Pearls of Perfection Debutante Ball - Ivy Rose Community Foundation
Good evening,
Chapter President
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated Eta Rho Omega Chapter
In conjunction with e Ivy Rose Community Foundation, Incorporated
Debutantes, Escorts, Parents, Members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Families, and Guests:
It is with great pleasure that I stand before you on behalf of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Eta Rho Omega Chapter and the Ivy Rose Community Foundation, Inc. to welcome you to the thirtieth Debutante Ball season.
Started in 1981 the deb ball was designed to enhance the educational goals of our participants, promote unity and friendship and to support the community through volunteer services. e inaugural theme of that season was Satin Dolls.
Under the chairmanship of Dr. Josephine Martin, PhD and Mrs. Dionne Morgan, the debutante ball committee worked tirelessly to ensure that this season, Pearls of Perfection… Celebrating 30 years of Elegance is as meaningful to this year’s participants as it was to those that participated in 1981. As a participant of the fourth debutant ball season, I can share that while the workshops may have changed a little and the way we serve the community, the original design still holds true to this day. ese young women and men are forever connected. e lessons learned and the memories they’ve created will be stories that they will share and treasure for a lifetime.
As you all may know, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. is the premier Greek letter organization created by and for African-American women. Founded on the campus of Howard University in Washington, DC on January 15, 1908. Alpha Kappa Alpha’s mission and message has always been and continues to be “service to all mankind”. Under the current International President and CEO Danette Anthony Reed, we are Soaring to Greater Heights of Service and Sisterhood with initiatives focused on Empowering our Families, Building Our Economic Wealth, Enhancing Our Environment, Advocating for Social Justice and Upli ing our Local Communities.
e Ivy Rose Community Foundation, Inc., established in 2001 as the philanthropic arm of Eta Rho Omega Chapter, provides scholarships and services to the students and families in Silicon Valley. ank you for your support and contributions to our foundation. It is your support of our debutante ball that enables us to do the work that we do.
A special thank you to all the parents for allowing your children to participate and ank You Debutantes and Escorts for your willingness to do so. ey have attended workshops, activities and rehearsals in addition to all they have going on in their personal lives.
So, get ready to be introduced to ve talented, intelligent, kind, service minded, young women and men and to ten of the cutest most adorable future debs and escorts a ectionally known as our prince and princesses as they present Pearls of Perfection… Celebrating 30 years of Elegance!
Welcome and Enjoy!
Melissa Hawkins, President
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Eta Rho Omega Chapter
Ivy Rose Community Foundation, Inc.
Far Western Regional Director
Mayor of San Jose, California
November 30, 2024
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Eta Rho Omega Chapter
PO Box 23135 San José, CA 95153-3135
Greetings from the San José City Council,
I would like to congratulate Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Eta Rho Omega Chapter on all your wonderful achievements and acts of service as we celebrate your 30th Debutante Ball which is being done in conjunction with The Ivy Rose Community Foundation. The wonderful work that the Eta Rho Omega Chapter has done for more than 60 years has greatly benefited the lives of our African American families and our city as a whole.
We thank you and all your members for utilizing the knowledge and experience to help each other, our communities, and support future generations. We are grateful for the work you do in creating programs and awarding scholarships to celebrate high school students and for providing young professionals the opportunity to network and gain experience from others through your events Thanks to your work, you are having a great impact on our families and future professionals, improving our community, and building a great sense of volunteerism and selflessness.
The City of San José and our office truly appreciate the work done by Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Eta Rho Omega Chapter. On behalf of the San José City Council and myself, we hope the best for your 30th Debutante Ball and hope for your continued success.
Sincerely,
Matt Mahan Mayor
Debutante Ball Co-Chairs
Dear Distinguished Guests, Friends and Community Partners,
It is both an honor and a privilege to welcome you to the 30th Debutante Ball hosted by the Ivy Rose Community Foundation in conjunction with Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated - Eta Rho Omega Chapter. e ball is a fundraiser supporting scholarships, civic and community programs.
