Legacy of Pearls Foundation, Inc. Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Sigma Omega Omega Chapter
Debutante Cotillion Scholarship Program
Saturday, February 23, 2019 6 O’clock in the evening Douglasville Conference Center 6700 Church Street, Douglasville, GA 30134
T.E.A. Rose Debutante Cotillion Committee Tanika Warrior, Chairman Deirdre Graddick, Co-Chair
Jennifer McCrary, Co-Chair
Latanya Boatwright Marcheria Jessie Lagretta Reynolds
Deneatrice Harrison Dellena Priester Valeria Simms Cynthia Smith
MISTRESS OF CEREMONY
Karyn Greer A long-time Atlanta resident, Karyn is well known in the local television market and has a history of hands-on community involvement. She is the past president of the Atlanta Press Club and currently serves on the Board of Governor's for the National Academy of Television, Arts & Sciences as well as a national trustee. Karyn is the recipient of six Southeast Emmy awards, two awards from the Atlanta Association of Black Journalists and a Salute to Excellence award from the National Association of Black Journalists. Karyn is a member of the Magnolia chapter of The Links Inc, a charter member of the Greater North Atlanta Chapter of Jack and Jill of America Inc., on the board of Pebble Tossers Inc., and a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. to name just a few. Throughout her career Karyn has been the recipient of numerous awards honoring both her professional work and community contributions. she has consistently been named one of Atlanta's 100 Women of Influence by the Atlanta Business League and featured as a powerhouse in Who’s Who in Black Atlanta.
MASTER OF CEREMONY
Daniel Wilkerson Daniel Wilkerson joined CBS46 as a reporter in March of 2014. Prior to joining CBS46, Daniel worked as a reporter for KTHV-TV in Little Rock, Ark. He started his career at WBBJ-TV in Jackson, Tenn. While at the ABC/CBS affiliate, Daniel reported on a variety of government and consumer issues. Daniel earned a Bachelor of Science degree in communications from the University of Memphis. While in school, Daniel worked as an onair personality for WUMR, the college's FM jazz station. Daniel's daily goal as a journalist is to approach each story asking, "How will our viewers benefit from this story? Did we present both sides of the issue, allowing the viewer to make a fair assessment?" Daniel loves the way the Constitution offers protection for the press and the public and feels it is his obligation as a journalist to help keep the government and other institutions accountable to the people.
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, IncorporatedÂŽ had its humble beginnings as the vision of nine college students on the campus of Howard University in 1908. Since then, the sorority has flourished into a globally-impactful organization of nearly 300,000 college-trained members, bound by the bonds of sisterhood and empowered by a commitment to servantleadership that is both domestic and international in its scope. As Alpha Kappa Alpha has grown, it has maintained its focus in two key arenas: the lifelong personal and professional development of each of its members; and galvanizing its membership into an organization of respected power and influence, consistently at the forefront of effective advocacy and social change that results in equality and equity for all citizens of the world. Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, IncorporatedÂŽ is dedicated to implementing programs of service that enhance the social, economic, and educational well-being of the local, national and international communities. Programs remain the heart of AKA. The size and scope of services provided to our communities have grown and significantly improve the quality of life for all who reside within our service areas.
The program theme for 2018-2022 is Exemplifying Excellence Through Sustainable Service. The International Program includes five program targets that are designed to advance the mission of Alpha Kappa Alpha with excellence and underscore our commitment to sustainable service. The 2018-2022 Programs are: Target 1: HBCU for Life: A Call to Action Target 2: Women’s Health and Wellness Target 3: Building Your Economic Legacy Target 4: The Arts! Target 5: Global Impact The Signature Program is #CAPSM which is the abbreviation for College Admissions Process. It is designed to assist students in their efforts to enter college by providing a hands-on approach that includes all the steps from researching various colleges to actually completing the application process. In addition to the program targets, the Exemplifying Excellence Through Sustainable Service administration is pleased to continue Community Impact Days. Chapters will engage in simultaneous activities that will benefit the community and continue our commitment to lifelong service.
