Themed “Prelude to a Vision Fair”, the GPS/UAO 9th Debutante Cotillion and Scholarship Ball is arguably the premier event for high school junior and senior girls in the Metro Atlanta area. It is the culmination of an array of social, cultural, educational and service-related activities – six to eight months of educational workshops, service projects and bonding activities that positively reinforce critical self-esteem principles that will last a lifetime.
The Debutante Court was named as follows: Miss Debutante: Alexis Ferrell; 1st Runner Up- Ryan Megan Cameron; and 2nd Runner Up- Ayana Salone. In 2016, debutantes were awarded more than $60,000 in scholarship awards. The first African-American Greek-letter organization in Gwinnett County, UAO has made a significant impact on the community with regards to educational enrichment by awarding over $100,000 in scholarships to graduating high school seniors.
Consequently, foundation and chapter members decided to further their reach of mentorship into the community, and once again expanded the program to include Sub Debutantes, 9th and 10th grade girls. Fifteen Sub Debutantes also participated in community service projects, cultural activities, educational workshops and monthly meetings that culminated with the grand affair.
Andria S. Daniels serves as President of Upsilon Alpha Omega Chapter while Althea Lawton-Thompson serves as President of the Gwinnett Pearls of Service Foundation. 2016 Cotillion Chairman Adelma Stanford Brown along with the 2016 Cotillion Co-Chairmen Dennisha Haynes, Kenyatta Greer, Kimberly Poole and Kyshia Carey were thankful for the opportunity to serve and mentor participants.
