STRANDS OF ELEGANCE COTILLION
Date: February 20, 2010 | Venue: Mariott Marquis | Location: Atlanta, GA | Time: 6:00 PM
Since 2001, the Phi Phi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. has sponsored a biennial cotillion program known as the Strands of Elegance Cotillion. Through the cotillion program, Phi Phi Omega has introduced nearly 70 talented young women to society. The 2008 cotillion generated more than $100,000 in scholarships and community funding for the participating debutantes.
Bettye Lewis Maye, Phi Phi Omega’s first president, was instrumental in initiating the Strands of Elegance Cotillion in 2001; Sandra Kenon served as the programs's first chairman and Lori Cooper served as co-chairman.
Approximately 20 young ladies are selected to participate in the cotillion program biennially. Once selected, debutantes commit to participating in a seven- to eight-month process. To be eligible to participate in the program, young ladies must be:
* Rising high school junior or senior girls for the 2009 – 2010 school year
* In good academic standing, with a minimum GPA of 2.7 on a 4.0 scale
* Of good character and reputation
* Minority females residing in North Fulton or the surrounding suburbs
* Planning to attend a post-secondary school within one year of high school graduation
Each program cycle, debutantes perform community service activities designed to encourage them to become more aware of their value and contributions to society. Additionally, debutantes participate in educational workshops on topics such as communication skills, college preparation, leadership, service outreach, professionalism, self discipline, self esteem and social grace.
The program culminates with the presentation of the debutantes at the cotillion event. Each cotillion, scholarships ranging from $500 to $5,000 have been presented to debutantes during the event.