We are proud to present the polished, poised, and prestigious young debutantes tonight to the San Jose and broader Santa Clara County communities. Debutante, Escort, Princess, and Prince families play a critical part of this commemorative a air, and we congratulate all of them on completing this milestone season of events.
is year’s theme, Pearls of Perfection...Celebrating 30 Years of Elegance, re ects the dedication and legacy these young ladies have committed to throughout the seven-month season. Oxford dictionary de nes pearl as a person of great rarity and worth. We are certainly proud of our Pearls who share in having high scholastic standards, values, and commitment to personal growth.
To the debutante parents – thank you for allowing us to mentor your daughters throughout the programming season. ey have participated in workshops, team building activities, and parent reception, all while giving back to the community through over 120 volunteer hours combined. It has been a pleasure witnessing them work together and making life-long friendships. We hope you see the bene ts of their participation for years to come.
Tonight’s culminating Ball could not be possible without the generous support of our President, Melissa Hawkins, Debutante Ball committee, family, friends, and community partners. ank you for all that you have given to make this Debutante Ball season a success. We are appreciative of the opportunity to serve as your 2024 Debutante Ball leads.
HISTORY: Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated is an international service organization that was founded on the campus of Howard University in Washington, D.C. in 1908. It is the oldest Greek-letter organization established by African-American college-educated women.
MISSION: Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated was founded on a mission comprised of ve basic tenets that have remained unchanged since the sorority’s inception more than a century ago. Alpha Kappa Alpha’s mission is to cultivate and encourage high scholastic and ethical standards, to promote unity and friendship among college women, to study and help alleviate problems concerning girls and women in order to improve their social stature, to maintain a progressive interest in college life, and to be of “Service to All Mankind”.
MEMBERSHIP: Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated is comprised of nearly 360,000 members in approximately 1,074 graduate and undergraduate chapters in the United States, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Liberia, the Bahamas, Bermuda, Canada, Dubai, Germany, Japan, Liberia, and South Korea. Led by International President Danette Anthony Reed, Alpha Kappa Alpha is o en hailed as “America’s premier Greek-letter organization for African American women.”
INTERNATIONAL PROGRAM:
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated 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. e size and scope of services provided to our communities have grown and signi cantly improve the quality of life for all who reside within our service areas.
e program theme for 2022-2026 is Soaring to Greater Heights of Sisterhood and Service
e six program targets for 2022-2026 are: Strengthen Our Sisterhood, Empower Our Families, Build Our Economic Wealth, Enhance Our Environment, Advocate for Social Justice, and Upli Our Local Community.
SORORITY NOTABLES: Kamala Harris, Rosa Parks, Coretta Scott King, Maya Angelou, Phylicia Rashad, Marian Anderson, Jessye Norman, Dr. Mae Jemison, Madame Leah Tutu, Jada Pinkett Smith, Zina Garrison, Iyanla Vanzant, Alicia Keys, Toni Morrison, Wanda Sykes, C. Delores Tucker, Diane Watson, Sunny Hostin, Robin Roberts, Star Jones, and Tamron Hall.
Ivy Rose Community Foundation History and Overview
Ivy Rose Community Foundation, Inc. is a 501(C)3 corporation under the California and Federal tax laws. e Foundation was established in 2001 as the Eta Rho Community Foundation, a non-pro t service organization for community involvement and scholastic achievement. In 2011 the Foundation’s name was changed to Ivy Rose Community Foundation. e foundation is organized exclusively for charitable, educational, and philanthropic purposes.
e goal of the Ivy Rose Community Foundation is to serve the greater Silicon Valley community through building partnerships and providing community programs in the areas of health, education, and family strengthening.
Objectives:
• To cultivate and encourage high scholastic standards by providing scholarships and grants to students enrolled as fulltime students in college degree programs and/or certi cated programs in trade professions.
• To support school age children by sponsoring community-based programs geared toward cultural development, literacy, mathematics, science, and the arts.
