It is our pleasure to welcome you to the Apex Acade my Junior Cotillion, presented in partnership with the B.A.E. (Beauties Achieving Excellence) and B.A.T.S. (Boys Against Th e System) programs. As senior members of these leadership and character development groups, students engaged in a series of enrichment workshops, community service projects, c ultural experiences, and special events designed to cultiva te excellence, confidence, and poise.
Junior Cotillion provides a foundation in leadershi p, etiquette, and personal development as students prepare to tra nsition into high school and beyond.
During our elegant Junior Cotillion Celebration, pa rticipants will showcase the skills, confidence, and poise the y have developed throughout this season.
While formal dance instruction is an exciting part of the Junior Cotillion experience, participants also took part i n a variety of interactive workshops and activities focused on: Li fe Skills, Leadership Development, Confidence, Character Build ing, Teamwork, Social Etiquette, and Presentation. As we ll as engaged in, cultural experiences, and special event s designed to encourage growth, integrity, and fellowship.
The Apex Academy Junior Cotillion serves as a memor able milestone in each student’s journey celebrating gra ce, confidence, and the power of purpose.
Thank you to the families, staff, and community mem bers who continue to support the growth of all our participa nts. Congradulations to our Senior Cotilillion participa nts your journey is just beginning.
Jamilla Cleveland Founder & Director- The Legacy Ball Cotillion
B.A.E. B.A.E.
Mission Mission
B.A.E. is dedicated to transforming and strengthening the lives of B.A.E. is dedicated to transforming and strengthening the lives of preteen and teenage girls at Apex Academy. Our mission is to preteen and teenage girls at Apex Academy. Our mission is to empower young women to develop self-love, communicate
empower young women to develop self-love, communicate effectively, and make decisions grounded in integrity. We strive to effectively, and make decisions grounded in integrity. We strive to serve as positive role models, demonstrating that success is serve as positive role models, demonstrating that success is attainable through self-respect, mutual respect, and a strong work attainable through self-respect, mutual respect, and a strong work ethic. Ultimately, we aim to instill the belief that their potential is ethic. Ultimately, we aim to instill the belief that their potential is limitless, shaped only by the scope of their ideas and the depth of limitless, shaped only by the scope of their ideas and the depth of their commitment. their commitment.
Purpose Purpose
B.A.E. seeks to examine the attitudes, resources, and cultural
Vision Vision
B.A.E. seeks to examine the attitudes, resources, and cultural influences that shape the experiences of young urban Black girls. influences that shape the experiences of young urban Black girls. Through this work, we explore how these factors impact decision- Through this work, we explore how these factors impact decisionmaking and behavior in critical areas such as sexual health making and behavior in critical areas such as sexual health education, overall wellness, and civic engagement. education, overall wellness, and civic engagement.
Our vision is to prepare Black girls for the world—and to prepare the world for Black girls. the world for Black girls.
Voice Voice
We are committed to amplifying the voices and perspectives of We are committed to amplifying the voices and perspectives of young girls without censorship or limitation. B.A.E. fosters a safe young girls without censorship or limitation. B.A.E. fosters a safe and supportive environment where teenage girls can openly and supportive environment where teenage girls can openly express themselves and speak authentically about the issues that express themselves and speak authentically about the issues that matter most to them. matter most to them. cultural
Our vision is to prepare Black girls for the world—and to prepare
B.A.T.S B.A.T.S
B.A.T.S. committed to empowering young men to navigate life with purpose, discipline, and integrity. As “brothers avoiding the system,” we recognize the challenges and systemic barriers that can negatively influence our paths, and we actively choose a different direction—one rooted in accountability, growth, and positive decision-making. We prioritize respect by honoring ourselves, our peers, our families, and our communities. Through mutual respect, we create a foundation of trust and unity that allows each member to feel valued and supported. We uphold responsibility by taking ownership of our actions, decisions, and futures. We understand that our choices carry consequences, and we strive to make decisions that reflect our goals, values, and long-term success.
We embody resilience by persevering through adversity and setbacks. Rather than being defined by challenges, we use them as opportunities to grow stronger, wiser, and more determined to succeed. As a brotherhood, we stand together in solidarity, encouraging one another to make positive choices and avoid harmful influences. We are committed to building each other up—academically, socially, and emotionally—while holding one another accountable to high standards. Through our actions, we aim to lead by example, demonstrating leadership, character, and excellence in our schools and communities. We strive to become role models who inspire others to pursue success, make informed choices, and contribute positively to the world around them.
