Themed “Prelude to a Vision Fair“, the GPS/UAO 10th Biennial 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.
Andria S. Daniels, UAO President said, “Upsilon Alpha Onega’s Debutante and Cotillion Scholarship Program offers scholarship, educational, and cultural opportunities to young ladies within the state. Over the last ten years, over 200 young ladies have completed our program and gone on to do great things in the community. UAO salutes the 2018 Debutante class and we look forward to a magical night at the Cotillion.”
Holistic, the program enhances the lives of participating young women while providing opportunities for the debutantes to earn scholarships for higher education. In 2016, debutantes were awarded more than $60,000 in scholarship awards.
Speaking of scholarships, UAO, the first African-American Greek-letter organization in Gwinnett County, has made a significant impact on the community with regards to educational enrichment by awarding over $300,000 in scholarships to graduating high school seniors. Educational enrichment is only one of the five target areas of the sorority’s international programmatic thrust that UAO implements at the local level. The Gwinnett Pearls of Service Foundation, Inc. is UAO’s charitable arm. The purpose of the foundation is to focus on education, health, youth development and mentoring. GPS has supported Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. Upsilon Alpha Omega Chapter’s efforts in reaching high school seniors and ensuring that their dream of higher education is not deferred due to lack of funding through our scholarship efforts. The non-profit relies on the passion, talent and energy of dedicated volunteers.
“Thirty years ago, I was a debutante and received a scholarship to college from the host organization,” said Althea Lawton-Thompson, GPS President. “It was one of the most rewarding experiences of my high school senior year, and I am honored to continue the tradition of scholarship and transition into womanhood.”
Historically, Cotillions were formal affairs that signified the transition of young women, sixteen to eighteen years of age to young adulthood; and “presented” them to society with a sparkling debut. GPS and UAO members not only recognize the continuing importance of this transition to young adulthood, but also the transition to higher education for young women.
Consequently, foundation and chapter members decided to further their reach of mentorship into the community, and once again expand the program to include a Junior Debutante Cotillion Program for 9th and 10th grade girls. The Junior Debutante Program includes community service projects, cultural activities, educational workshops and monthly meetings that culminate with the grand affair.
UAO marked 23 years of service in January 2017. The 2018 Cotillion Chairman Dionne Battle, along with the 2018 Cotillion Co-Chairmen Yolanda Wilson and Carolyn Burkes anxiously await the big day. Arguably a premier event in the state of Georgia, the 10th Biennial Debutante Cotillion and Scholarship Ball is a time of excitement and service for all.
Tickets are $75 and can be purchased at 2018 Debutante Cotillion & Scholarship Ball
About Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated is the first Greek-letter organization founded by African-American women at Howard University in 1908. Led by the organization’s 29th President, Dorothy Buckhanan Wilson, Alpha Kappa Alpha is a sisterhood of national and international stature. Its members share the same high moral, ethical, scholastic, and spiritual standards; and are leaders in their community – inspiring, serving, and empowering all with whom they come in contact while addressing the social and economic ills of our society. For more information about Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., visit www.aka1908.com #AKA1908
About Upsilon Alpha Omega Chapter
On January 29, 1994, thirty aspiring professional women chartered the Upsilon Alpha Omega Chapter in Lawrenceville, Georgia. The group gathered to implement and support the international programs of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated as they pertain to the needs of Gwinnett County, Georgia. Today, Upsilon Alpha Omega, the first African-American Greek-letter organization in Gwinnett County is 300 members strong, and has made a significant impact on the community. Andria S. Daniels serves as President.