• To promote health awareness programs which enlighten the community in physical and mental health.
• To promote family strengthening through programs that serve a wide range of needs and age groups.
Major Accomplishments
• Hosting SAT and California High School Exit Exam workshops for teens (21 years)
• Hosting Health awareness activities to educate the community about disease prevention and mental health (11 years)
• Funding academic scholarships for needy and deserving youth (21 years)
• Hosting baccalaureate program to publicly celebrate the contributions and achievements of African American high school graduates (36 years)
• Providing food, toiletries, and seasonal clothing to needy families (21 years)
• Promoting environmental stewardship through “Acts of Green” (14 years)
• Voter Registration (21 years)
e Ivy Rose Community Foundation o ers scholarships to graduating high school seniors who meet the academic requirements and other criteria established by the organization. Donations from supporters help us to continue our community service programs and continue to provide scholarships.
Chapter Members
Melissa Hawkins President
2024 Chapter Members
Ashleigh Alexander
Linda Alexander
Sharon Alexander
Cassandra Anderson
Dr. Yvonne Aronowitz
Rhonda Beasley
Terry Cato
Debra Chappell
Colette Choates
Teena Colbert
Terrie Dixon
Laquanza Dockery
Britt Eason
Johanna Ellison
Jill Ford
Dr. Geraldine Forte`
Evelyn Guess
Melissa Hawkins
Joan Hickman
Kiana Jackson
Beverly James
Monya Johnson
Benita Jones
Claudette Lindsay
Jasmine Lindsay
Pamela Lowe
Jada Martin
Josephine Martin
Marrika Martin
Erika Melson DVM
Evelyn Melson
Venesse Metcalf
Josephine Miles
Dionne Morgan
Connie Newman
Mary Noel
Helen Norman
Linda Overton-Watson
Chiara Perry Williams
Kimberly Reddrick-Peters
Ernestine Reeves-Hicks
Brandi Sawyers
Terri Sessions
Hellen Sims
Tonya Trim
Alyssa Turner
Ann Turner
Lydia Wallace
Angela Warren
Paula Warren
Cheryl Washington
Viera Whye
Laura Wilkinson
Milan Williams
Tina Jones Williams
Malaika Young
Ivy Rose Community Foundation Offcers
Melissa Hawkins - President
Paula Warren - 1st Vice President
Marrika Martin - 2nd Vice President
Josephine Martin - Secretary
Joan Hickman - Assistant Secretary
Cassandra Anderson - Financial Secretary
Lydia Wallace - Assistant Financial Secretary
Kimberly Reddrick-Peters - Treasurer
Assistant Treasurer - Linda Alexander
Laquanza Dockery - Corresponding Secretary
Sharon Alexander - Philacter
Laura Wilkinson - Parliamentarian
Debutante Committee Chairpersons
Debutante Committee Chairpersons
Eta Rho Omega Chapter and the Ivy Rose Community Foundation, Inc. salute all the Debutante Ball Committee Chairpersons from 1981 to the present …
Debutante Ball Committee
Cassandra Anderson
Linda Alexander
Debra Chappell
Britt Eason
Jasmine Lindsay
Jada Martin
Josephine Martin
Marrika Martin
Dionne Morgan
Connie Newman
Hellen Sims
Tonya Trim
Lydia Wallace
Angela Warren
Linda Overton-Watson
Tina Jones Williams
Malaika Young
Greetings
The Occasion
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated National Hymn
Introduction of Mistress of Ceremonies
Presentation of the Debutantes
Waltz
Princes and Princesses Dance
Debutante Contemporary Dance
Debutantes and Escorts Dance
Escort Dance
Father-Debutante Dance
Final Promenade
Dinner
Dancing
Mistress of Ceremonies
Viera Whye
Viera Whye has been an active member of the Silicon Valley community for 40+ years. She is Co-Founder and has been the Producing Artistic Director for Tabia African American eatre Ensemble and San Jose Multicultural Artists Guild since its inception in 1985, she is excited to celebrate their 40th anniversary in 2025! She earned her BA in eatre and Sociology from Towson University in Baltimore, and her MA in eatre from San Jose State. Viera is a Director, Actor, Poet, Educator, Administrator, and HR Professional. She has numerous stage, lm, and commercial credits. Viera has produced and directed several plays for SJMAG/Tabia, a few include Shakin’ the Mess Outta Misery, A Raisin in the Sun, Home, Long Time Since Yesterday, For Colored Girls…, Joe Turner’s Come and Gone, and Songs For Humanity. In recent years Viera proudly invested in the Broadway productions of Piano Lesson and oughts of A Colored Man helping to include BIPOC as Broadway Producers. Viera successfully combines art and technology in her role as a Diversity and Inclusion Specialist; most recently at Intel supporting Gen Admin BUs and managing a team of D&I Partners.