Cotillion Planning Committee
Founder & Director Fundraising Chair
Jamilla Cleveland 7th Grade English Instruction
B.A.E. Advisor
Julionne Brown-Little Counselor
B.A.E. Advisor
Cotillion Liason
Ladondra Howell Dean of Middle School
B.A.E. Advisor
Parent Liason
Vesta Haire 7 Grade Math Instruction th
B.A.E. Advisor
Cotillion Liason
Lewis Brooks Behavior Specialist
B.A.T.S. Advisor
Etiquette Liason
Cortez Hart 5th Grade Math Instruction
B.A.T.S. Advisor
Etiquette & Choregraphy Liason
Daisha Banks Intervention Specialist
EVENT SCHEDULE
Program and Speakers
5:30 PM Doors Open
6:00 PM Welcome- Principal Tony Verch
6:05 PM B.A.E/B.A.T.S History and Purpose
6:15 PM Introduction of Ladies and Gentlemen in waiting- Master and Mistress of Ceremonies
6:20 PM Ladies and Gentlemen Dance
6:25 PM Introduction of Male Debutants
6:40 PM Male Debutante Dance
6:45 PM Introduction of Debutantes
6:55 PM Debutante Dance
7:00 PM Couples Dance
7:05 PM Dinner
7:35 PM Guest Speaker- DSQ Hunt
7:50 PM Awards and Final Remarks
8:00 PM Mingle, Fun, and Dance
Welcome
Tony Verch
Executive Principal
Charlena Hunt Director of School Quality Keynote Speaker
Jasmyn Williams Dean of Upper Elementary Mistress of Ceremonies
Steven Carter
6th Grade Math & Science
Master of Ceremonies
CHOREOGRAPHER
Neimiah Spencer
FORMAL WEAR
LaUnice Pearson
PHOTOGRAPHER
Mr. Cameron Woods
DJ A1 D.j. Services
Special Thanks
DR. FORD
DIRECTOR
T-SQUARED HONORS ACADEMY
PRINCIPAL TONY VERCH
APEX ACADEMY
CHARLENA HUNT
DSQ
NATIONAL HERITAGE ACADEMIES
Support Staff Staff Escort
Mr. Joseph Johnson
Mr. Timothy Jackson
Mr. Sean Holland
Mr. Tony Verch
Mr. Lewis Brooks
Mr. Cortez Hart
Mr. Martin Zeinway
Ms. Ladondra Howell
Mrs. Julionne Brown-Little
Mrs. Sandra Williams
Ms. Vesta Haire
LADIES IN WAITING
AriBella Soltesz- 6 grade th
Brooklyn W i lls-6 grade th
Lat isha Taylor- 6 grade t h
Ash aria Martin-6 grade th
Anissa Oliver-7 grade th
Madison Moore-7 grade th
Ta ylore Parker-7 grade th
Lanays ia Taylor- 7 grade t h
Armonie Williams-7 g rade th
Jessica Barns-7 grade th
Georgia Prescott- 7 Grade th
Zendaya Cottrell-7 Grade th
GENTLEMEN IN WAITING
Gemar Miller- 5 Grade th
Derrick Lewis-5 Grade th
Chase Brown-5 Grade th
Nassir Brown- 6 grade th
Carl Tabb -7 grade th
Ladies and Gentlemen
Joseph Murray Jr.- 7 grade th
ESCORTS
Ryan Hester-7 grade th
Davonte Price 7 grade th
X avier Bryant-7 grade th
C artavious Jordon- 7 grade th
Vincent Brandon-7 grade th
Ladon Tripp- 8 grade th
2026 Jr. Debutantes
Aliyah Blackmon A
Aliyah Blackmon is an eighth-grade student at Apex Academy, and a second year member of B.AE. She is known for being kind, respectful, and passionate in everything she does. In the future, she hopes to play professional basketball, with a backup plan of pursuing a career in real estate.
Lewis Brooks Behavior Specialist
Aliyah is highly active and involved in multiple sports, including basketball, flag football, volleyball, cheerleading, and track and field. Her favorite subject in school is English Language Arts because she enjoys reading and exploring different texts.
She plans to attend Lutheran East High School, where she intends to enroll in honors classes while continuing to participate in athletics.
Through cotillion, Aliyah hopes to build her confidence, strengthen her friendships, learn proper etiquette, and create lasting memories while enjoying the experience.
Leianna Bounds Leianna Bounds
Leianna Bounds is an eighth-grade student at Apex Academy.She is a first year particpant in B.A.E. Her favorite sport is volleyball, and she especially enjoys math and science. In her free time, she likes drawing, reading, and playing games. Her favorite colors are purple and mint green.
Lewis Brooks Behavior Specialist
After this school year, Leianna hopes to attend either Lutheran East High School or Cleveland School of the Arts. In the future, she plans to become a geologist because of her strong interest in science and her curiosity about the Earth.
