Alpha Kappa Alpha Unforgettable Stars Cotillion Handbook

Alpha Kappa Alpha Unforgettable Stars Handbook

A WELCOME FROM OUR CHAIRPERSON

November 20, 2022

Greetings Unforgettable Star,

It is our sincere pleasure to welcome you to Unforgettable Stars Cotillion 2020. The ladies Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority ~ Zeta Psi Omega Chapter are extremely honored that you have chosen to take this incredible journey with us.

During this experience,, you will literally transform from a young girl to a young woman of society an Unforgettable Star! We look forward to being with you every step of the way.

Again, it is our delight to welcome you to Unforgettable Stars 2023!

Sincerely, Julie Este McDonald

Mrs. Julie Este McDonald, General Chairperson

Julie Este-McDonald

Introduction

Unforgettable Stars Cotillion is a formal presentation to society of young females, a Debutante Ball. It is sponsored by and hosted by Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Zeta Psi Omega Chapter.

This year ’ s program includes two workshops, a Luncheon for Stars and their Escorts and the Debutante Cotillion. Souvenir Books are published to capture the essence of the cotillion.

Participants are also involved in a Star Fun Activity and a Community Service Project.

Qualifications

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The young lady must:

* Be a high school junior, senior, first year technical school student, or a college freshman.

* Be single and have not begun the childbearing process.

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* Exhibit good citizenship in that they have not been expelled from school, experienced a juvenile adjudication and do not abuse or participate in the distribution of any drugs or alcohol.

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* Maintain all qualifications throughout the duration of the program. Failure to do so will result in immediate dismissal from the program.

* Princesses and Pages must be in Grades Kindergarten-5th.

Financial Obligations

Participants in the cotillion will pay an Entry Fee of $500.00 and secure $500 in sponsorships.

A deposit of $50 is due the day of the Registration/Orientation which is a part of the $500 requirement.

The remaining fee may be paid in full or in scheduled installments.

The money for the required five sponsor pages must be turned in on the scheduled due date.

A 10% late fee will be added to all scheduled payments overdue, by 10 or more days, including required sponsor listings.

All participants are responsible for the entire expense (purchase or rental) of their attire and accessories.

The princesses and Pages Entry Fee is $100.

ALL FUNDS SUBMITTED ARE NONREFUNDABLE

1ST INSTALLMENT REGISTRATION ($50)

2ND INSTALLMENT 12/18/22 ($175)

3RD INSTALLMENT 1/8/23 ($175)

4TH INSTALLMENT 2/2/23 ($100)

IN ADDITION TO ENTRY FEE, $500 IN SPONSORSHIPS IS REQUIRED

Awards

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Each participant, including daughters of members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc , is eligible for an award Below is a listing of all the cotillion awards:

* Miss Unforgettable Star

The Star reporting the largest amount above $1,000 (Cumulative)

* First Maid

The Star reporting the 2nd highest amount (Cumulative) $500 minimum

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* Second Maid

The Star reporting the 3rd highest amount (Cumulative) $500 minimum

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Miss Scholastic Leader

Every Star will be given an application with the criteria clearly stated. The Board of Directors will determine the winner based on information provided in the application.

PLEASE NOTE: This award is not a scholarship

* Miss Congeniality

The Star voted most friendly, sociable and likable as selected by her peers. The Stars vote for the winner of this award.

Miss Photogenic

The Star with the best photographic features! A panel of professional photographers, headed by the cotillion’s professional photographer determines the winner of this award,

Each Star, Escort, Princess and Page will receive a special gift from the foundation.

Star Luncheon

The Star Luncheon is the activity that allows the Star and her Escort to put their newly acquired etiquette skills into practice A four course meal will be served in an elegant setting. Stars are encouraged to accept an opportunity to showcase their talents at the luncheon. This is your preliminary chance to shine as the Star you are. Every Star is asked to volunteer. Please inform the Star Luncheon Chairperson if you are interested in being on the program

Stars and Escorts are required to attend the “Poise and Etiquette” workshop and join us as our very special guests for an elegant Formal Luncheon

The Star Luncheon is the one function that allows the Star to express herself. Women of Excellence and Zeta Psi Omega know that all the Stars have special gifts and would like the public to be privileged to observe those gifts Each Star is asked to present a talent performance at the luncheon, such as poetry reading, singing, dancing, playing a musical instrument, modeling, etc. Individual or small groups of 2 to 4 girls acts are acceptable.

If a Star is not comfortable performing a talent, it is not mandatory. Attendance is mandatory for Stars and Escorts and will be such a special treat that you won’t want to miss!

If a Star and/or her Escort fail to attend the Formal Luncheon the cost of their meal will be added to the Star's financial requirements.

Parents are welcome to attend at their own expense.

Dress attire is required Escorts should wear a tie and Stars a dressy outfit NO JEANS

Mentor and Photography

MENTOR

Each Star will be assigned a foundation member as a mentor. She will assist with any questions or problems.