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated Sigma Omega Omega Chapter To do things that are worthwhile, to capture a vision fair, and a chapter in service to all mankind– all are reasons for the chartering of the Sigma Omega Omega Chapter. Having made a strong commitment to our sorority and its endeavors and being increasingly aware of the complexity of women’s problems, we feel called upon to form ourselves in such an organization to continue to strive toward achieving the goals of our sorority. Through various traditional programs, it is our intention to implement programs that enhance the growth and development of a proud and successful Black community in the Douglas County area. In December 1990, Sigma Omega Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., was chartered to provide service to residents of Douglas County, Georgia. With its chartering, Sigma Omega Omega became the first black Greek organization in Douglas County.
Sigma Omega Omega Chapter Officers Dedreial Jackson President
Nia Brown Vice President
Sheila Watts Secretary
Marlene Anderson Treasurer
Shelease Valentine Parliamentarian
Stacey Hartman Historian
Betty Lovett Assistant Secretary
Debra Crump Financial Secretary
Terri Hurst Sergeant-at-Arms
Shona Brantley Corresponding Secretary
Shekesha Jefferson Ivy Leaf Reporter
Taronda Hall Chaplain
Tracy Crooks Hostess
A Celebration of The Arts! The Harlem Renaissance was a vital part of the social and cultural movement during the 1920s and 1930s. This period followed the Great Migration where thousands of African Americans left the rural south and moved to cities of the urban North. Due to the migration to New York, African Americans found their voices in politically, socially, and culturally vibrant Harlem. The art, music, and literature that reflected the history and experience of African Americans began to flourish. Harlem produced writers and poets such as Langston Hughes and Zora Neale Hurston, whose writings encouraged African Americans to take on an independent approach to education, culture and politics. The Harlem Renaissance has had a lasting influence on today’s black culture. The idea of being free and open in all aspects of life has transformed today art culture. Alpha Kappa Alpha exposes students to arts enrichment and culture by focusing on visual and performing arts and by showcasing talent through the exploration of writers, entertainers and various other artists. • Salute to the Harlem Renaissance celebrates the contributions of African-American artists during the Harlem Renaissance through student research and chapter sponsorship of student talent showcases. This initiative will correlate with HBCUs and African-American culture and will include colleges with art collections. • Salute to the Black Arts Movement focuses on student research and celebration of African-American artists during the Black Arts Movement. Sigma Omega Omega Chapter champion activities that express the movement message and highlight members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority who served as leaders and participants. Activities will include art events, poetry slams, dancing, painting, and performing arts.
Programme Master of Ceremony, Daniel Wilkerson, Mistress of Ceremony, Karyn Greer Greetings Ms. Roxanne D. Grimes, President Legacy of Pearls Foundation, Inc. Ms. Dedreial Jackson, President Sigma Omega Omega Chapter
Occasion Mrs. Tanika Warrior, Cotillion Chairman
Introduction of the Master and Mistress of Ceremony Mrs. Jennifer W. McCrary, Co-Chairman
“The Debut” Formal Presentation of Debutantes Senior & Junior Debutante Dance
Grace Mrs. Taronda Hall, Chapter Chaplain
Dinner Jazz Presented by Smooth Sounds
Community Impact Honorees Mrs. Nia Brown, Chapter Vice President Mrs. Georgetta Royals, Foundation Vice President