Leianna enjoys meeting new people and building friendships. Through the cotillion, she hopes to try new experiences, learn proper etiquette, and grow more confident in herself.
London L Crenshaw w
London Crenshaw is a second-year member of B.A.E. After graduating, she plans to attend T-Squared Honors Academy, where she hopes to continue playing volleyball while taking advantage of strong educational opportunities.
Lewis Brooks Behavior Specialist
London plans to attend T-squared honors academy where she plans to get involved in activities that challenge her and try new things. Looking ahead to her future, she aspires to become an eyelash technician, so that she may do lashes to help pay her way through nursing school.
London values personal growth and enjoys working on her selfimprovement, both academically and personally. Through the cotillion, she hopes to continue developing into a confident young lady by learning the true meaning of elegance, strengthening her character, and building confidence in herself.
Chloe Sims is an eighth-grade student at Apex Academy and a second-year member of B.A.E. She enjoys playing volleyball, drawing, studying the Bible, and learning about history.
Chloe’s favorite subject in school is math because she enjoys solving problems and understanding how different equations work. In the future, she hopes to attend Saint Martin de Porres High School, where she is interested in earning her tuition while receiving a strong education, participating in volleyball, and joining clubs that will allow her to explore her career interests.
Lewis Brooks Behavior Specialist
Chloe aspires to become either a pediatrician or an ultrasound technician, as she has a passion for helping others and caring for children.
Through the cotillion, Chloe hopes to build her confidence, learn proper etiquette, and develop the social and academic skills necessary for future success.
Peyton Lee is an 8 grade student, and a first year member is of B.A.E. She is highly confident in her volleyball skills and considers it her strongest sport.
Peyton’s favorite subject is math because she finds it easy to understand and enjoys working through problems. Next school year, she plans to attend Saint Martin de Porres High School, where she is interested in participating in both academic and job training programs to help prepare for her future.
Lewis Brooks Behavior Specialist
Her favorite colors are red, pink, white, black, and teal. In the future, Peyton hopes to become a surgeon or a registered nurse, as she has a strong interest in science and medicine and is inspired by family members who work in the medical field.
Through the cotillion, Peyton hopes to improve her etiquette, grow socially, and gain confidence while also learning some new dance skills along the way.
Journee Walls is a third-year member of B.A.E. and currently serves as its president. She is a creative and dedicated individual who finds inspiration in the colors black and white, reflecting her appreciation for clarity and her passion for poetry, writing, and content creation.
Outside of her creative interests, Journee enjoys playing volleyball and strengthening her relationship with God through Bible study. She also has a special admiration for Snoopy, whose loyalty and imagination inspire her to approach life with positivity and joy.
Lewis Brooks Behavior Specialist
Journee plans to attend Saint Martin de Porres High School, where she is eager to excel academically while continuing to grow as an athlete. In the future, she aspires to become a pediatrician, as she is passionate about helping children and providing care to those in need.
Through the cotillion, Journee hopes to build her confidence and refine the social and leadership skills necessary to carry herself with poise and professionalism. She looks forward to continuing her personal growth and preparing for a successful future in both the medical field and in life.
Da’arii Starks is an eighth-grade student at Apex Academy and a second-year member of B.A.E. She has a natural love for creativity and humor, often expressing herself through art and bringing joy to others through laughter. Whether she is working on a new piece of artwork or sharing a joke with friends and family, Da’arii enjoys finding ways to add positivity and energy to her surroundings.
Lewis Brooks Behavior Specialist
In the fall, Da’Arii will be attending T-Squared Honors Academy, where she looks forward to participating in academic clubs and sports. She aspires to become a nurse, as she is passionate about caring for others and making a meaningful impact in people’s lives.
Da’Arii is committed to working hard toward her goals while continuing to use her creativity to uplift those around her. Through the cotillion, she hopes to strengthen her conf idence and develop the social skills necessary for her future career. She also values the lessons of grace, leadership, and community that this experi ence provides, knowing they will support her as she transitions into high school and beyond.
2026 Jr. Male Debutant
Arrion Brewer is a second-year member of B.A.T.S., and currently serves as Vice President. He enjoys playing basketball, drawing in his free time, and playing video games. He also has a strong interest in music and often listens to it while playing basketball or relaxing.
Arrion’s favorite subject in school is math because he enjoys solving problems and challenging himself. In the future, he hopes to play in the NBA. However, he is also interested in becoming an entrepreneur or an engineer if his basketball career does not work out.
Lewis Brooks Behavior Specialist
Next school year, Arrion plans to attend Charles F. Brush High School, where he looks forward to continuing both his academic and athletic journey.
Through the cotillion, Arrion hopes to present a more refined version of himself by improving his confidence, body language, and respect for others. He also aims to strengthen his social skills, including proper greetings and professional behavior, as he continues to grow into a well-rounded young man.
