Selma Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta presents Cotillion-Beautillion on Sunday

The Selma Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Inc. celebrated 40 years of elevating excellence with its annual Cotillion-Beautillion 2024 titled “Polished Poised & Prepared” on Sunday at Wallace Community College Selma.

Young girls and boys emulate the ladies and gentlemen in their mentor circles. And the Selma Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority certainly exuded excellence as they presented their crème de la cream to society — “Polished, Poised & Prepared.” Each debutante entered prim and proper, dressed in hooped ball gowns, long gloves and elegance. Each beau, mainly members of Kappa League, was well-suited from top hat to immaculately shined shoes. It was a sight to behold. 

But this celebration of 40 years of elevating excellence was more than met the eye, more than surface. The debs and beaux had been in training for months on etiquette, professionalism, public speaking and public issues, in addition to politeness, charm, dignity and more. The Selma Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority started the Debutante Cotillion in 1980 at Westside Jr. High auditorium. In 1986, at the National Guard Armory, the Beautillion was added. Since its inception, over $125,000 in scholarships have been awarded, according to President Eris Brooks-Beasley. 

Selma-DST left no stone unturned when it came to preparation. Neither did Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. that partnered with DST to assist in the success of the grooming the young men. Awards given included best oration, scrapbooking a trending topic, best position paper, highest financial goal achievement and highest GPA. 

The series of program events that led up to the awards began with a Royal Walk by Mr. Beau 2020 Jailon Austin and Miss Debutante 2022 Rikyah Chappell. The 2024 court was fascinating as they took to their very formal dance. An extended arm. A bow. A curtsy. All of this and a softly choreographed twirl and dip. Just like you see in the movies or the presidential ball. It was dynamic. 

Challenges were issued, charging the debs and beaux to always be their very best selves and affirming that they will be. Dr. Tonya Chestnut, State of Alabama School Board Representative, spoke directly to the young ladies. Selma City Schools Superintendent Dr. Zickeyous Byrd challenged the young men.  

Brooks-Beasley presented prestigious awards to impressive scholars. The award for highest GPA, par excellence, included a $1,000 scholarship. Ricdriquez Parker Jr. was the beau recipient, standing very strong at a 3.92 cumulative GPA. Debutante Sydney Pritchett received this award with an incredible 4.26 cumulative GPA.

Most Outstanding Beau (Par Excellence):

Frank York Jr.

Most Outstanding Debutante (Par Excellence): 

Radiance Ransom 

Mrs. Zella Ford and Dr. Tomekia McPhillips presented the following awards: 

Scrapbooking Trending Topics

Debutantes:

3rd Place - Radiance Ransom

2nd Place - Sydney Pritchett 

1st Place - K.Sheria Briggins 

Beaux: 

3rd Place - Markell Nelson

2nd Place - Frank York Jr.

1st Place - Ricdriquez Parker Jr. 

Oratorical Presentation on Trending Topic

Debutantes:

3rd Place - K’Sheria Briggins

2nd Place - Kennedy Maddox

1st Place - Sydney Pritchett

Beaux:

3rd Place - Markell Nelson

2nd Place - Ricdriquez Parker Jr.

1st Place - Frank York Jr.

Position Paper on Trending Topic 

Debutantes:

2nd Place - Kennedy Maddox 

1st Place - Sydney Pritchett

Beaux:

2nd Place - Frank York Jr.

1st Place - Ricdriquez Parker Jr.

Miss Congeniality 2024 (selected by her peers):

Radiance Ransom

Mr. Charm 2024 (selected by his peers):

Ricdriquez Parker Jr.

The crowning of Mr. Beau and Miss Debutante was highly anticipated, as these are they who bear the jewels and represent the organization as ambassadors for an entire year. This responsibility is given to the two who achieve the highest financial goal. They, “not only receive the title of distinction,” stated President Brooks-Beasley. “They also receive a very generous refund percentage as a scholarship.”

Second runner-up for Mr. Beau 2024 is Markell Nelson. First runner-up is Ricdriquez Parker Jr.  

Second runner-up for Miss Debutante 2024 is Gabrielle Cobb. First runner-up is K’Sheria Briggins. 

Mr. Beau and Miss Debutante 2024 are Mr. Frank York Jr. and Miss Radiance Ransom. And so, the crowning ceremony and royal walk began. 

This year’s ball was planned by Tanya Thomas (Chair) and Krystal Dozier and other sorority members.