She was responsible for execution of D&I strategies driving a diverse, inclusive, and equitable culture; she received D&I Business Unit Award for her work with IT. Prior to Intel she was employed as a Telecommunications professional for many years at Siemens Communications. Viera has emceed several events in the community -- SJMAG, the National Coalition of 100 Black Women-SVC, Alpha Kappa Alpha-ERO Chapter, and AACSA among them. Viera is very active in the San Jose community, advocating for equity of health, education, and economic empowerment for women and BIPOC. She is a member of several women’s organizations who mentor young girls of color in STEAM, and support programs for the underserved in the community. Viera is an Advisory Board Member for the College of Adaptive Arts. She was a speaker at the inaugural SJ Women’s March in 2017. She is a member and past President for the National Coalition of 100 Black Women SV (NCBW-SVC), a member of the SJ Chapter of e Links, and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority-ERO, and past member of Jack and Jill, SJ Chapter. She has served on committees with the SJ African American Community Service Agency and numerous other organizations.
Viera has received extensive recognition, most recently a Santa Clara County Lifetime Achievement Award from Supervisor Cindy Chavez, and DEI Community Leader Award from the SC Women’s Network in 2024, she was one of the inaugural Silicon Valley Black Legends Award recipients in 2015 (and the Whye-Piper Arts award is presented each year in her and David Piper’s name). She was selected as one of Silicon Valley Biz Journals’ 2020 100 Women of In uence. Other recognition includes the AKA Sorority’s Regional Arts Award, a Community Service Award from the SC County Alliance of Black Educators, the SC Human Relations Award for her work in building community through the arts, an “Excellence in Leadership” Award from the NAACP, “Woman of the Year” Award from NCBW, and her work with Tabia and SJMAG has been recognized numerous times by government o cials and other civic organizations. She is proud mom of two handsome and witty adult sons Copeland Bryan and Courtney Bryan.
Choreographer
Lana Wright Owner & Director
It all started back when she was just two years old and went to her very rst dance class. She was a natural and quickly became skilled in tap, jazz, ballet, hula and soon a er acrobatics. Born in Gilroy and raised in San Martin, Lana was quite active in her community. Besides being talented in dance, she also played fast pitch so ball in Jr. High, playing both pitcher and shortstop. She was involved in the 4H Club, where she raised an award winning pig named Rascal and won numerous awards in cooking and sewing. She was a cheerleader at Raymond Gwinn Jr. High, which is named a er her grandfather!
At Live Oak High School, Lana was an active member of the gymnastics team and was a cheerleader for three years and a song girl for one year. During her senior year, she was a member of the rst and only CCS Championship gymnastics team and was voted “Most Spirited” in her class. Lana performed throughout the community at various events, rest homes and for the troops at Fort Ord. In October 1979, she opened Lana’s Dance in Morgan Hill. A second location in Gilroy was added just a few years later. Soon a er the opening of the studio, Lana married her high school sweetheart, Doug and their family grew to three with her daughter Leila. Her son Joel was born just ve years later and their family was complete! Lana formed her very rst competition team within a couple of years of opening. Lana quickly became a popular choreographer and set routines for the Sacramento Kings Fast Break Dancers and the San Jose Jammer Girls. She was a judge and choreographer for the Dance Masters of America Competitions/Conventions and I Love Dance. She also traveled as a guest teacher/choreographer to Australia 1998 with the I Love Dance Sweethearts. In addition, she taught master classes in Florida, Texas and Lake Tahoe.