Video Presentation “ A Journey of Service and Leadership” Senior Debutante Waltz
A Debut of Blossomed Elegance Queen Farewell Miss Kennedy Moore
Award Presentation & Crowning of Miss TEA Rose 2019 Acknowledgements Mrs. Tanika Warrior, Cotillion Chairman
Closing Remarks Ms. Roxanne D. Grimes, President Legacy of Pearls Foundation, Inc. Ms. Dedreial Jackson, President Sigma Omega Omega Chapter
The Senior Debutantes
Miss Ania Nzinga Briscoe Parents: Ms. Sylvia Small, Mr. Talib Briscoe and Mrs. Natalie Briscoe School: Pace Academy, Senior Prospective Colleges: Brown University Major: Theatre with a concentration on Playwriting Escort’s Name: Christopher J. McCrary Motto: “What if it doesn’t work out? Ah, but what if it does?” Activities: Acting and Designing Props for Pace Academy, Student Advisory Board, Student Ambassador, Feminist Club, Honors: Renaissance award, National Honors Society, Orkin Scholarship, Sewanee Award for Excellence in Writing Community Service: Assisted with the Covenant House sleep out, volunteered at numerous school events, volunteer for Atlanta Color Run, volunteer at Atlanta Tiny House
Miss Jade Victoria Crosland Parents: Mr. Reginald Croslan and Ms. Christall Trotter-Croslan School: Sandy Creek High School, Senior Prospective Colleges: Florida State University, Stetson University, Kennesaw State University Major: Hospitality & Tourism, and Marketing Motto: “Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgement that something else is more important than fear; The brave may not live forever, but the cautious do not live at all” – Meg Cabot Activities: Swim Team – 4 years, Girl Scouts of Atlanta-5 years, Band, Active in church youth group, 3 year member of Chick-Fil-A Leader Academy Church: Decatur Bible Chapel Honors: Honor Roll Student, Awarded Most Spirited-Softball Team, DECA Vice President Community Service: Volunteer at Atlanta Food Bank, Participated in River’s Alive Cleanup, Counselor at Camp Meriwether for Girl Scouts, Assisted with Hygiene for Humanity Toiletry Drive for Share House Douglasville.
The Senior Debutantes
Miss Karlie Jenia Lawson Parents: Mr. Ke’vin Lawson and Mrs. Lisa Lawson School: Hiram High School, Senior Prospective Colleges: Jacksonville State University Major: Finance/Accounting Motto: “Be a boss instead of having a boss” Activities: Student Athletic Trainer, Jump N’ Joy employee Church: Oasis Baptist Church Honors: Honor Roll Student Community Service: Volunteered for the Period Project, Assisted with Preparing baskets for people in Africa, Volunteer with Hiram Difference
Miss Torie Chea’ Robinson Parents: Mr. Timothy Robinson and Mrs. Delya Robinson School: New Manchester High School, Senior Prospective Colleges: Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), University of California, Florida State University, Life University, Valdosta State University Major: Visual Arts, Dance (Dual Major) Motto: “There is so much to be learned from her; she’s planted in the mud and yet she blooms.” -J.M. Storm Activities: Aerial Silks, Fencing Team, Vice President of Science Club, Vice President of Interact Club, BETA Club member, Art Club member, HOSA Club Member, AP/Dual Enrollment Student. Church: Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (Sacred Heart Catholic Church) Honors: Honor Roll Student, Graduate of West Georgia Technical College Cosmetology Program, Georgia River of Words Art Competition State Finalist and Winner. Community Service: Volunteer at Eastside Elementary Pink Pantry, Assisted with Hygiene for Humanity Toiletry Drive for Share House Douglasville, Volunteered with Books for Africa, Volunteer and Mentor at Renaissance Learning Center-Beacon of Hope, Animal Shelter Volunteer, Local Reading and Science Tutor.
