BY RHONDA L. CHAMBLISS
CONTRIBUTING WRITER

On behalf of the Lambda Psi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., President Syretha Wright is pleased to present eight young ladies to society at its 2013 biannual cotillion at 7 p.m. on June 8 in the auditorium of Southampton High School in Courtland, Va.

This year’s participants are Victoria Blow, Imani Duck, Tyreckka Hawks, Melia Hill, Abigail Idisi, Chasity Newsome, Amirah Stephens and Breana Whitfield.

These eight young ladies from Franklin High School and Southampton High School have participated in nine months of pre-cotillion experiences through which they were involved in many educational and cultural activities.

Among some of the highlighted activities included an ADA Debutante Meet-and-Greet Kick-Off; Franklin Christmas parade; a sister-to-sister sleepover with former debutantes in Norfolk, Va./ODU Basketball game; The Cultural Arts Theater in Upper Marlboro, Md.; a self-esteem workshop, essay presentation/public speaking; college tours; a financial literacy workshop; an etiquette and social graces workshop; book-signing with local authors; James McGee Black History Awareness program; Martin Luther King, Jr. birthday celebration dinner at Boykins Neighborhood Outreach Center; and a formal photo shoot.

The debutantes created and participated in fundraisers for the sorority’s scholarship fund. All debutantes selected have met the challenges placed before them, and they have demonstrated high scholastic achievement, tenacity, commitment and good character.

For the first time in the chapter’s Cotillion, beaus will be included from the Franklin/Southampton Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., where Larry Blunt is the President.

This year’s participants are Travis Brown, Ellis Cofield, Donovan Cosbert, Destin Everett, Samuel McDonald, Anthony Rawlings, Jr., Clinton Smith, Jr., and Reshard Sumblin.

These eight young gentlemen from Franklin High School and Southampton High School have participated jointly in workshops with the debutantes and have held their own activities such as a car wash, local bowling night, public speaking workshop and dressed-to-impress workshop.

They will be presented to society along with the debutantes as well as serve as escorts.

Chairmen of this event are Alfreda Harris, Sitrina Bynum and Robert Hill Jr.

The public is invited to attend.

Attire for the evening is “Sunday Best”.