Her students have gone onto many successful careers on Broadway, music videos, cruise ships, e Radio City Music Hall Rockettes and have danced for teams such as the Sacramento Kings, Golden State Warriors, San Francisco 49ers GoldRush, San Diego Chargers Girls, Oakland Raiderettes, Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders and the San Jose SaberKittens. She has received many di erent choreography awards for her creative and clean tap style. Currently, Lana and her daughter Leila co-direct the Tap/Jazz/Lyrical Competition Teams. ey just enjoyed another one of their most successful seasons to date. Lana is so excited to be celebrating her 46th year as Owner/Director of the most successful dance studio in the south county.
Miss Kendra Trina Duvall
Miss Emily Lasandra Guess
Miss Chelsea Victoria Piard
Miss Lorraine Rose Smith
Miss Bailey Alexis Solomon
Miss Kendra Trina Duvall
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Tonight, we are honored to share how incredibly proud we are of our daughter, Kendra. Watching her grow into a young woman of grace, integrity, and kindness has been one of the greatest joys of our lives.
Kendra, your hard work in school, where you’ve earned A’s and B’s, speaks to your dedication and intelligence. You’ve also shown a beautiful commitment to giving back through community service, and we know that the positive impact you bring to others will continue to grow.
Your role in this debutante ball re ects the grace and dignity you carry with you, and we are lled with pride seeing you here, poised and strong. As a big sister, you are caring and generous, and as a friend, you are loyal and upli ing.
Thank you for being such a wonderful daughter and for the light you bring to those around you. We are so proud of the young woman you are becoming and look forward with excitement to all that lies ahead for you.
With all our love, Mom and Dad
Miss Kendra Trina Duvall
Daughter of Mr. Amos Franklin Jr. and Mrs. Deanndra Franklin Escorted by Mr. Dillon Retius omas Junior at Downtown College Prep High School
Debutante Kendra Duvall is a God-fearing young woman full of laughter and smiles. She is currently a junior at Downtown College Prep High School, where she maintains a cumulative GPA of 3.5. Kendra is dedicated to her academics, and her enthusiasm shines through her extracurricular activities. She previously cheered for three years with the San Jose Hit Squad and the Coyote Creek Youth League and enjoyed playing volleyball during her sophomore year. Additionally, she is an active member of her school’s Prom Committee and the Social Justice Club.
Kendra aspires to attend Alabama State University, where she plans to major in Marine Biology, hoping to turn her passion for the environment into a ful lling career. She cherishes family vacations and has enjoyed exploring destinations such as Yosemite, Arizona, Orlando, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Hawaii, Louisiana, and Atlanta, where she visited Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birth home.
Miss Emily Lasandra Guess
Miss Emily Lasandra Guess
Daughter of Ms. Erin Guess
Escorted by Mr. Xavier Antonio Lun-Armstead Junior at Holy Names High School
Emily Lasandra Guess is the 16-year-old daughter of Erin Guess. She was born and raised in East Oakland, where she lives her life with purpose, grace, and a deep commitment to the community. She has attended East Bay schools, including Guice Christian Academy, Kaiser Elementary School, Kipp Bridge Academy, and Bentley Upper School, before transferring to Holy Names High School this fall to start her junior year of high school.
Music has always been at the heart of Emily’s life. For the past eight years, she has been a dedicated member of the Oakland Youth Chorus, sharing her voice and her love for music with the world. rough her songs, Emily connects with others, creating a harmony that re ects the joy and warmth of her spirit. Her involvement in the performing arts extends beyond music to the stage, where she has participated in numerous plays and theater productions, including e Addams Family, Reckless, and Drowsy Chaperone.
