2015 – 2016 precious pearls strands of excellence...

2015 – 2016 Precious Pearls Strands of Excellence Leadership and Scholarship Cotillion Program

West Johnson Parsons Foundation, Inc. in partnership with Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.,

Sigma Alpha Omega Chapter

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the Precious Pearls Strands of Excellence Leadership and Scholarship Cotillion Program?

A: The Precious Pearls Strands of Excellence Leadership and Scholarship Cotillion Program (“LSC Program”) is a dynamic multi-month leadership development program that offers an outstanding opportunity for minority young ladies in Tift County, Georgia and surrounding areas to experience a variety of cultural, academic, community service, and social activities, and at the same time raise funds towards scholarships. Additionally, it is an avenue for participants to bond with other young ladies, as well as establish lifelong friendships. Students selected for this program are called Debutantes (Seniors) or Pre-Debutantes (Juniors). The culminating activity for each Debutante in this program is her formal introduction to the community at an elegant Cotillion Ball in June 2016.

Q: What is the purpose of the LSC Program?

A: The LSC Program was developed for minority female juniors and seniors in high school to provide them with scholarship opportunities, as well as the tools to successfully transition from high school to post-secondary education and into young adulthood. Further, the LSC Program is designed to empower and equip these young ladies to be effective leaders locally and globally.

Q: What are the objectives of the LSC Program?

A: The specific objectives of the program are to:

• Enhance personal, civic and leadership development through structured educational workshops.

• Promote high academic achievement and provide scholarships towards higher education.

• Promote servant leadership through volunteerism and community service.

• Promote high ethical standards, character development, good citizenship and social graces during the formative years.

• Promote camaraderie and positive relationships with other young women.

The program objectives are achieved through a four-month curriculum consisting of educational workshops, cultural and social activities, community service projects, fundraising efforts and rehearsals.




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Q: What does the program involve?

A: The LSC Program consists of the following components:

• Educational workshops and social activities;

• Cultural enrichment experiences;

• Community service;

• Fundraising efforts;

• Rehearsals; and

• The Cotillion Ball on June 25, 2016 where the debutantes are formally introduced to the community and scholarships and awards are presented.

Q: What are the application requirements?

A: In order to be considered for the LSC Program, applicants must:

• Be a minority female high school junior or senior during the 2015-2016 school year in Tift County, Georgia or surrounding areas.

• Be 16 – 19 years old and single (not married, divorced or widowed)

• Not be a mother, pregnant or become a mother during the LSC Program season

• Have fully completed the application (including essay, 2 recommendation forms, $25 application fee, submission of official school transcript) and mail the completed application packet on or before Friday, March 25, 2016. Application packets must contain all listed requirements in order to be considered. Applications that are not postmarked by Friday, March 25, 2016 and/or incomplete will not be reviewed. NO exceptions. The application and additional instructions for application are available at http://akasigmaalphaomega.weebly.com .

• Plan to enroll in a post-secondary educational institution within 1 year of high school graduation.

• Have a minimum 2.5 cumulative grade point average (verified by an official transcript) on a 4.0 weighted scale. Transcript must be submitted as a part of the application process.

• Have high ethical standards.

• Not have a record of poor discipline at school or in the community and no criminal, misdemeanor, or court record of any kind.




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• Participate in an interview. Interviews will be scheduled after the application and all supporting materials are received.

Q: What is the deadline for submitting an application packet? Where can I get an application?

A: Application packets must be postmarked no later than Friday, March 25, 2016 and addressed as follows: West Johnson Parson Foundation, Inc., Attn: Precious Pearls Strands of Excellence Leadership and Scholarship Cotillion Program, P.O. Box 7363, Tifton, GA 31793. Applications that are not postmarked by Friday, March 25, 2016 and/or incomplete will not be reviewed. NO exceptions. A copy of the application may be downloaded at http://akasigmaalphaomega.weebly.com.

Q: Is there a fee to participate?

A: Yes. There is a non-refundable Registration Fee of $200 for Pre-Debutantes (Juniors) and $250 for Debutantes (Seniors) for participation in the program should you be selected. The non-refundable Registration Fee may be paid in installments and is due in full on April 30, 2016.

Q: What does the Registration Fee include?

A: The Registration Fee helps to defray the cost of the materials and resources needed for the educational workshops, community service activities, dance rehearsals and specified cultural and social activities. It also includes food for workshops.

Q: Is there a fundraising requirement?

A: Yes. Each young lady selected to participate in the LSC Program must submit the final installment of a minimum of $500 in combined Cotillion Ball ticket sales and donations by June 10, 2016. Fundraising guidance is available.

Q: Will there be an informational meeting?

A: An information meeting will be held on Sunday, February 28, 2016 from 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. at Everette Temple CME Church located at 719 S. Ridge Avenue, Tifton, Georgia.

Q: When does the program start and end?

A: The program will begin in March and end in June with the formal Cotillion Ball on June 25, 2016.




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Q: Will I be able to participate in other school activities?

A: You may participate in other school activities, however, you will need to remember that selection into the LSC Program involves being able to participate in the debutante activities including workshops, service projects, cultural enrichment and social activities, as well as rehearsals. You will want to decide how to balance your schedule. Workshop and rehearsals typically will be held on the weekends either Saturday mornings or afternoons or Sunday afternoons.

Q: Do I have to buy a dress?

A: Debutantes are responsible for purchasing or renting their own white, full-length gown, shoes and crinoline slip for the Cotillion Ball on June 25th. Pre-Debutantes also are responsible for purchasing or renting their dress and shoes for the Cotillion Ball. All dresses must be approved by the LSC Program Committee.

Q: Can my family attend the Cotillion Ball and what is the date and location of the event?

A: Yes, in fact, each debutante is required to sell tickets to the Cotillion Ball and is encouraged to invite family and friends. Tickets are $75. The Cotillion Ball will be held on Saturday, June 25, 2016 at the UGA Conference Center Ballroom in Tifton, Georgia.

Q: What is the Cotillion Ball and what happens?

A: The Cotillion Ball is a formal ball where qualifying debutantes are officially presented to the community. Debutantes wear a white ball gown and are escorted by a junior escort. They perform a number of dance selections, including a waltz with their junior escorts. Also, scholarships and awards are presented to Debutantes at the Cotillion Ball. Qualifying Pre-Debutantes are introduced and perform a dance in an elegant long dress (not a white ball gown). They also participate in the Cotillion Ball in other ways and receive awards.

Q: What are some of the awards that are presented on the night of the Cotillion Ball?

A: A Scholastic Achievement award is presented to the debutante with the strongest academic achievement. A Community Service award is presented to the debutante who completed the most hours of community service. Miss Congeniality is selected by her fellow debutantes. Attendance awards are presented to each debutante who has perfect attendance. The Cotillion Queen, 1st Runner Up and 2nd Runner Up are presented to those debutantes who have engaged the most in the debutante experience.

Q: Where can I get more information?

A: Please visit http://akasigmaalphaomega.weebly.com or email [email protected]

2015 – 2016 precious pearls strands of excellence...

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