Miss. Debutante 2009
Theta Lambda Omega congratulates Jessica Fladger, crowned Miss. Debutante 2009, Jordan Taylor, First Runner Up, Nia Turner, Second Runner Up and all of the fine young ladies who participated in the 2009 Debutante Cotillion. We wish them the best as they start their undergraduate studies in the fall.
The Inception
The Theta Lambda Omega Debutante Scholarship Cotillion began as the dream of one of it's members. Mary Lynn Yvonne (Perry) Ferguson. Turning the dream into reality demanded her persistence and the dedicated and untiring support of all chapter members. A plan had to be devised. A focus had to be agreed upon. These needs resulted in the organization ofthe very first Cotillion Committee, with Mary Lynn (Yvonne) Ferguson serving as General Chairperson and Birta Allen, who was also the chapter President, as Co-Chairperson. Sub-Comittees were formed comprisesd of committed chapter members: Joanne Battle, Dorothy Grant, LaBertha Johnson, Alean Jones, Clydell Jones, Marquerite Jordan, Vivian Payne, Ruby Russell, Anna Waller Smith, and Eloise Young.
The primary focus was, and continues to be, academic achievement and scholarship. The debutante program included the teaching of academic and social skills. Each young lady was required to complete a community service project which was evaluated and scored. The sale of advertisments for the cotillion program book provided a resource of funds in support of continuing education.
As a result of earning the highest score of her community service project, Vivian Smith was crowned as the first Miss Debutante, Fabienne McPhail, through the sales of advertisements earned the distinction of being the first Miss Outstanding Cash Contributor.
Since the first momentous occasion, Theta Lambda Omega chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., has continued to fulfill the vision of the first pioneers of the debutante cotillion. The success of this program can be attributed not only to the commitment and hard work of chapter members, but also to the generous contributions of various community orgnaizations and individuals. Over the years, Theta Lambda Omega has been able to distribute scholarships in excess of $1,600,000. Inclusive of the 2009 Cotillion, we have been blessed to present over 780 young ladies from various communities in Southeastern Michigan.