a corset bodice and pearl interwoven tulle complemented by a classic tulle full skirt. It is also accentuated with a lovely lace up back and brush on sweep bottom.
Her Las Amigas sponsor is Dr. Sandra Dodd-Young.
Lyrique Armauny Redeau is the 18-yearold daughter of Dr. Lori P. Rochelle and Alfred Redeau of
Beaumont, Texas. Lyrique is the granddaughter of Sandra Johnson and the late L.P. Johnson of Beaumont, Texas. She was presented by her great uncle Johnnie Rochelle.
Lyrique is a senior at Ozen Magnet High School in Beaumont, where she is a member of the Student Council and is a student athletic trainer. She attended Pleasant Grove High School her freshman through junior years, where she was Grover the mascot as well as a student athletic trainer, member of Student Council, HOSA and Keyettes.
Her escort was Caleb Amaudre Porchia, son of Anthony and Angela Porchia of Texarkana, Texas.
Lyrique was named Pleasant Grove Student of the month October 2016 and was the 2017 Texarkana American Heart Association Sweetheart of the Ball. In November 2017 she secured a lead role in the local play “Teen Metamorphosis.”
Lyrique has been a member of the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Youth Auxiliary since she was 6 years old, and has served as secretary, vice president, and president.
She attends Cathedral of Faith Baptist Church where she is a children’s church teacher and Youth Usher. She also participates in King’s Daughters, youth Bible study and is a previous member of Awanas, children’s and youth choirs. While in Texarkana, she remains active with the First Baptist Church high school leadership team and is a volunteer with the Kids U and Middle school groups.
Lyrique wore a white sweetheart neckline sleeveless A-line ball gown featuring a bodice heavily embellished with lace appliques, beading, and sequins coupled with a floor length layered tulle skirt.
Her Las Amigas sponsor is her mother, Dr. Lori P. Rochelle.
Mya Cherelle Riles is the 18-year-old daughter of Machell Davis-Riles of Wake Village, Texas, and Mack C. Riles Jr. of Texarkana, Texas. Mya is the granddaughter of the late Otis and Lillie Davis of Nash and M.C. Riles Sr. and the late Ida Mae Riles of Texarkana, Texas. She was presented by her father.
Mya is a senior at Texas High School where she was a member of the National Junior Honor Society, Student Council and served as school mascot.
Her escort was Marzavin Charles Riles, son of Marion and Trudy Riles of Texarkana, Texas.
Mya has been an A/B honor student throughout high school. She was recognized for her years of performance with Gayle Burrows All Star Dance Center. She has volunteered at Randy Sams Shelter and Harvest Texarkana. Mya was a member of Top Teens of America for two years.
Mya attends Evergreen Missionary Baptist Church, where she is active in the youth department, a part of the Usher ministry, Secretary of the Sunday school and sings in the youth choir.
Mya chose a gown by Mori Lee by Madeline Gardner. It features a ruffled organza skirt with a strapless sweatheart neckline and a figure flattering corset back. She has a tulle shawl that is tied in a bow in the back.
Her Las Amigas sponsor is Shelia Dukes.
Destiny Simington is the 18-year-old daughter of Shonda McClain of Texarkana, Texas, and Ronnie Simington of Texarkana, Texas. She is the granddaughter of Pamela McClain of Texarkana, Texas, Patricia Simington of Doddridge, Ark., the late Wilbur Young of Bloomburg, Texas, and Aaron and Jill Keener of Clarksville, Tenn. She was presented by her father.
Destiny is a senior at Texas High School where she is a member of the Chick-fil-A Leadership Academy and has served as president for two years. She is also a member of the H. Ross Perot STEM Academy, International Eastern Star, Leadership Texarkana, TAFE Club, Peer Coaching (Mentor) Program for Prospective Leaders, National Honor Society, and Student Council. She is an A/B honor roll student and will graduate with more than 45 college hours. Destiny volunteers at the Randy SAMS Shelter, local nursing homes and Race for the Cure.