Additional contacts are listed in the last section of this handbook

PHOTOGRAPHY

Each Star’s, Escorts', Princesses', and Pages' photograph and pertinent information will be included in the Souvenir Book. The Photography Chair will coordinate all photo sessions. Please make every effort to adhere to your scheduled timeslot

Headshots and full length gown photos will be taken on February 5, 2023.

Presentation

The presentation is an elegant, formal affair, followed by a Ball (dance). The introduction of each Star is the highlight of this function.

Stars are the “Guest of Honor” at this formal affair.

Admission to the Cotillion is by ticket only and all guests must be properly attired Each young lady being presented will receive 4 tickets Additional tickets may be purchased for $25 per ticket.

No tiaras are allowed!

Star Attire:

All Stars must wear a floor length; white “full” skirted ballroom evening gown, white, silver, or clear evening shoes, and white, elbow length gloves the night of the formal presentation.

If you have any doubt about the appropriateness of the dress contact either:

Mrs. Julie Este McDonald , Cotillion Chairperson Mrs. Kendra Broussard Harvey, Presentation Chair

Mother or Female Rep Attire: Black formal floor length evening gown

Princess Attire: Floor length, solid white party dress

Father or Male Rep, Escort, and Page Attire:

Shawl full dress, matching pants, white wing collar shirt, vest, and tie, with matching shoes. NOTE: Fathers' tails are black, and Escorts' and Pages' tails are white.

Invited Guest Requirements; Including Attire:

Females must wear a semi formal dress or long formal party pants. Males must wear a dark suit and tie.

NOTE: Guest not adhering to dress requirements will be denied admission to the cotillion.

Arrangements have been made for male members of the “Presentation Party" to rent tuxedos and shoes In order to have a consistent dress code these tuxes must be used.

Rental information is listed below

Al's Formal Wear 3419 Ryan Street (Near Interstate 210) Lake Charles, Louisiana 70605 337 477 7071

Ask for Mrs. Berlisha Lemelle

Rehearsals are held for all participants including Stars, Escorts, Parents, or Parent Representatives, Pages, and Princesses Schedules will be distributed later in the Program. The first practice date will be announced in the future.

Program Calendar

WORKSHOPS

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WORKSHOP #1: 12/18/22

TOPIC: LEADERSHIP WORKSHOP #2: 1/8/23

TOPIC: RELATIONSHIP WORKSHOP #3: 2/12/23

TOPIC: QUEENSHIP

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

REGISTRATION/ORIENTATION: 11/20/22

COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECT #1 TBA

PHOTO SESSIONS 2/5/23

COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECT #2 TBA

COTILLION PRACTICES BEGIN 2/5/23

FINAL AD REPORTING 2/12/23

STARS LUNCHEON 2/26/23

UNFORGETTABLE STARS COTILLION 3/11/23

STAR FUN ACTIVITIES

DECEMBER 18, 2022

MARCH 5, 2023

AUDIO SESSIONS

STAR LUNCHEON REHEARSALS (IF NECESSARY)

Self-Help Scholarship

The cotillion offers a scholarship program called Self Help”. This program allows a Star to sell sponsorships for the Souvenir Book

The Star may also raise additional funds to increase her “Self Help” scholarship award and her chances of winning “Miss Unforgettable Star”.

ALPHA KAPPA ALPHA SORORITY,, INC ZETA PSI OMEGA CHAPTER. NAME CAN ONLY BE USED WITH THE SELLING OF SPONSORSHIPS.

Inappropriate use of the sorority's name will result in immediate expulsion from the program and no funds will be returned.

Go Fund Me Pages If you set up a Go Fund Me page you can’t use the name of the Foundation on your Go Fund Me Page. You can indicate that you are raising funds as a participant in our cotillion.

$250

Platinum Page Name Only $100

Golden Page Name Only $75 Silver Page Name Only $50

Bronze Page Name Only $25

Patron Sponsors Name Only $275

Each Star will receive at least (3) books (one for herself, her parents, and her escort) In addition, she will also receive an additional book for each Platinum Plus or Platinum Sponsor she submits.

If we type sponsor listings: 10% of all money turned in (excluding entry fee and the required sponsorships) will be returned to the Star as a “Self Help” Scholarship. Sponsor listings must be written when submitted.

If Star types own sponsor listings: 20% of all money turned in (excluding entry fee and required sponsorships) will be returned to the Star as a “Self Help” Scholarship. ALL sponsor listings must be typed, printed, and submitted via email, on CD or USB flash drive. SPONSOR LISTINGS SHOULD BE DONE IN MS. WORD EXAMPLE FORMATS ARE LISTED AT THE END OF THIS BOOK

All sponsor listings must be submitted typed in order to qualify for 20% Self Help scholarships. If any listings are not typed then the star will qualify for 10% Self Help Money will not be accepted without the accompanying sponsor listing.

