Kappa Upsilon Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, presented its biennial “A Touch of Class” Cotillion on the evening of March 4.
Eighteen outstanding junior and senior high school young ladies representing various schools in Aiken County were presented to society at USC Aiken. The Cotillion Ball was the culmination of the five-month-long Cotillion season, which consisted of activities that were spiritually, culturally and educationally enlightening to include workshops on public speaking, personal grooming, etiquette and obtaining financial aid for post-secondary education.
Dr. Rosa S. Ishmal, president of Kappa Upsilon Omega Chapter, greeted the more than 300 family and friends that were gathered to share in this memorable occasion. The Debutantes were introduced by Mistress of Ceremony Britnee' McCoy and Master of Ceremony Brandon Upson. After being formally introduced, the Debutantes, their escorts and fathers performed a series of dance routines that were choreographed by Corey Burns of Burns Dance Studio.
The debutantes included: Jailyn Adams, a senior at North Augusta High School, and daughter of Demetrice Adams and Travis Gilliam, escorted by Zachary Freeman; Niageria Bey, a senior at South Aiken High School, and daughter of Freddrick and Tiffany Quattlebaum, escorted by Chavah Green; An'Ye Chase, a junior at South Aiken High School, and daughter of Aishia Chase, escorted by Marquis Oliver; Makayla Cummings, a junior at North Augusta High School, and daughter of Stephanie Henry, escorted by Jalyn Bradley; Meagan Danley, a junior at Wagener-Salley High School, and daughter of Henry C. and Gail Danley, escorted by Wesley Guyton; Taneesha Foster, a junior at North Augusta High School, and daughter of Valerie Foster, escorted by Tavian Price; Talia Gordon, a senior at Aiken High School, and daughter of Lisa M. Kenner, escorted by Tyson Bettis; Taylor Gordon, a senior at Aiken High School, and daughter of Lisa M. Kenner, escorted by Miguel Leaphart; Destiny Hamilton, a junior at South Aiken High School, and daughter of Teresa Hamilton and Clarence Hamilton, escorted by Perry Quattlebaum; Tre'vionna Horne, a senior at North Augusta High School, and daughter of Ilona Horne and Joseph Strowder, escorted by Daniel Morris; Chazae Jackson, a junior at Brookland-Cayce High School, and daughter of Ebonise Adams and Terrell Jackson, escorted by Jahmir Barnes; Jasmine Johnson, a senior at South Aiken High School, and daughter of Chesley Johnson and Alan Johnson, escorted by Quyon Forrest; Jessica Key a senior at the South Carolina Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities, and daughter of Rosalind Key and Harvey Key, escorted by Cameron Smith; Destiny Mathews, a senior at North Augusta High School, and daughter of Llimuel and Lori Mathews, escorted by Darrell McCullough; Kelsey Richardson, a junior at North Augusta High School, and daughter of Lenister and Leslie Brown, escorted by Robert Morris; Jaylah Whitfield, a junior at Midland Valley High School, and daughter of Johnny W. Whitfield Jr. and Princess Whitfield, escorted by Javon Kyler; Jasmine Williams, a senior at Aiken High School and daughter of Uniquk Wilkins, escorted by Grant Butler; and Tiauna Williams, a senior at South Aiken High School, and daughter of Natasha Toney, Decarlous Williams and Christine Williams, escorted by Tyrell Abney.
Miss “A Touch of Class” 2015, Rachel Toney, was on hand to assist in the awards ceremony. Taylor Gordon was crowned Miss “A Touch of Class” Cotillion 2017. First runner-up was Jessica Key, second runner-up was Kelsey Richardson and third runner-up was Talia Gordon. Jessica Key and Destiny Mathews were presented awards for the Senior Debutantes with the highest GPA and Jaylah Whitfield and Meagan Gordon were presented awards for the Junior Debutantes with the highest GPA. Taylor Gordon received the Cotillion Spirit Award. Following the ceremony, a reception was held with entertainment provided by Fred Williams
Mrs. Ashley B. Moseley served as chairman of the 2017 Cotillion Committee and Mrs. Joan Hill served as co-chairman.
