FREEPORT, Grand Bahama — The ballroom of the Grand Lucayan Hotel was the venue for a grand evening celebrating a mix of the old with the new as the Yellow Elder Club continued its long-standing tradition of presenting poised and accomplished young women along with their chosen escort to society during its 38th Annual Debutante Ball held Saturday, June 1, 2019.
Highlights of the evening included the introduction of the debutantes by their fathers or male guardians, a father-daughter dance, mother-son dance and the presentation of special awards.
Miss Abigail Victor of Sunland Baptist Academy was selected Debutante of the Year 2019 and Mr. Tristan Rodgers of Bishop Michael Eldon High School was selected Escort of the Year 2019.
Miss Makai Maurice of St. George’s High School received the award Princess Rose and Matheo Harris of Ruthnell Technical Institute was selected Prince Charming.
Miss Audliah Nortelus of Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Academy was selected Lady Grace and Donté Singh from Bishop Michel Eldon was selected Gallant Knight.
Other participants included: Debutantes Caitlyn Harris of the Grand Bahama Academy; Tamea Barr and Branaia Cooper, from Jack Hayward Senior High School; and Sasha Miller, from Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Academy.
Escorts included Steven Saunders of Bishop Michel Eldon High School; Byron Roberts, from Grand Bahama Academy; Rajaim Munnings and Romez Major of St. George’s High School.
The formal event featured pomp and pageantry as the debutantes made their grand entrance with the Grand Bahama Company of Boys Brigade serving as the honor guard. Adorned in beautiful, white ballroom gowns and long white gloves, the debutantes were escorted to the dance floor by their handsome escorts, who were attired in black tuxedos complemented by bow ties and white gloves.
The couples performed a special choreographed waltz to the classical music of The Blue Danube composed by Johan Strauss. During the formal presentation, adorable little girls — dubbed rosebuds — presented their debutantes with a single pink rosebud depicting the “The Rose,” which was the theme for the Ball.
The ball was the culmination of a four-month training program where the 14 participants were exposed to self-.development, leadership skills, organizational skills, communication skills, etiquette sessions, waltz lessons and social activities. In addition, they were required to complete 10 hours of community service and a 500 word essay.
Presenters from the community included ASP Rolston Moss of the Royal Bahamas Police Force, Dr. Nicholas Singh from the Grand Bahama Health Services, Former Escort Steven Martin, Former Debutante La-Tique Morris, Retired Nurse Sister Patricia Hanchell, Dr. Rebekah Flowers, along with committee members Samantha Colton, Kaylesa Simmons, Elizabeth Carey and Mavis Shepard.
The debutante ball is an annual event for high school students in the 11th and 12th grades. Young ladies are invited to apply and are accepted into the four-month training program by the committee. They then select a male escort to take part with them. The recipients of the special awards are given financial gifts.
The 2019 Debutante Ball Committee was comprised of the members of the Yellow Elder Club – Elizabeth Carey, Kaylesa Simmons, Mavis Sheppard and Samantha Colton, Annie Beckles and Charles La-Roda. The choreographer was Liselle Russell.
(NOTE: This article was submitted by Kaylesa Simmons, a member of the Debutante Ball Committee.)
