Tyriana Cotton, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Irwin Lovick and Tyron Cotton, was crowned Queen of the 2017 Cotillion Ball sponsored by the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Zeta Omicron Omega Chapter.
Dr. Anthony Graham, Chief Official at A&T State University, officially welcomed the Queen and her Court to society. Musical entertainment was provided by the Soul Movement Band.
Her Chief Marshal was Irwin Lovick and her Assistant Marshal was Brennan Hill. LaDonna Walters was her Community Co-Sponsor. Her Sorority Sponsors were Teedra Brown and Annie Kornegay.
Cotton, a Kinston High School junior is a member of Christian Fellowship Center, Snow Hill. She is a member of KHS IB Diploma Program. Her future goal is to become a bone and joint surgeon.
The theme of the ball was “Wishes Do Come True in the Land of Pink and Green.” Decorations adorned the room with depictions of pink and green’s incredible pathways of life opportunities. The debutantes graced the traditional white formal gowns as their Chief Marshals wore black tails with black accessories. Assistant Marshalls wore their elegant white tails with green accessories.
Stanley Melvin was the Master Of Ceremonies.
The program began with a message from Amanda Outlaw, President of the Zeta Omicron Omega Chapter. Debra Green-Blair and Myra Green-Pittman, Co-Chairs of the Cotillion, described the Cotillion Experience, followed by the introduction of the chapter members and the singing of the sorority hymn. Cotton was crowned by former Cotillion Queen, Selena Bryant-Ward, and sponsor, Teedra Brown. A traditional bouquet of flowers was presented by sponsor, Annie Kornegay. She then gave her farewell address.
The Queen’s Court consisted of Debutantes 1st runner up, Jessica Lanier, senior at North Lenoir High School, 2nd runner up, Briana Summers, a senior at Kinston High School.
Members of the Princess Court were Sinia McPhail, Jameya McCotter, Faith Cobb, Alysse Harris and Aja Harvey.
The Honor Court consisted of Dalasia Uzzell and Desha Hall.
The memorable highlight of the program showcased the formation dances with the 2017 Debutantes and their Assistant Marshalls, choreographed by Jessica Bryant, Teedra Brown and Myra Greene-Pittman. The program began with entertainment by the Soul Movement Band made up of Leonard Palmer, John Flowers, Patrick Ellison and Robert Koonce. The musical coordinator was Toron Smith, with pianist Leonard Palmer. Nathaniel Dunn was the soloist.
Other participants were dancers Tieonna Lanier, Jamiya Mitchell, Hailey Rochelle and Nikyla Williams. Ushers were Cierra Grady, Jashira Lee, Jamell Mumford, Hanniqua Simmons, and Keithan Morris.
Debutantes were presented gifts at the Mother-Daughter Banquet in April held in the St. Augustus AMEZ Church Banquet Hall. The Cotillion contestants will receive a scholarship to the college of their choice.
Quick Q&A with the Queen
Q: What has the cotillion experience been like for you throughout the year?
A: “For me, the overall experience was life changing. I enjoyed every activity, church visit, and charm clinic. I know the average person would think that a group of girls would be chaos, but it wasn’t. We’re a family. I’m glad I got the opportunity to participate in such a blossoming program with those 15 young women.”
Q: What does it mean to you to be named the 2017 Cotillion Queen?
A: “The title, 2017 Cotillion Queen, is truly an honor. To me it means, becoming a woman, learning from experience, growth, and bettering yourself. I’m grateful for the honor.”
Q: What are you looking forward to most about the honor?
A: “I’m looking forward to being acknowledged as a young woman and the opportunity to inspire young girls. Motivating girls to push themselves to success and happiness.”
Q: What would you say to someone considering participating in Cotillion?
A: “To the 2019 debutantes I say to you, remain humble, respect yourself and others, and never put any one down. We’re all queens, even without the crown!”
[“Source-kinston”]