The 48th annual debutante cotillion sponsored by Alpha Pi Chi Sorority on Friday, May 1, was celebrated at the West Rockingham Elementary auditorium in the presence of hundreds of family and friends.

The debutantes in their gowns and escorts donning tuxedos waltzed the night away to the theme of “When You Believe” featuring the music of Yanni.

The college bound debutantes and their escorts entertained the crowd with dance and prose as their final salute before making the transition to the next step in their careers.

They spoke of their choice of colleges, their career aspirations and demonstrated their affection and appreciation for family and friends along the way.

The Queen, Amani Eudora Ann Jarvis, reigns from Rockingham and Richmond Senior High School. She is the daughter of Hazel and David Jarvis. She is headed to A&T State University to complete her education. Her escort, Carl Hagins will be entering the US Air Force. She was sponsored by Soror Ruth Watkins.

The Maid of Honor was Talia Patrice Drake. She attends West Montgomery High School. She is the daughter of Naomi and Larry Drake. She will attend North Carolina Central University in the fall. Her escort, Dominque Drake plans to attend A&T State University. Her sponsor was Soror Doris Cutrell.

The first attendant was Jamye Alexis Sanchez Smith. She is from Rockingham and attends Richmond Senior High. She is the daughter of Pricilla Waddell Smith.

Her college plans are to attend East Carolina University in the fall. Her escort, Jared Gatewood, is a rising sophomore at UNC at Greensboro. She was sponsored by Soror Cynthia Northcutt.

The second attendant was Brittania Nechelle Morgan. She attends West Montgomery High School. Her parents are Felicia and Ronald Morgan. She will attend North Carolina Central University in the fall.

Her escort was Ray Smith Sr. and he plans to attend University of North Carolina at Greensboro. She was sponsored by Soror Doris Cuthrell.

Talia Patrice Drake was awarded the Miss Congeniality Award for the warmth and support she provided to the other debutantes. She also won the Citizenship Award for her efforts through selling food and baked goods to raise funds for medical assistance for a needy individual.

She was presented the Scholarship Award for scoring the highest score of the group on the SAT examination.

The Queen, Amani Eudora Ann Jarvis, won the Talent Award for her rendition of her favorite song, “At Last,” by Etta James.

All debutantes received monetary scholarships to further their education.

The 2009 Debutante Activities included Mother/Daughter Get Acquainted session, Movie Night “The Secret Life of Bees,” “Broadway Musical at Pembroke, “Ain’t Misbehavin,”” Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.. Luncheon, Financial Aid Workshop, Mother/Daughter Marshal Dinner, Debutante Sleepover, Scrapbook Workshop, Talent Show and Cotillion Dance Practices.

The chairmen for the Debutante Cotillion were Carol Chambers and Annie Pratt. Cynthia Northcutt, chapter president, was mistress of ceremonies.

Other sorority members include Delores Foreman, Alice B. Little, Ruth Watkins, Doris Cuthrell, Catherine Blackwell, Gracie Ingram, Nikisha Leak Muhummad, Gloria Mask, Marcella McDonald, Sabrina McDonald, Frances Sledge, and Wenonia Wall.

Choreographer for the ball was Bruce Stanback. Greg Hagins served as the musician.