Submitted by Marilyn Ford, Public Relations
Recently, The Criterion Club held the Debutante Pageant for 2015 at the Criterion Center in Dillon, South Carolina with the beautiful, efficient Miss Sherenna Thompson introduced by Sister LaMecisa Bethea serving as Mistress of Ceremony. The striking newly refurbished auditorium was skillfully decorated befitting a pageant of elegance with tall white columns, white tulle draping and artistically placed arrangements of fern, candles and white bouquets.
Dr. Miranda E. Manning extended a hearty Welcome followed by the Invocation, Sister Brenda Arnette. Announced by Miss Sherenna Thompson; The Grand March of the Debutantes began. The beautiful young ladies with their handsome male escorts, regal in appearance were wearing formal white elegant ball gowns of various designs. Debutantes Yolanda Campbell, daughter of Ms. Fonda Campbell a senior at Dillon High School, and Alexus Legette, daughter of Ms. Shameka McInnis and Mr. Rolando Harley a senior at Dillon High School were the Senior Debutantes. The Junior Debutantes were Jua’Myai Bethea, daughter of Ms. Charmane Bethea, a freshman at Dillon High School, Taylor Bethea, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Derrick and Tamara Bethea, a sophomore at Lake View High School, Laterrin Page, daughter of Mr. Cedric Page and the late Mrs. Latonya Page, a freshman at Dillon High School, Da’Kheria Samuel, daughter of Ms. Argie Smith and the late Mr. Phillip Samuel, a junior at Dillon High School, and Mallory Townsend, daughter of Ms. Melissa Morrison and Mr. Charles Townsend a junior at Latta High School. The Debutantes swayed and sang in melodious voices their special “Debutante Selection”. The Judges were introduced: Mrs. Kimberly L. Hughes of Marion, a Business Education and FBLA Advisor at Creek Bridge High School, and Mrs. Jerri Stewart Lewis of Dillon, a teacher at Stewart Heights Elementary School.
Sister Jackie Y. Leach introduced the guest talent. Four year old young Miss Trinity Johnson did a graceful praise dance on “Take Me to the King”. Strutting with flair, young Miss A’Kaliah Wright modeled a stylish western outfit including the cowboy hat, jean skirt, boots, feather belt and a lariat necklace. Eight year old young Miss Schwanda Jacobs daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph and Sharonda Jacobs sang a beautiful rendition of” Take Me to the King”.
The Special Highlights of Debutante Talent and Fashion were presented by Sister Regina McRae-Bradley. Debutantes: Jua’Myai Bethea modeled a flowery skater skirt, with black wedge heels and a matching blazer. The forceful, energetic dance routine was a praise dance to “This is my Season”. Alexus Legette modeled a black and white dress with white wedge heels and gold hoop earrings. In a soulful melody she sang “Killing Me Softly” by Lauren Hill. Yolanda Campbell modeled a blue blazer with an orange, white and blue flowered skirt, gold wedge shoes and gold accessories. She sang the powerful spiritual “For your Glory”. Laterrin Page modeled a sleeveless beige and dark green dress with brown belt, brown sandals with gold beads. Her talent was the sweet playing of “Jesus Loves Me” on the Flute. Mallory Townsend modeled a black dress with an under lying tank top, black wedge heels, a diamond necklace, her State Championship Ring, and Latta Class Ring. She brought out the best of skilled vocal talent and sang the classic “I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston. Taylor Bethea modeled a blue flared dress with a black blazer and black wedge heels, she wore silver accessories. Taylor proved to be extremely gifted and talented as she sang “I Look to You” by Whitney Houston. Da’Kheria Samuel modeled a mint green dress, with a brown belt, brown cowgirl boots, a blue jean jacket and brown MK bag. Her artistically skillful praise dance routine was to “This is My Season”.
The Awards and Presentations were announced by Sister Shelawn Curry. Each Debutante receive trophies in the following categories: The Interview Winners were Jua’Myai Bethea, Laterrin Page, Mallory Townsend and Taylor Bethea. The Formal Gown winner was Taylor Bethea.
The Academic Winner was Mallory Townsend, Miss Congeniality was Alexus Legette. Talent: First place: Da’Kerhia Samuel, Second place Taylor Bethea, Third place Mallory Townsend. Fashion: First place, Mallory Townsend, Second place, Taylor Bethea, and Third place, Yolanda Campbell. The President’s Award was given to Laterrin Page and Jua’Myai Bethea. Sister Claretha Whitfield introduced The Junior Debutante 2011, Ja’Naijah Hamilton. Debutante Hamilton took a final stroll. Miss Debutante 2015 was Yolanda Campbell. She was crowned, presented the Loving Cup, Sash, a Bouquet of Red Roses and took the Winners Runway Walk. The First Runner Up was Alexus Legette. Miss Junior Debutante 2015 was Da’Kheria Samuel. She was crowned, presented a trophy, sash and took the Winners Runway Walk. The First Runner Up was Laterrin Page and Second Runner Up was Mallory Townsend. They received Trophies and Sashes. Debutantes of 2011 and 2015 will be awarded a Scholarship. The Debutantes were taken for an evening of fun and relaxation by the committee members prior to the event. They enjoyed food, bowling and fellowship. The Criterion Members were presented by Sister LaMecisa Bethea, and the numerous former Debutantes present were recognized by Sister Towanda Wright.
A sincere thank you to The Debutante Committee: Shelawn Curry, Chairperson, Towanda Wright, LaMecisa Bethea, Jackie Yates Leach and President Miranda Manning and other Criterion Members, you are to be commended for your guidance, talent and diligence in the preparation and successful completion of this Pageant. A job well done!
A Heartfelt thank you to our Debutantes, Parents, Escorts, Sponsors, and Friends for your contributions to our “Evening of Elegance”: The Criterion Club Debutante Pageant 2015!
The Criterion Club’s inception 1945: The Motto: Let Every Woman Do Her Duty: Colors, Green and White, The Flower, White Gladiolus.