The Junior Debutantes Miss. Gianna Felicia Marie Adams Parents: Mr. Joseph Adams and Mrs. Mary Adams School: Chapel Hill High School, Junior Prospective Colleges: U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Naval Academy, Kennesaw State University, University of Georgia Major: Biology or Chemistry Motto: “It does not matter how slowly you go, as long as you do not stop” -Confucius Activities: Volleyball for Chapel Hill High School, Member of the National Honor Society, Club Volleyball for Push 1, 7 year member of Dipa Dance Studio Church: Elizabeth Baptist Church Honors: Honor Roll Student, Academic Letter Recipient, Recipient of Superintendent Scholar Award. Community Service: Assisted with Hygiene for Humanity Toiletry Drive for Share House Douglasville
Miss. Kailey Erica Belcher Parents: Mr. Eric Belcher and Mrs. Ami Belcher School: Chapel Hill High School, Junior Prospective Colleges: University of Chicago or University of Georgia Major: Biology or Pre-Veterinary Motto: “Stay true to yourself because you’re the only one that can do you perfectly.” Activities: Varsity Competition and Sideline Cheerleader, HOSA Member, Interact Club, Peer Mediator, AP Ambassador, National Honor Society, National Spanish Honor Society, HOSA State Competition Honors: Youth Leadership Douglas, 4.0 GPA, Junior Homecoming Representative, Varsity Sideline Co-Captain, Superintendent Scholar Award Community Service: Junior Community Cheer Coach for Cheer Dawgs Explosion, Volunteered at Eastside Elementary Pink Pantry, Assisted with Hygiene for Humanity Toiletry Drive for Share House Douglasville, Panther Pals Reading at Chapel Hill Elementary School, Teaching Spanish at Holy Springs Elementary School
Miss. Andria Christine Hall Parents: Mr. Andri Hall and Ms. Brandi Hall School: Charles R. Drew High School, Junior Prospective Colleges: Valdosta State University or Mississippi State University Major: Business Motto: “Fries Before Guys” Activities: HOSA Member Church: Greater New Light Missionary Baptist Church Community Service: Assisted with Hygiene for Humanity Toiletry Drive for Share House Douglasville
The Junior Debutantes Miss Jordan Justine Jessie Parents: Mr. Jamal Jessie and Mrs. Marcheria Jessie School: Chapel Hill High School, Junior Prospective Colleges: Florida A&M University, Clark Atlanta University or University Kennesaw State University Major: Dental Hygienists Motto: “Prove Them Wrong” Activities: Varsity Volleyball, Track, DECA Club Member, Participant in Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Signature Program #CAP Church: Destiny World Church Honors: Most Valuable and Most Spirited Player for Volleyball Community Service: Volunteered at Eastside Elementary Pink Pantry, Assisted with Hygiene for Humanity Toiletry Drive for Share House Douglasville
Miss Savanna Noel Mack Parents: Mr. Lucius Mack and Mrs. Joytrice Mack School: Chapel Hill High School, Junior Prospective Colleges: Howard University or Spelman College Major: Environmental Science or Bio Chemistry – Minor in Spanish Motto: “Do the best you can until you know better; then, when you know better, do better” Activities: DECA Member, International Club, BETA Club Church: Destiny World Church Honors: Honor Roll Student, National Honors Society, Superintendent Scholar Award Community Service: Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Volunteer, Special Needs Baseball Volunteer, Nursing Home Volunteer, Holly Springs Elementary Intern, Planted Trees in Costa Rica, Taught English to students in Costa Rica, Fall Festival Volunteer, Animal Shelter Volunteer, Volunteered at Eastside Elementary Pink Pantry, Assisted with Hygiene for Humanity Toiletry Drive for Share House Douglasville
Miss Yakia Shaunae Pettis Parents: Mr. Yari Pettis and Mrs. Alicia Pettis School: Alexander High School, Junior Prospective Colleges: Kennesaw State University , University of Georgia Major: Pre-Medical Motto: “Everybody talks and everybody listens, but somehow it’s always the truth that comes up missing” Activities: Cheerleading for Alexender HS, Competitive Dance Church: Oasis Family Life Church Honors: Cheer Captain, Honor Roll Student, Scholar Athlete Community Service: Volunteered to feed the homeless, volunteered at Special Olympics