Emily has been a member of Jack and Jill of America, Inc., Oakland Bay Area Chapter (JJOBAC) for 12 years. She is an active member of the teen group, serving on the teen conference display committee, which won 1st place in the 2023 competition in Sacramento and 3rd place in the 2024 competition in Portland. She has become the voice of JJOBAC and is called to sing at all chapter events - holiday parties, senior recognition, and more - as well as for videos and virtual meetings.
Emily’s passion for giving back is evident through her extensive volunteer work with organizations such as the Alameda County Community Food Bank, the Kenya Children’s Tea, the Bentley eatre Program, Lend a Hand, and the Joyce Gordon Foundation for the Arts. She also has a heart for animals, caring for her family cat and dog, helping her Mom rescue neighborhood animals, and frequently sitting for the pets of Jack & Jill families.
Emily has been surrounded by a loving and supportive village—a network of family, friends, mentors, and community members who have nurtured her spirit and encouraged her every step of the way. It is from this village that her magic has blossomed, giving her the strength, love, and wisdom to grow into the remarkable young woman she is today. Emily understands the profound impact of this support, living by the belief that "to whom much is given, much is required." Her village has taught her the value of service, love, and leadership, and she carries these lessons into everything she does.
Stay tuned! Her story is only just beginning......
Miss Chelsea Victoria Piard
Miss Chelsea Victoria Piard
Daughter of Mr. Johnny Piard & Mrs. Sophia Goring-Piard
Escorted by Mr. Maximus Michael Simmons
Junior at Bishop O’Dowd High School
Chelsea Victoria Piard is a recent Californian who relocated from Mount Vernon, NY to Castro Valley, CA, in the summer of 2022. Currently a junior at Bishop O'Dowd High School in Oakland, she excels as a sprinter on the varsity Track & Field team. As a member of the Black Student Union Executive Council, Chelsea plays a vital role in organizing meetings and discussions, working to enhance the overall experience and impact of the BSU. Passionate about community advocacy and service, she revived and leads O’Dowd’s Sistas of Success, a club dedicated to empowering Black girls on campus, and participates in service projects such as helping to clean up the streets of Oakland for MLK, Jr. day of service, working with underrepresented youth and volunteering at food banks. She enjoys traveling and this past summer participated in O’Dowd’s 10-day cultural exchange program to France and Spain.
Chelsea desires to attend an HBCU upon graduation from high school and is looking forward to touring many of the historic campuses next year. Chelsea’s future aspirations include careers in business, real estate, and interior design, where she hopes to make a positive di erence in urban communities. She has an older sister, Jessica Piard who is a senior at Washington University in St. Louis and a cavapoo dog named Brooklynn.
Miss Lorraine Rose Smith
Miss Lorraine Rose Smith
Daughter or Mr. Tony Smith & Mrs. Tesenga Smith
Escorted by Mr. Alex Ky-Mani Martin
Senior at Archbishop Mitty High School
Debutante Lorraine Rose Smith is a high school senior at Archbishop Mitty High School. She participates in her school’s FRC robotics team, where she creates and designs robots for the national First Robotics Competition. Lorraine is also a member of the Jack & Jill San Jose chapter, where she connects with other young Black leaders. For the past three years she has served as a member of the African American Community Services Agency’s Leadership Program for young adults where she has been able to serve and stay connected to her community while continuously working to become a strong leader. Lorraine wants to pursue higher education at an HBCU or a di erent 4-year college, and plans her future career to include Social Justice.
She enjoys art of all forms, and is a very creative person. She has a strong passion for Social Justice in her community, and is currently in two African American-focused classes so that she can gain insight into how to create a better world.
Miss Bailey Alexis Solomon
Bailey Alexis
Today, you step into a new chapter of life, filled with grace, elegance, and endless possibilities. As you celebrate this moment, remember that your roots run deep, grounded in the strength and resilience of our ancestors who created a legacy of excellence.