Her escort was TaCori Kelley, son of Corey and Melissa Kelley of Texarkana, Texas.
Destiny has been selected for Today’s Youth Tomorrow’s Leaders, Henderson State Summer Institute, Math Excellence Annual Achievement for Texas High, Outstanding Leadership skills throughout the community.
She attends Hamilton Memorial AME Church, where she serves in the youth ministry and as an usher.
She wore a Blu by Mori Lee strapless gown. It is a ruffled organza ball gown silhouette with a sweetheart neckline. The wrapped bodice showcases the delicate fabric while the skirt boasts voluminous ruffles.
Her Las Amigas sponsor is JoAnn Rice.
Alejandra Elise Spellman is the 18-year-old daughter of Detric and Latoya Spellman of Texarkana, Ark. Alejandra is the granddaughter of Henry and Carrie Jones of Hope, Ark., Nickey and Geraldine Spellman of Hope, and Harold and Erma Hopson of Hope. She was presented by her father.
Alejandra is a senior at Arkansas High School where she is a member of the Nike Club, Fellowship of Christian Students and Varsity Cheerleading. She also cheers competitively. She is an active member of the Delta Gems program.
Her escort was Jalen Manley, son of Larry and Alicia Manley of Texarkana, Ark.
Alejandra was recognized out of 87 Arkansas High School students as an Advanced Placement Scholar, and she received a monetary award. Alejandra was selected as a Senior Maid on the 2017 Homecoming Court at Arkansas High School. Alejandra has received numerous awards for her competitive dancing.
She attends Providence Full Gospel Baptist Church, in Hope, Ark., where she is a praise dancer, sings in the choir, is a junior usher and the announcement clerk.
Her presentation gown was an elegant white ballgown, designed by Fiesta Fashion. The bodice is embellished with sheer lace and pearls that flow into a cascade of ruffled tiers made of organza.
Her Las Amigas sponsor is Rita Williams.
Mollie White is the 17-year-old daughter of Cedell and Shayla White of Texarkana, Ark. Mollie is the granddaughter of Cedell Sr. and Carrie White of Wake Village, Texas, and Willie Washington Sr. of Nash, Texas and Angela Brewster of Oklahoma City, Okla. She was presented by her father.
Mollie is a senior at Texas High School where she is a member of Key Club, DECA Club, The National Society of High School Scholars and Student Council.
Her escort was Chandler Alec Bursey-Reece, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Randy Reece of Texarkana, Texas.
Mollie is a member of the Delta Gems Academy and serves on the board of the Darnell Brown Community Development of Texarkana, Ark. She was a Texas High School High Stepper and is a Little Rock fashion model for Belk department store. She is the founder of Backpack to Life, where she gives aid and backpacks to the less fortunate.
She attends New Beginnings Church, where she has been the Minister of Music for 8 years.
Mollie wore a Micheal Angelo strapless tulle shimmering ball gown. The metallic embroidery is layered with a sophisticated cast of Oyster grey sequenced applique.
Her Las Amigas sponsor is Karen Brown.
Ahmari Krishaundria Willis is the daughter of Marietta Jordan and Christopher Willis. Ahmari is the granddaughter of Linda James, Roy Jordan, Joe Willis and the late Joan Willis. She was presented by her father.
Ahmari is a senior at Liberty-Eylau High School, where she is a member of Student Council, HOSA Club, and Spanish Club. Ahmari is also a member of the Varsity Cheer Team. She has been nominated for the All-American Cheer Team six years in a row. Ahmari attended cheer camp this summer in Hot Springs, Arkansas where she was asked to tryout to for the NCA (National Cheer Association) staff.
Her escort was Darian Collins, son of Russell and Lisa Collins.
Ahmari has been cheering competitively since the age of 5. Ahmari is a member at Christ Nations Church. She is also a member of the H.Y.P.E Student Ministry.
Her strapless full length satin white gown is accentuated with white/clear beading and laces up at the back.
Her Las Amigas Sponsor is Iwona Rockwell.