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Debutantes shine as the Deb Ball returns to Narromine By SHARON BONTHUYS SEVEN teenage debutantes and their partners. Six weeks of dance lessons with a local legend and her protege. A high school hall transformed into a beautiful ballroom. A Parents and Citizens (P&C) Association with a vision and a unique idea to raise funds. School staff pitching in for the benefit of their students. All of these things combined last Saturday night to deliver the fi rst Debutante Ball to be held in Narromine since before the COVID pandemic. About 115 people joined the debutantes and their partners at the event at the Narromine High School hall, watching on with pride as each couple was formally presented to esteemed Elder, Aunty Ruth Carney, and recently elected Narromine Shire mayor, Ewen Jones. Narromine High School Principal Lucy Burns introduced each couple as they were presented to the dignitaries and took their places on the dance floor. The debutantes and their partners included Hannah Preston and Tyler Morrissey, Talin Horstman and Callum Hutchinson, Isabella
The debutantes and their partners get ready to cut the cake at the Narromine Debutante Ball: William, Tia, Cooper, Amanda, Tyler, Hannah, Callum, Talin, Skye, Jackson, Mia, Paddy, Isabella and Zac. PHOTO: NARROMINE STAR. Press and Zac Harding, Tia Jones and William Jones, Mia Barnes and Paddy Cusack, Skye Morrissey and Jackson Smith, and Amanda Wicks and Cooper Hodges.
Watching the debutantes and their partners participate in a tradition she has been involved with for many decades was a special moment for Aunty Ruth, who, togeth-
er with her late husband Dick Carney, has been involved with debutante balls in the community for over 40 years. To prepare the teens for the evening, Aunty Ruth worked
with Holly Monaghan, herself a former debutante and dance pupil of the Carneys, every Monday afternoon for six weeks to teach the debutantes and their partners three traditional “old-time” dances that they performed at the ball. Mayor Jones attended with his wife, Tammy Jones, who also took to the dance floor during the evening. Aunty Ruth was also escorted onto the dance floor and showed her superior dance skills at the event. Speeches were also made by the dignitaries, Hannah Preston and Talin Horstman on behalf of the debutantes, and Narromine High P&C President, Kat Barnes. The debutantes cut a twotiered cake made especially for the occasion before letting their hair down and enjoying the evening with their loved ones, teaching staff and friends. Debutante Skye Morrissey said she loved the night and especially dressing up in a beautiful gown for the event. Another debutante, Mia Barnes, said being presented to the dignitaries was a particular highlight. Continued page 11
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