We honor your intelligence, tenacity and passion for life, and are excited to witness all of your accomplishments.
As you debut into society, embrace the woman who you are becoming with confidence. Walk boldly in the path you’re creating, and never forget the beauty, strength, and brilliance that are uniquely yours.
We love you so much Bailey Alexis!
With all
our
hearts, Mom, Dad and Gabriel
Miss Bailey Alexis Solomon
Daughter of Mr. Gabriel Jerome Solomon and Dr. Brett Johnson Solomon Escorted by Mr. Julian Dominic Petty Senior at Notre Dame High School
Debutante Bailey Alexis Solomon is a senior at Notre Dame High School in San Jose, where she is a member of the National Honor Society and the California Scholarship Federation. Her passions relate to animals and the environment and she’s been a Youth Ambassador for Animal Assisted Happiness since the 7th grade. Bailey is also a Zoo Teen at Happy Hollow Park and Zoo in San Jose. At Notre Dame, Bailey is the current Vice-President of the Animal Rights Club and also a member of the Black Student Union and Alliance. Bailey has been a child in the San Jose Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. since the age of two, and served as the Teen Foundation and Community Service Chair during her sophomore and junior years. Bailey is the current Teen President of the Jack and Jill San Jose Chapter and enjoys collaborating with the mothers and teens.
When not serving the community, Bailey is working hard at school and has maintained a 4.2 GPA throughout the duration of high school, receiving rst honors every semester since her freshman year. She has taken college courses at UCLA and Spelman College and is also dually enrolled at San Jose State University. All of Bailey’s experiences have shaped her dream to major in Health Sciences at Spelman College with the ultimate goal of becoming a veterinarian.
2024 Escorts
Mr. Xavier Antonio Lun-Armstead
Mr. Alex Ky-Mani Martin
Mr. Julian Dominic Petty
Mr. Maximus Michael Simmons
Mr. Dillon Retius Thomas
2024 Escorts
Mr. Xavier Antonio Lun-Armstead
Escorting: Miss Emily Lasandra Guess
Son of late Mr. Dietrick Armstead and Mrs. Monica Lun
Xavier is a junior at Archbishop Mitty High School in San Jose, California, where he is active in the school community. He has been a yearbook sta member and photographer for the past two years and a stage crew member for various theatrical productions. He is a media coordinator for the Black Student Union and Lego Club while being an active member of the Chinese Culture Club and Filipino-American Student Association. He will travel with the school to Jamaica this summer as part of the Ethics, Culture, and Justice program. Away from school, he volunteers at the Meals on Wheels organization, preparing meals and delivering them to the elderly in Alameda County. Xavier is a six-year member of the Kappa League sponsored by Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. and a nine-year member of the Greene Scholars Program. Xavier enjoys participating in club volleyball and track. He plans to study Computer Science a er graduation, either in California or Georgia.
Mr.
Alex Ky-Mani Martin
Escorting: Escorting Miss Lorriane Rose Smith
Son of Mr. David Martin and Mrs. Subrina Martin
Alex is a Junior at Valley Christian High School. His love for family, God and sports are at the center of his high school journey. Alex is a big brother to Nola, who also attends Valley Christian High School. At Valley Christian, Alex participates in Football, Track & Field, BSU, Conservatory honors, and the Fellowship Christian Athletes Club serving as co-President. He is also a part of the Greene Scholars STEAM Program, and member of Jack & Jill of America, San Jose Chapter, where he has served as the Teen Chaplain. He plans to continue his Track and Field journey at the collegiate level. A er the completion of his senior year Alex plans to pursue a degree in Communications. He aspires to work in the eld of Human Resources for the Walt Disney Company.
