Leon County Chapter of The Charmettes, Incorporated Crowns Miss Debutante 2017
Surprised Unveiled at 46th Annual Debutante Presentation and Ball
Robyn Seniors put an innovative touch on her fund-raising effort that carried her to the Charmettes’ Miss Debutant win.
Photo by Jarmon Photography
By Taylore N. Maxey
National Vice President, The Charmettes, Incorporated
On April 1, the Leon County Chapter of The Charmettes, Incorporated, recently presented 11 local high school students as Debutantes to the Tallahassee community at the FSU University Center Club.
“For more than 45 years, the Leon County Chapter has hosted the Debutante Ball and Presentation event in the Big Bend area,” said Victoria Ellis, Leon County Chapter president. “It truly is a rite of passage for young ladies of color in the Big Bend, and we are so proud of the contributions these Debs have made to the local community.”
The night began with music by the Falling Down Sideways band, and then moved into the presentation. Each young lady—dressed in her formal white gown, sparkling pearls and delicate gloves—is presented to their family, friends and society. The mothers of the Debutantes gave to their daughters a beautiful bouquet of flowers and a congratulatory kiss on the cheek.
These local high school students have gone through a journey of philanthropic and community service projects, and are now ready to take their steps towards finer womanhood. They are leaders in academics, members of student government, honor societies, and sporting teams at their respective schools. These young women have also spent countless hours volunteering in the Big Bend area in various areas of need. Winners will receive scholarships to assist in their collegiate endeavors.
This year’s Miss Debutante 2017 is Miss Robyn Seniors—Chiles High School. The 1st runner-up is Miss Adrianna Williams—Lincoln High School. The 2nd runner-up is Miss Imani Thomas—Leon High School and the 3rd runner-up is Miss Alexandra Muse—Leon High School.
The Leon County Chapter surprised the attendees at the Debutante Ball when they announced that Robin Roberts, anchor on Good Morning America, was the Title Sponsor of the event. Debutante Robyn Seniors created a video and reached out to Ms. Roberts via social media, telling her about her personal Debutante journey and the good work The Charmettes do in the community.
This year’s 2017 Debutantes are the following young ladies: Mya Clark – Florida High School; Kamaria Hudson – Lincoln High School; Chenteria Johnson – Chiles High School; Angel Tolliver – FAMU DRS; Elysée Tolliver Eichhoefer – Rickards High School; Alani Triplett – Lincoln High School; and Jalen Williams – Lincoln High School.
The Leon County Chapter also has junior debutantes, who will begin their journey to the Debutante Presentation and Ball at age 16.
If you are interested in submitting a young lady for consideration as a 2018 Junior Debutante (10th grade and 11th grade) or a Debutante (11th grade, 12th grade and freshman in college), please email your letter of interest to: tallahasseedebutantes@gmail.com.
The Charmettes, Incorporated, is a civic organization founded in 1951 in West Palm Beach, Florida. It is a community conscious and action organization with programs and activities that provide assistance to needy individuals, promote health care awareness and provide scholarships to deserving young people. For more information, please visit www.leoncountycharmettes.org.
