The Akron Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. held its 33rd annual Les Belles Perles (The Beautiful Pearls) Cotillion on Sunday evening at Akron’s Quaker Station Inn.
President Torey Stewart Tolson welcomed the 500 guests. The event’s co-chairs were Dreajean L. Brown and Shana M. Lee.
Sixteen debutantes representing seven area high schools were presented. The debutantes are all high-school seniors and were selected based on their academic performance, school and community involvement, letters of recommendation and a personal interview with the applicants and their parents or guardians.
“The cotillion has presented over 607 debutantes with more than $340,188 in awards over the years,” chapter journalist Traci Buckner said.
In addition to presentation night, debutantes have the opportunity to enhance their leadership and service skills through monthly enrichment and public-service activities and cultural events.
Carla Boyd, proud mother of debutante Caelyn Boyd, said, “This is about creating memories for my daughter.” Caelyn’s father, Michael Boyd Sr., and her brother, Michael Boyd Jr., showed their support as well as family members Kristin Johnson, Cynthia Johnson, Jaedon Thornton, Darla Moore, Phyllis Johnson and Cereatha Boyd.
“My son is an escort but I’m so excited about this event,” said Melody Redon. Her son, Sterling Ford, escorted Florence Cunningham. Janessa Burnette said Florence was her best friend and added, “She wanted to be in this so bad last year and here she is.”
“I was here for both of my sisters,” said 14-year-old Faith Benson, who sat with her friend Symphony Sanders.
Jeff Ludle and his wife, Renee Benson-Ludle, came to support family friend Courtney Jones. “This builds self-esteem in girls and it’s a great coming out for them,” Jeff Ludle said.
Enjoying a table together were Janie Foshee, Gwendolyn Daniels, Traci Lewis, Phyllis Lewis and Shareefah Wahid.
Chapter Chaplain Cheryl Warfield did the invocation.
