Following the COVID 19 guidelines, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. would only allow virtual activities for their youth programs. While the Cotillion was conducted differently than it has been in the past the event turned out to be very successful.
Minden Alumnae Chapter Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. presented nine young women in its Annual Debutante Cotillion Spring Ball on April 24, 2022 at 5 pm. This year’s event was Virtual and was themed “Let the Games Begin …We Win!” The Cotillion Committee chose this theme because No matter what you do in life, everything is competitive; women win and make impactful changes in our society. The 2021-2022 theme honors the U.S. Olympic Women’s basketball team, undefeated since 1996. Kamala Harris, who was sworn in as the first female Vice President; Stacy Abrams, who flipped the state of Georgia Blue; and Kathrin Jansen, who led the development of the Pfizer Vaccine. Also, Sydney McLaughlin and Dalilah Muhammad set records in the 400- meter hurdles. During the 2021 Olympics, U.S. Gymnast Simone Biles withdrew from several competitions, which helped bring further awareness to mental health issues. There is completion throughout life, not just in sports but in getting into the schools and the careers you want and staying physically, emotionally, and mentally fit. Women are overcoming obstacles daily and dominating in many areas. Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. understands that recognizing the achievements of women in all facets of life– sports, science, community, government, literature, art, and medicine- has a significant impact on the development of self-respect and new opportunities for girls and young women. It also symbolizes the beginning of one’s journey or quest as a young woman. An old Chinese proverb states this: A Journey of a Thousand Miles Starts with One Step.
As part of the virtual affair, the Debutantes wrote a poem titled: “A Queen Can Move Anywhere.” The poem is a tribute to one of the most popular games played worldwide; the game of chess shows the importance of the queen chess piece. The queen chess piece might be considered the most powerful piece on the chess board. The queen can control a large number of squares at a single point in time. The importance of a queen is so apparent that many individuals who play chess internationally stop playing once their queen has been captured. The queen chess piece is a symbol that encourages women and girls to achieve academic, personal, and professional success. Awards were presented to the following:
Gibsland-Coleman High School (Bienville Parish) student Trinitee Scott, Daughter of Trevin Scott Sr. and Desirea Wilson, received the award of Minden Alumnae Chapter’s Miss DST Debutante 2021-2022. Gibsland- Coleman High School (Bienville Parish) student Syrenatea Rushing, daughter Sherman, and Anjennite Rushing received the Spotlight award 2021-2022. Minden High School (Webster Parish) Kristella Kemp, daughter of Patrick Morgan and Christine Kemp, was voted “Miss Congeniality” 2021-2022. Minden High School (Webster Parish) Brianna Britton, daughter of Kenosha and Dewayne Adams, received the Best Essay Award 2021-2022.
2021-2022 Minden Alumnae Chapter Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Debutantes
Brianna Britton, daughter of Kenosha and Dewayne Adams, Minden High School; Brianna Davis, daughter of Brandon and Benita Davis, Minden High School; Jelyse Davis, daughter of Kenny and Shontell Davis, Airline High School; Ada Gilbert, daughter of Fayrine and the late Verdis Gilbert, Minden High School; Kristella Kemp, daughter of Patrick Morgan and Christine Kemp, Minden High School; Rayneshia Knight, daughter of Tameka Warren, Minden High School; Lynaeja Lee, daughter of Henry Lee and Camilla Cotton, Minden High School; Syrenatea Rushing, daughter Sherman, and Anjennite Rushing, Gibsland-Coleman High School; Trinitee Scott, Daughter of Trevin Scott Sr. and Desirea Wilson, Gibsland-Coleman High School.
The debutantes were active members of their schools, churches, and communities.
During preparation for presentations, the debutantes participated in various activities. Among them: are Christmas Turkey and Ham Drop Off, Virtual Escape Room, Black Health and Wellness Program for Black History Month, Social Media Safety & Awareness Program, Financial Literacy Program, FAFSA Workshop, Refusing to Be Silenced! Domestic Violence Awareness Program, 2021 Cotillion Tea, Martin Luther King Jr. Day Symposium. They also participated in Virtual college tours; the tours consisted of Bossier Parish Community College, Bossier City, La, Jackson State University, Jackson, Miss., Texas Southern University, Houston, TX, and other service events.
President Yolanda Smith, the members of the Minden Alumnae Chapter, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.Thank You for your support.