Upsilon Alpha Omega Chapter held its 13th Biennial Debutante Cotillion

Duluth, GA – March 9, 2024, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®, Upsilon Alpha Omega Chapter, 13th Biennial Debutante Cotillon and Scholarship Program was led by chairmen, Sharon Butler, Geri Baldwin Gonzalez, and Twan Leonard. Forty-two debutantes made their debut to society in a grand and beautiful fashion on Saturday, March 9, 2024 at Gas South Arena in Duluth, Georgia.

The debutante cotillion ball was the culmination of seven months of educational workshops, leadership training, cultural and community service activities, waltz dance rehearsals, and bonding activities that positively reinforce critical self-esteem principles that will last a lifetime. Highlights of the cotillion ball included debutantes in formal white gowns being introduced to society, the traditional waltz with their junior escorts, and a father-daughter dance. The evening's master and mistress of ceremony were Fred Blankenship and Valeta Sutton Chappelle.

One of the primary goals of the debutante cotillion and scholarship program has been to raise funds for academic scholarships, supporting young women with their post-secondary education. The chapter will award $68,185.70 in scholarships. The highest fundraiser is crowned Miss Debutante with a court of 1st and 2nd Runner Up. Additional Honors were bestowed: Miss Scholastic: Madisyn Dennis and Taylor Harris; Miss Congeniality: Ericka Brown; Program Choice Award: Saundra Xiong; and Mr. Congeniality: Dylan Frye.

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®, Upsilon Alpha Omega Chapter celebrates 30 years of serving the Gwinnett County community and has awarded nearly $1,000,000 in scholarships to college-bound students. Upsilon Alpha Omega Chapter has been instrumental in promoting programs that emphasize the continued mission of service to all mankind.

Tori Love, a junior at Collins Hill High School was crowned Miss Debutante 2024. Tori is the daughter of Torre and Joyce Love. She was escorted by Trey Showell, a student at Brookwood High School.

Caroline Moore, a senior at Collins Hill High School was crowned First Runner Up. Caroline is the daughter of Ronald Jr. and Jennifer Moore. She was escorted by Ethan Clebert, a student at Collins Hill High School.

Kyndall Collins, a junior at Archer High School was crowned Second Runner Up. Kyndall is the daughter of Meldrin and Kapri Collins. She was escorted by Caysen Leeper a student at Brookwood High School.

About Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® is an international service organization that was founded on the campus of Howard University in Washington, DC in 1908. It is the oldest Greek-letter organization established by African American, college-educated women. Alpha Kappa Alpha, Incorporated® is comprised of more than 325,000 initiated members in graduate and undergraduate chapters located in 12 countries including the United States, Bahamas, Bermuda, Canada, Dubai, Germany, Japan, Liberia, Nigeria, South Korea, South Africa and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Led by International President & CEO Danette Anthony Reed of Dallas, Texas, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, often is hailed as “America’s premier Greek-letter organization for African American women.” For more information on Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® and its programs, visit www.aka1908.com .

About Upsilon Alpha Omega Chapter

On January 29, 1994, thirty aspiring professional women chartered the Upsilon Alpha Omega Chapter in Lawrenceville, Georgia. The group gathered to implement and support the international programs of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® as they pertain to the needs of Gwinnett County, Georgia. Today, Upsilon Alpha Omega, the first African American Greek-letter organization in Gwinnett County is 500+ members strong and has made a significant impact on the community. Georgette Sherman serves as President. Anika Doucette serves as Vice-President and Dionne Battle serves as 2nd Vice-President.

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