Jack and Jill of America presents 28 youngsters

The Greater Little Rock Chapter of Jack and Jill of America held its inaugural Pink and Blue Junior Cotillion-Beautillion, a fundraiser, on March 1 at The Venue at Westwind in North Little Rock. Twenty-eight children in grades sixth through eighth from area middle schools were presented to the community. Mini Belles and Beaus In-Waiting were also presented.

The chapter started the event as a program for students to learn social graces and manners while celebrating Black culture. Over several weeks prior, participants attended workshops on communication, philanthropy and cultural skills while also developing self-confidence, character, respect and friendships through a series of etiquette workshops and dance lessons.

Jurnee Taylor with KTHVTV served as mistress of ceremonies. Kristin Hardy, Miss Central Arkansas 2024, did the presentations.

Proceeds from the evening will benefit the national Jack and Jill Foundation — which invests in improving key issues affecting Black children and families — and four local community partners the chapter supports: Arkansas Commitment, which provides free supplemental college counseling to students in the Central Arkansas area; Brandon House Cultural and Performing Arts Center, which supports the creative and artistic skills of underrepresented and underserved youth; Ujima Maternity Network Inc., which advocates for and trains Black birth workers to improve birthing outcomes of Black women and children; and Compassionately Connected to Veterans, which supports and empowers veterans.

Jack and Jill of America Inc. is an organization founded in 1938 with the mission of stimulating the growth and development of children through educational, cultural, civic, recreational, health and social programs inspired by mothers.

Beaus: Tristian Harris, Caleb Canady, Syieed Khabeer, Hogan Cobbs, Caleb Harris, Zaiden Shipman, Nathan Tyler, Corey Montgomery, Kristofer Glason and Johnny Williams; Belles: Sarah Davis, Gerran Connors, Danica Williams, Chyler Coleman, Delaney Davis, Lyrick Fletcher, Haiden Thomas, Chelsea Lewis, Skylar O’Guinn, Zoey Urquhart, Kaycie Tackett, Dawn Paxton, Bailee Profit, Sydnee Lee, Jillian Shepherd, Abigail Edwards and Kyleigh McGee (not pictured: Chloe Jones)

Mini Belles and Beaus In-Waiting Adrian Boyles, Quincy Edwards, Rylie O’Guinn, Gia-Nicole Connors, Nadia Casey, Dominic Mitchell, Kross Anderson, Demi Washington, Roman Bailey, Zion Urquhart, Miss Cover Girl Layla Blocker, Harper Patterson, Celeste Jones, Aidan Casey, Ella Davis, Khalid Tackett and Daric Washington

Little Rock Mayor Frank Scott Jr.; chapter President Katrina Banks, Syieed Kabeer and Corey Montgomery (Mister Congeniality winners); second runner-up Tristian Harris; first runner-up Caleb Harris; Mr. Pink and Blue Hogan Cobbs; Miss Pink and Blue Skylar O’Guinn; first runner-up Lyrick Fletcher; second runner-up Zoey Urquhart; Miss Congeniality Abigail Edwards; foundation Chair Candice Bailey; and event Co-chair Quantia “Key” Fletcher

Little Rock Mayor Frank Scott Jr.; chapter President Katrina Banks; Mr. Pink and Blue Hogan Cobbs; Miss Pink and Blue Skylar O’Guinn; foundation Chair Candice Bailey; and Quantia “Key” Fletcher

Foundation Chair Candice Bailey; event Co-chair Quantia “Key” Fletcher; Miss Congeniality Abigail Edwards; chapter President Katrina Banks; and Miss Central Arkansas 2024 Kristin Hardy

Event Co-chair Quantia “Key” Fletcher; foundation Chair Candice Bailey; Little Rock Mayor Frank Scott Jr.; KTHV-TV reporter Jurnee Taylor; and chapter President Katrina Banks