NOTE: A STAR MUST BE ELIGIBLE FOR $20 OR MORE TO RECEIVE A SELF HELP AWARD.

NO REFUNDS WILL BE AVAILABLE IF A STAR SHOULD DISCONTINUE DURING THE PROGRESSION OF SCHEDULED ACTIVITIES.

Souvenir Books

Each Star is required to submit (5) current pictures of herself to be used on her souvenir book sponsorships. The pictures can be headshots or full length but must be only of the star. Pictures may be of the Star's extra curricular activities; such as band, cheerleading, or sports uniforms.

Souvenir Book sponsorship pictures are due immediately. The five (5) current pictures must be submitted on or before the second Workshop on January 18, 2020

Electronically submitted photos are preferred if they are in a photo format such as jpeg (.jpg). Email all photos to: gja6031@yahoo.com. Please follow up with a phone call to make sure that she has received your photos

As explained in the “Self Help” section, each Star has the option of selling more than the required sponsorships for the Souvenir Book.

A letter is included in the Star Packet for Stars that choose to participate in the program by soliciting sponsorships under the name of Women of Excellence Educational & Charitable Foundation, Inc.

·This letter should be used when asking anyone to purchase a sponsorship Make sure the Star's name is added to the letter prior to solicitation.

· Under NO circumstances should the letter for soliciting sponsorships be altered. If alterations to this letter are detected the Star will be immediately dismissed from the program

· Checks for Souvenir Book sponsorships are to be made payable to Zeta Psi Omega. These funds are non refundable.

We make every effort to have all purchased sponsorships listed in the book accurately, however mistakes occasionally occur. Therefore, Stars should carefully examine their sponsorships in the Souvenir Book. Any discrepancies must be reported within one week No refunds will be made after March 11, 2023

· Sponsor listing discrepancies should be reported to the General Chairperson via the information listed at the end of this handbook. She will make the necessary internal contacts to investigate all reported errors

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The following Incentive Program is for Stars that have decided to sell more than the required sponsorships or raise additional funds:

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The Star turning in the most money above $350 at the First Sponsor Reporting date will be given a four picture photo package (5x7). The photos will be taken the night of the cotillion

The Star turning in the most money above $650 (non cumulative) at the Second Sponsor Reporting date will receive a Beauty Package or equivalent gift card: (make up/hair/nails)

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The Star turning in the most money cumulatively above $1000 (cumulative) will be named "Miss Unforgettable Star"

The Stars turning in the highest amounts cumulatively above $500 will be named to the Queen’s Court. (Maximum of 3 stars.)

* Stars must be current on their Entry Fee Installments to be eligible for any incentive awards.

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EXAMPLES OF TYPED SPONSORSHIP LISTINGS

NOTE: Sponsor listings should be typed with no ClipArt, printed, and saved to an external or jump drive as text files (Word) when submitting.

PLATINUM PLUS SPONSORS

1. Best Wishes Star Mary

Mr. & Mrs. John Doe 2 Congratulations Mary! Uncle John 3. Star Mary, May God Continue to Bless You! Mom, Dad, and Susie

PLATINUM, GOLD, SILVER, BRONZE OR PATRON SPONSORS One (1) Line Only (Font Size Is Dictated By Sponsorship Level) 1. 2. Uncle John Doe 3 God Mother Mary Roe 4. Uncle Jim and Aunt Mae. 5. XYZ, Company Any City, USA 6 John Doe, Owner ABC Restaurant 7. CBA Church 8. Mr. John Doe 9. Mrs. Mary Smith (Aunt)

Mr. & Mrs. John Doe

Versie L. Williams Scholarship

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Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Zeta Psi Omega Chapter annually awards the “Versie L Williams Memorial Scholarship”

Stars are encouraged to apply for the scholarship.

Daughters of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority members are ineligible to apply

Video/Photo

The Presentation is professionally recorded

All photos will be taken prior to the cotillion. Please be prompt for photographs.

The purchase of photos is optional The Unforgettable Star Cotillion's photographer will give you his price list near the time of the cotillion.

Each Star is to submit (4) pictures of herself, from birth to the present. Photos should only be of Stars, no family or group photos Photos are due on or before February 1, 2020

The intent is to show your development from a baby until today Please, NO photocopied pictures. Pictures must be 4 x 6, 5 x 7 or 8 x 10, NO exceptions.

Electronically submitted photos are preferred if they are in a photo format such as jpeg ( jpg) Email all photos to: gja6031@yahoo com DVDs may be available to purchase for $10 each. If you wish to purchase a DVD notify the cotillion Finance Chairperson. DVD's must be paid for by March 11, 2023.

NOTE: The video photos are different from the souvenir book photos. The video photos are not due as early and are from various years birth to present. ·

Questions

If you have any questions, please contact your Mentor or the Chairperson listed below::

Mrs Julie Este McDonald General Chairperson 337.853.2789 ·

Helpful Links

Congratulations! We are excited to support you through this journey!