The Junior Debutantes Miss. Nyah Nicole Priester Parents: Mr. Haiston Priester and Mrs. Dellena Priester School: Chapel Hill High School, Junior Prospective Colleges: University of Georgia, Clemson University, Florida A&M University Major: Nursing or Engineering Motto: “Real girls are never perfect and perfect girls are never real.” Activities: Competition Cheerleader, DECA Club member, National Honor Society, BETA Club, National Spanish Honors Society, Key Club, and HOSA State Competition Church: Destiny World Church Honors: Youth Leadership Douglas, Superintendent Scholar Award, Greystone Power Youth Selector, 4.0 GPA Community Service: Panther Pals Reading Program, Volunteer Spanish Teacher at Holly Springs Elementary, Student Intern Teacher at Holly Springs Elementary, Volunteered at Eastside Elementary Pink Pantry, Assisted with Hygiene for Humanity Toiletry Drive for Share House Douglasville
Miss. Aliyah Arianna Robinson Parents: Mr. Jeffrey Robinson and Mrs. Shontel Robinson School: Chapel Hill High School, Junior Prospective Colleges: Louisiana State University, SCAD, Kennesaw State University Major: Landscape Architecture Motto: “Stay Humble” Activities: DECA Member, Competition Cheer, Basketball and Football Cheerleader Church: Elizabeth Baptist Church Honors: Community Service: Assisted with Hygiene for Humanity Toiletry Drive for Share House Douglasville
The Escorts Master William Elijah-Zuriel Burnett Son of Byron E. Burnett & Adrienne Burnett New Manchester High School, Junior Participates in FAME Chorus, Member of the award winning acapella group InToneNation
Master Christopher J. McCrary Son of Chris and Jennifer McCrary Charles R Drew Charter School, Senior Participates on the Varsity Golf team, The First Tee of East Lake Golf Program, and was named the 2018 Harvard Book Award Recipient
Master Andrew Prysock Son of Darrius and Lisa Prysock Landmark Christian Academy, Junior Participates in Varsity Cross Country, Track & Field, Swimming, Leadership Douglasville, and Academic Honor Roll
Master Kelsey Wilson Son of Keith and Corliss Wilson Whitefield Academy, Junior Participates in The First Tee Golf Program, Boy Scouts of America, Duke TIP Scholar, A Better Chance Scholar, and Church at Chapel Hill Youth Leadership Program
COMMUNITY IMPACT HONOREES TIMOTHY B. JENKINS Principal Eastside Elementary School
WILBUR T. PURVIS Pastor Destiny World Church
CHARLES E. THOMAS Center Director City of Douglasville Recreational Facilities and Services
T. E. A. Rose Debuante Cotillion and Scholarship Program
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Congratulations Senior Debutante
Tori C. Robinson For all your accomplishments in your 2018-2019 Senior Year! Mr. and Mrs. John Hughley, Jr.
TEA Rose Cotillion Senior Debutante
Congratulations 2018-2019 T.E.A. Rose Debutante Cotillion Participants
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T.E.A. Rose Cotillion Jr. Debutante
We’re so proud of you Yakia! Keep Striving for greatness and all of your dreams will come true, Keep God first in all that you do. Your Loving Family
Ania Briscoe Patrons Ms. Robbyn Bland Ms. Kim Floyd Westry Ms. Debbie Howell Ms. Nadine Kennedy
Ms. Sheryl Good Ms. Sann McGee Ms. Tina Williams Mr. David Miller & Ms. Jennifer Katzman
Patrons Joytrice Mack Robin Johnson diPA Annetta Alexander Coral Howard Endora Adams
2019-2020 T. E. A. Rose Debutante Cotillion and Scholarship Program Applications and Information will be available online starting February 23, 2019 www.LegacyofPearls.org
Legacy of Pearls Foundation and Sigma Omega Omega Chapter
Tickets are on sale now
Acknowledgements Program Facilitators Nia Brown, Majestic Etiquette Shakita Chester, Financial Literacy SunTrust Bank Atua Emu, Student Finance Commission Jay Johnson, College Prep U Jennifer McCrary, 22nd Century Career Development Valeria Simms, Choreographer Jessica Tarver, Teen Domestic Violence, SHARE House
Special Thanks Jessie Davis Park Staff Douglasville Conference Center Staff Smooth Sounds Band Graphix Depot Marcheria Jessie, Crafts by Shia Sigma Omega Omega Chapter Members
Legacy of Pearls Foundation, Incorporated www.legacyofpearls.org
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated Sigma Omega Omega Chapter www.sigmaomegaomega.com