Duane Denson Duane Den n
Duane Denson is a first-year member of B.A.T.S., where he serves as Second Vice President. He enjoys playing basketball, gaming, and spending time outdoors with his friends.
Lewis Brooks Behavior Specialist
Duane’s favorite subject is math because he feels it challenges his mind and keeps him thinking critically. After graduation, he hopes to attend Charles E. Brush High School, where he looks forward to participating in sports and expanding his academic opportunities. In the future, Duane aspires to be an entrepreneur or business owner, with a particular interest in managing his own Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) business.
Through the cotillion, Duane hopes to strengthen his communication skills and confidence while developing the maturity and social skills that will help him succeed in all areas of life.
Karlos Hunter is a second-year member of B.A.T.S. He enjoys staying active by playing basketball and football at his local community center, where he continues to develop both his skills and teamwork.
In the classroom, Karlos excels in math and science, as he finds both subjects engaging and easy to understand. After graduating, he plans to attend Lutheran East High School or Villa Angela-St. Joseph High School, where he is eager to take advantage of new academic and athletic opportunities.
Lewis Brooks Behavior Specialist
Karlos has a strong passion for basketball and hopes to pursue it at a professional level in the future. His dedication to the sport reflects his determination and drive to succeed.
Through the cotillion, Karlos aims to strengthen his confidence, build discipline, and develop the social and personal skills needed to grow as a young man. He also looks forward to stepping outside of his comfort zone and embracing new experiences that will prepare him for future success.
Dichaun Roberts Dichaun Roberts Dichaun
Dichaun Roberts is a second-year member of B.A.T.S. He enjoys playing games and listening to music in his free time.
Dichaun’s favorite subject is math because he enjoys learning new concepts that can be applied to real-world situations. After graduating, he hopes to attend Lutheran East High School, where he plans to get involved in both social and academic clubs.
Lewis Brooks Behavior Specialist
In the future, Dichaun is interested in becoming an engineer or a real estate agent, as he enjoys building, designing, and the idea of reselling and creating value in different ways.
Through the cotillion, Dichaun hopes to improve how he approaches challenges, become more active in school activities, and continue progressing academically.
VIP Patrons
2026 Memories
Participants
As you leave this cotillion and step into new spaces, carry this message with you always: life will not always be easy, and challenges will come when you least expect them. In those moments, remember who you are and what you’ve been taught—stand tall, stay poised, and face adversity with courage and grace. Like the poem “See It Through,” you are called not to run from difficulty, but to meet it head-on, giving your best effort no matter the outcome.
When you're up against a trouble, Meet it squarely, face to face; Lift your chin and set your shoulders, Plant your feet and take a brace. When it's vain to try to dodge it, Do the best that you can do; You may fail, but you may conquer, See it through!
Black may be the clouds about you And your future may seem grim, But don't let your nerve desert you; Keep yourself in fighting trim. If the worst is bound to happen, Spite of all that you can do, Running from it will not save you, See it through!
Even hope may seem but futile, When with troubles you're beset, But remember you are facing Just what other men have met. You may fail, but fall still fighting; Don't give up, whate'er you do; Eyes front, head high to the finish. See it through!
Edgar Albert Guest
Fromthe Director
To our incredible participants, thank you for showing up with grace, commitment, and a willingness to grow. You embraced every lesson, every rehearsal, and every moment with poise and purpose, and it has been an honor to watch you evolve throughout this journey. You are the heart of this cotillion, and your presence is what brought it to life.
To our parents, I extend my deepest and most heartfelt gratitude. Your patience, trust, and unwavering support meant more than words can fully express—especially as we navigated hosting our very first cotillion. While everything may not have always been perfectly organized, you remained understanding, present, and committed every step of the way. Your willingness to fully participate, adapt, and believe in this vision is what truly made this experience a success.
To our committee, thank you for your dedication, creativity, and countless hours of behind-the-scenes work. Your efforts laid the foundation for something meaningful and memorable, and your teamwork ensured that every detail, big or small, came together beautifully.
To our staff, thank you for your consistency, professionalism, and care for each participant. Your guidance, encouragement, and structure helped shape not only this program, but the confidence and growth of every student involved.
This cotillion was more than an event, it was a collective effort, a shared vision, and a powerful reminder that when a community comes together with purpose, something truly special is created. It also served as an opportunity to expose our students to experiences, environments, and expectations they may not have encountered before—broadening their perspectives and challenging them to rise to new standards. These moments of exposure are powerful; they cultivate confidence, expand possibilities, and equip our scholars with the social, academic, and personal tools needed to thrive in any setting. Thank you all for being a part of this unforgettable beginning.
Thank you
Ms,Jamilla Cleveland
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