2016-2017 Pearls of Promise Debutante Cotillion Souvenir Journal

It is the mission of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. to enhance the quality of life for women and their families in the U.S. and globally through community service, civil, and social action. Our goal is to achieve greater progress in the areas of education, health awareness, and leadership development. The Lambda Upsilon Sigma Alumnae Chapter was established in 2013 to serve Collin and Denton Counties located in the suburban communities north of Dallas.

Since its chartering, Lambda Upsilon Sigma has worked tirelessly to impact its service areas through implementation of the Sorority's national programs and spearheading local initiatives to address additional issues that specifically impact Collin & Denton counties. The Chapter has contributed more than 1,000 hours of service, awarded $10,000 in scholarships, and donated approximately $20,000 in monetary and in-kind donations.

The Lambda Upsilon Sigma Chapter has been recognized at a local, regional, and national level for its efforts in exemplifying the Sorority’s slogan, “Greater Service, Greater Progress”, garnering awards and recognition internally and externally.

LaTisha Brandon - President Paula Alexander LM Crystal DeLeon Ajoi Jones Summer Alford Angela Delph Paula Jones R Audrey Anderson Joy Eki-Edo Dorian Jordan E Ann Badmus Nicola Graham Shawanna Lee E Kimberly Banks E Deondriea Harris Ashanti McGrew Natressa Baxter Angela R Hawkins Barbara Money Kamelia Berry Christine Hill Kim Mosley Jessica Bilberry Jeanmarie Hill LaTasha Murray Kathryn Boyd E Shayna Hines Akilah Muwallif-Wooten E Cerita Burrell Katrina Hobbs Tricia Patterson Nicole Bursey LeWanna Hobbs Theresa Pittman Yulya Bushnell Jalisa Hunter Jennifer Pitts Chantel Campbell LeoQuana Hutchins Deidre Portilla LM Tiffany Clewis Essence Johnson Kemberli Sanders E—Member of Executive Board

LM—Life Member

Owedia Sanders Monica Sawyer Laila Small E Sami Stegall Denmon E Regina Thompson E Clarissa Thurman Tenishea Turner LeTreece Washington Bree Whitmore Ayana Williams Sheniqua Williams Amanda Wilson E Shaundre Wilson E Nicole Woods E

R—Regional Officer

SIGMA GAMMA RHO SORORITY, INC. LAMBDA UPSILON SIGMA ALUMNAE CHAPTER “A Non-governmental Organization Associated with the United Nations Department of Public Information” LATISHA BRANDON, PRESIDENT 5760 Legacy Drive, Suite B3-374 Plano, Texas 75024 Email: Basileus@SGRhoPlano.org www.SGRhoPlano.org

On behalf of the members of the Lambda Upsilon Sigma Alumnae Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated and its affiliates, it is an honor to welcome you to the 2017 Pearls of Promise Debutante Cotillion. The Cotillion serves as the culmination of Lambda Upsilon Sigma’s Debutante Program in which participants engage in a six month journey of leadership development, personal development, college preparation, financial literacy, and mentoring.

The Debutante Program is a major component of Lambda Upsilon Sigma's Rhoer Club, an affiliate of Sigma Gamma Rho for young ladies between the ages of 12 and 18. Established in 1939, the Rhoer Club was the vision of Sigma Gamma Rho Founder, Mary Lou Allison Little who had a passion for youth and the development of their full potential. Through the Rhoer Club, Sigma Gamma Rho provides training and guidance in education, community service, vocation, fine arts, and social affairs. The program also provides the young women with the energy, support, commitment, and encouragement of members of Sigma Gamma Rho to help them develop and succeed in their life’s endeavors.

Your support of this impactful program, through sponsorships, donations, and attending the Cotillion, provides the necessary resources for Lambda Upsilon Sigma to expand its efforts in supporting our youth.

To the parents of our esteemed debutantes and escorts, thank you for entrusting us with your children and allowing us to be a part of the support system preparing them for the next phase of their lives.

To the dynamic and poised debutantes and debonair escorts, thank you for your dedication, stick-toitiveness, and grace throughout the program. As you begin this next phase in your lives, know that you will always have us in your corners as a fixed resource and part of your village. Congratulations on successfully completing the program. I pray you reach the fullness of your potential as you make an everlasting imprint on the world.

Sincerely, LaTisha Brandon, President Lambda Upsilon Sigma Alumnae Chapter Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.

