The Weekly Challenger
ST. PETERSBURG — Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Zeta Upsilon Omega Chapter, in partnership with the Youth Development Foundation of Pinellas County, Inc., hosted their 12th Biennial Essence of Ebony Pearls Debutante Cotillion on Saturday, March 18, at the historic Coliseum in downtown St. Pete.
The ballroom was filled with family and friends when 11 stunning young ladies gracefully entered the floor dressed in all-white to be presented to society.
Initially, debutantes were young women of marrying age being displayed for eligible bachelors and their families to view with marriage in mind. Today’s debutantes aren’t looking for a husband to secure their futures. No, these gorgeous pearls will make names for themselves in fields such as education, engineering, medicine, real estate, marine biology and the film industry.
The cotillion aims to promote young ladies’ achievements, inspire educational and cultural growth, encourage personal development and promote community service. The cotillion was the culminating activity for the 2022-23 Essence of Ebony Pearls Scholarship Program.
Over the past five months, these 11 beautiful young ladies have participated in various workshops, which focused on self-care and empowerment, fashion for all occasions, as well as professional networking and dining etiquette. The belles of the ball also attended a debutante tea complete with their fascinators and gloves, celebrating the mother-daughter bonds and how to cherish quality time together.
During the debutante cotillion process, the young ladies were required to perform community service hours. This year they partnered with My Daughter’s Keeper of Tampa Bay. Thanks to Donna Welch, the young ladies packed 89 food kits that were distributed to families in temporary housing here in our city. Read more
