Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Epsilon Chi Omega Chapter of Florence South Carolina presented its 54th Debutante Cotillion at the Strive Hard Educational Recreational and Enrichment Center (SHEREC) on the campus of New Ebenezer Baptist Church. This signature scholarship program recognizes young women in surrounding communities who exemplify impeccable character, have high moral standards, and outstanding educational achievement. The theme this year was “Cultivating Pearls of Excellence.” Mr. and Mrs. Edward (Wilson Anne) Addison served as Master and Mistress of Ceremonies.
Miss Sydney Renee Bradley was crowned Miss Debutante 2018-2020. She is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James (Contessa) Bradley. Sydney, a senior at Wilson High School, was presented by her father. Her escort Mr. Amauri Solomon, son of Miss Jameeca English and Mr. Tyrell Solomon, is a student at Darlington High School.
Miss Rianna Stewart was recognized as First Attendant to Miss Debutante. She is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Bernie (Daphne) Stewart of Florence, South Carolina. Rianna, a senior at Wilson High School, was presented by her father. Her escort Mr. Braxton Robinson, son of Mr. and Mrs.Wendell (Margaret) Robinson, is a senior at South Florence High School.
Miss Riane “Gabby” Green was recognized as Second Attendant to Miss Debutante. She is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Bobby (Roselyn) Green. Riane, a senior at Wilson High School, was presented by her uncle, Mr. Roderick Zollicoffer. Her escort, Mr. Deonte’ Boston, the son of Miss Theresa Boston, is a senior at Wilson High School.
Other Debutantes participating in the cotillion included the following young ladies:
Miss Davia Denise Pugh the daughter of Mr. David Pugh and Miss Phyllis Brooks. She is a freshman at Hampton University and was presented by her father. Her escort, Mr. Michael Larbie, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Isaac (Kwasi) Sarpong, is a senior at Sun Valley High School.
Miss Kayla Michelle Moses is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Woodrow (Teresa) Moses. She is a junior at the South Carolina Governor’s School of the Arts and Humanities, Greenville, South Carolina. Kayla was presented by her father. Her escort was her brother, Mr. Woodrow Moses Jr., a junior at South Carolina State University.
Miss Juanita Teresa Cleopatra Hazel Allen is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Garnett (Palmer) Allen. She is a senior at South Florence High School and was presented by her uncle, Mr. William Johnson. Her escort was her brother, Mr. Theodore “TC” Allen, a graduate of Miami Dade College.
Miss Jasena Maurissa Adams is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jason (Sacajawea) Adams. Jasena is a junior at Wilson High School and since her father is in Kuwait, she was presented by Mr. Reginald Derry. Her escort was her brother Mr. Jason Maurice Adams Jr., a freshman at South Florence High School.
All Debutantes will receive scholarships of varying amounts. Debutantes also received awards for their talent presentations and the Electronic Portfolio competition. The first place talent winner was Miss Rianna Stewart; the second place winner was Miss Juanita Allen and the third place winner was Miss Sydney Bradley. Winners of the Electronic Portfolios were Miss Rianna Stewart, 1st Place, Miss Jasena Adams, 2nd Place, and Miss Davia Pugh, 3rd Place.