SIGMA GAMMA RHO SORORITY, INC. LAMBDA UPSILON SIGMA ALUMNAE CHAPTER “A Non-governmental Organization Associated with the United Nations Department of Public Information” PEARLS OF PROMISE DEBUTANTE PROGRAM Kimberly Banks, Chair; Shawanna Lee, Co-Chair 5760 Legacy Drive, Suite B3-374 Plano, Texas 75024 Email: Debutantes@SGRhoPlano.org www.SGRhoPlano.org

Congratulations to the 2016-2017 Pearls of Promise Debutantes and Escorts! Today is a great day. It’s a day to celebrate with your families and friends, for you have successfully completed the rigorous curriculum, service activities and training required during the Pearls of Promise Debutante Program.

For each of you, high school graduation is just the next step in your education. You’re headed to a university preparing to meet the daunting task of pursuing the career of your choice. After the glitz and glamour of the ball and the fun of your graduation parties, remember this: The time spent with us and the diploma you receive is your insurance policy with the premium paid in full by your hard work over the last six months as well as the past 13 years. The value of that policy depends on how much effort you put into your education as well as the knowledge imparted during this program and what you do with it as you go on.

Use it. Take advantage of what it offers. Your education is your passport to greater things. Take those experiences with you. Keep close to your parents, your friends and those who have helped you along the way. And do well wherever you go and in whatever you do.

Congratulations again to each of you and may you all succeed in the years ahead.

Sincerely, Your 2016-2017 Pearls of Promise Debutante Ball Chairs, Kimberly Banks Shawanna Lee

The Pearls of Promise Debutante Program is an honors recognition and

service initiative hosted by Lambda Upsilon Sigma for high school seniors.

Through the initiative, participants undertake a six-month long educational program focused on Leadership Development, Personal Development, Networking, and Mentoring.

Workshops included in the program are: Personal Branding Money Management Time Management College Readiness Etiquette & Social Grace Self Esteem & Self Awareness

The program culminates with a Cotillion where the debutantes are presented before a host of family, friends, and community partners. At the Cotillion, Lambda Upsilon Sigma awards scholarships to each debutante before crowning the Queen of the Pearls of Promise Debutante Program.

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Justyce Davis

Jordan Thompson

Bethany Dawkins

Brandon Butler

Ashleigh Gadlin

Myles Macaway

Madison Guy

Pierce Washington

Kabreonna Jones

Raymond Sanders

Escort: Jordan Thompson Personal Motto: She's a DREAMER. A DOER. A THINKER. She sees POSSIBILITY everywhere College of Choice: University of Texas at Arlington Educational Focus: Major: Nursing , Minor: Forensics Winning the debutante program would mean me being able to overcome my mental limitations and fears. It's not about me beating others but more about having the opportunity to turn my dreams into a reality!

Escort: Brandon Butler Personal Motto: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!"

College of Choice: Oklahoma University or University of Arkansas Educational Focus: Business & Psychology To win the scholarship from this program would mean so much! This would truly be one of the greatest milestones of my senior year. It would mean that I truly proven myself as a woman of Christ and a servant in the community to a group of women who posses these same qualities and so much more!!

Escort: Myles Macaway Personal Motto: You can't block the view of someone whose only focused on their goals.

College of Choice: University of Houston Educational Focus: Major in Biology/Pre-Optometry; Minor in Pharmaceutical Studies Winning the debutante program would mean everything to me . My parents would be extremely proud of me. It'll be a great accomplishment to show them what I'm working towards in life. I personally believe that I just have a special motivation to get into college and have a career. I'm really looking forward to this opportunity and becoming close friends with the debs.

Escort: Pierce Washington College of Choice: Spellman, Howard, University of Southern California, and Tulane University Educational Focus: Psychology [Pre-Medicine concentration] or Business [Finance] I would be so proud to win the debutante program and represent Sigma Gamma Rho. The mission statement of Sigma Gamma Rho states that the sorority seeks to enhance the quality of life for women and their families in the U.S. and globally through community service, civil, and social action. The goal of Sigma Gamma Rho is to achieve greater progress in the areas of education, health awareness, and leadership development. This mission statement exemplifies all that I hope to accomplish in my life. The most important things to me is God, my family, and pursuit of higher education so that I may be of service in both my local and global communities.

Escort: Raymond Sanders III Personal Motto: You never stop learning!

Try to learn something new each day.

College of Choice: Prairie View and or Texas Southern Educational Focus: General Business /Finance Winning the Debutante Program in 2017 will come with great honor. This program has enhanced many lives for many young ladies. I hope to get the same in return , by learning the tradition of grace, poise, independence, sense of self and etiquette at all times. It will be a priceless-epic moment to be Crowned 2017 Debutante Queen my senior year.

Congratulations on your Journey And Many blessing to you,

Debutante Kabreonna Jones!

Love always, Your family!

Cole & Peace Family

We are so proud of the young lady you have become. Stay humble and keep GOD 1st!

Best Wishes, Debutante Kabreonna Jones! Love always, DAD & MOM