Debutantes presented at spring cotillion

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., Epsilon Iota Omega Chapter, hosted a cotillion April 12 at the Dover Downs Hotel Ballrooms to present members of this year’s Debutante Signature Program to society by proud fathers, grandfathers and surrogate fathers.

Dover Mayor Carleton Carey and his wife, Blanche Carey of Dover, dignitaries, pastors, community leaders, past debutantes, family and friends were invited to share in the event, whose theme was Majestic Pearls of Divine Destiny.

The eight debutantes presented were Arielle Castro, Tieraney Price, Kavonne Pugh, and Leah Wells of Caesar Rodney High School, Chyvante Floyd of Polytech High School, Chelsea Harris of Delaware State University, Kayla Duffie of Cape Henlopen High School and Lindsay Clark of Sussex Tech High School. The Hon. Marcealeate Ruffin, retired judge, presented the debutantes with the charge to continue to maintain high moral character and standards, and to be authentic culture pearls and live out their Godly purpose and destiny.

Duffie received awards for her outstanding entrepreneurship skills, scholastic and scholarship and memoir album. Clark received awards for her outstanding leadership skills and service to mankind. Each young lady will be presented with a scholarship at their senior awards school program or college program. Ruby Coppadge, chapter president, gave the welcoming speech and Sherrena Williams, Debutante Program chairperson along with Sharon Treherne, served as mistresses of ceremonies.

The debutantes wore white satin and lace princess ballgowns, along with white gloves. They carried light pink and white nosegays as they were introduced to 240 guests. They were escorted by high school and college gentlemen dressed in black tails and white shirts.

This year’s program began at an Orientation Tea Sept. 22, 2013. High school juniors, seniors and college freshman across Kent and Sussex counties were selected based on personal attributes, academic qualifications, school, community and church involvement, and written essays.

The students then participated in an eight-month schedule of workshops and social events to amplify personal, career, cultural and educational advancement. The activities were planned and performed by sorority members of professional backgrounds such as attorneys, physicians, ministers, teachers and college professors, administrators, engineers, politicians and entrepreneurs.