Mr. Julian Dominic Petty
Escorting: Miss Bailey Alexis Solomon
Son of Mr. Lennie Petty and Mrs. Dominique Martin
Julian is a Junior at Piedmont Hills High School in San Jose. As a high school student, Julian has taken on multiple leadership roles. He holds the position of Junior class ASB Vice President and is actively involved the Black Student Union as Recording Secretary, where they promote cultural awareness within the school community. While maintaining his academic achievements, he is a member of Jack and Jill of America Inc., San Jose Chapter currently serving as Teen Vice President. He is a participant in the Greene Scholars Program (GSP) and has won awards in multiple Science Fairs. In conjunction with his scholastic duties, leadership roles, and community service, Julian stays active playing Varsity football, soccer, track, and club soccer. Julian also spends time refereeing soccer and football games on weekends. Lastly, Julian sees himself in the future attending an HBCU and majoring in Environmental Science.
2024 Escorts
Mr. Maximus Michael Simmons
Escorting: Miss Chelsea Victoria Piard
Son of Mr. Michael Simmons and Ms. Camille Long
Maximus Simmons is a junior at Oakland High School in the Law & Social Justice pathway. He has been an OUSD student since 2013. He has always felt compelled to help people, so much so, that he now says his whole purpose in life is to help anyone and everyone no matter their past or future. He now spends most of his time volunteering, teaching restorative justice, and meeting with other leaders. Restorative justice (RJ) is one of the most important things in his life. He has been practicing RJ for three years now, holding circles at two national restorative justice conferences while also helping set up RJ at Oakland High. He has been a delegate for the All City Council (ACC) Student Union since middle school.
Mr. Dillon Retius omas
Escorting: Miss Kendra Trina Duvall
Son of Ms. Marrika Martin
Dillon omas, born July 18, 2007 is a senior at Piedmont Hills High School in San Jose, CA. Dillon is a student/athlete that excels in track. Dillon is the current 2024 CIF Para State Champion in the 200m and 400m. Dillon is also active in his school Black Student Union, Jack and Jill of America, Inc San Jose Chapter, and the teen ministry at Emmanuel Baptist Church. A er high school, Dillon plans on attending a 4 year university, with a major in mechanical engineering and continuing to run collegiate track. In Dillon's spare time he enjoys watching the LA Dodgers, SF Giants, Golden State Warriors and playing Nintendo.
2024 Princes and Princesses
Princess Aria Josephine Black
Princess Breanna Aniya Chatman
Princess Kennedy Charlotte Eason
Princess Vivienne Ava Marlow
Princess Kamaryn RayneWeaver
Prince Jadon Charles Beasley
Prince Anthony -Maxime Roper Ortique Francis
Prince Kendrick omas Morgan
Prince Carter Jahri Popyon
Prince Aiden Cole Martin
2024 Debutante Activities
2024 Debutante Activities
2024 Debutante Activities
2024 Debutante Activities
2024 Debutante Ball Sponsors
We would like to thank our Financial Sponsors for their support!
2024 Debutante Ball Sponsors
2024 Debutante Ball Ads
2024 Debutante Ball Acknowledgements
Authentic Cra , LLC
DJ services
Mrs. Debra Chappell and Ms. Jasmine D. Lindsay
Prince/Princess Choreographers
Color Me Mine
Prince/Princess Social Activity
Dagio’s Florist
Floral Arrangements
Mrs. Britt Eason
Souvenir Journal
East Bay Audio
Audio Visual
Ms. Lorene Fisher and Ms. Jada Martin
Debutante and Escort Workshops
IDOPIP/Spring Notion
Prince/Princess Attire
Mrs. Beverly James and O’Goody’s Stuart Party Rentals
Mother-Daughter Tea
Jamii Photography
Ms. Jasmine D. Lindsay and Mrs. Claudette Lindsay
Prince/Princess Advisors
AM Rentals
Venue staging props - arch and columns
Signia by Hilton Hotel Event venue
Mama Mia’s Debutante/Escort Parent Reception
Men’s Wearhouse Escort and Debutante Father Tuxedos
Paci c Printers Invitations
San Jose Public Library and Google Debutante/Escort workshop venues
Mrs. Tonya Trim Debutante/Escort/Prince/Princess Etiquette Workshops
