2019-2020 Debutante Cotillion and Scholarship Ball · High School Extra-Curricular Activities...

2019-2020 Program Overview and Debutante Application

Gwinnett Pearls of Service Foundation and Upsilon Alpha Omega Chapter

2019-2020 Debutante Cotillion and

Scholarship Ball

Application Deadline August 17, 2019 2019-2020 UAO Debutante Cotillion Application

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Dear Prospective Applicant: It is with great pleasure that the Upsilon Alpha Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated announces its 2019-2020 Gwinnett Pearls of Service Debutante Cotillion and Scholarship Program. The program’s primary goal is to provide life skills training as well as post-secondary institution preparation for high school junior and senior young women. This will be accomplished via community service projects; cultural activities; educational workshops and monthly meetings focused on character development, social etiquette and college/career preparation. At the culmination of the program, Debutantes will be presented to the community during its formal Cotillion and Scholarship Ball. The program application process has begun, and each applicant is asked to first ensure she meets the minimum requirements as noted below and if affirmative, proceed with the specific application process as outlined in this packet. All applicants are reminded to adhere to the stated deadlines and take heed of the additional requirements as outlined in this packet. Thank you for your interest in this program and we are honored that you chose to apply to become a debutante with the Gwinnett Pearls of Service and the Upsilon Alpha Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated! Program Minimum Requirements

• Must classify as a junior or senior in high school or home school as of August 2019. • Must possess a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.5 (C+) or better on a four-point

scale as of August 2019. • Must exhibit high moral and ethical standards. • Must be unmarried, not expecting and have no children. • Must have performed a minimum of 10 (ten) verifiable community service hours (earned not more

than 1½ years ago). • Must be available for an in person interview.

Process Once Minimum Requirements (above) Are Met

• Complete attached application. Please answer every section as incomplete applications will not be accepted.

• Email or mail completed application packets, essay, transcript and recommendation forms to be received by Saturday, August 17, 2019 for review by the Gwinnett Pearls of Service Foundation, Incorporated (the charitable arm of the Upsilon Alpha Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated). A $25 non-refundable deposit is due once you submit your application packet. Only completed application packets with application fee inclusion will be considered. Make check or money order payable to Gwinnett Pearls of Service. Mailing Address: Post Office Box 670 – Lawrenceville, Georgia 30046. Email: [email protected]. Credit card payments can be made using this link https://squareup.com/market/GPS/ or you can visit www.gwinnettpearlsofservice.com. Click “Online Store for Assessments, Donations and Tickets”. Under Donation Items, click the “2019-2020 Cotillion Application Fee” icon. Please indicate the applicant’s name prior to submission of payment. Your credit card payment will be subject to a credit card fee of $1.25.

• Applicant must attend her scheduled in-person interview on Sunday, August 25, 2019, the location will be given once your application is reviewed. Please wear business attire.


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• Letters of program acceptance will be emailed to the applicable applicants by August 31, 2019. Please note that a submitted application and/or interview does not guarantee acceptance into the program.

• Once accepted, a nonrefundable program fee of $575 should be mailed (and postmarked for receipt) no later than September 14, 2019. Make check or money order payable to Gwinnett Pearls of Service – Post Office Box 670 – Lawrenceville, Georgia 30046. Credit card payments can be made via this link https://squareup.com/market/GPS/ or you can visit gwinnettpearlsofservice.com. Click “Online Store for Assessments, Donations and Tickets”. Under Donation Items, click the “2019-2020 Cotillion Program Fee” icon. Please indicate the Deb’s name prior to submission of payment. Your credit card payment will incur a $17 processing fee.

• Debutantes, along with at least one parent, should be prepared to attend our Parent Meeting/Program Orientation on Saturday, September 7, 2019.

Program Overview The Gwinnett Pearls of Service Debutante Cotillion and Scholarship Program is an illustrious and exclusive program. As such and in an effort to maintain its efficiency, the chapter will accept a maximum of 30 combined Junior & Senior high school students in its 2019-2020 Debutante Cotillion and Scholarship Program. Debutantes will participate in programs/activities focused on broadening their perspectives educationally, socially and culturally. The infusion of social activities will enable the participants to bond with their fellow debs and possibly sharpen social skills needed in their post-graduation years. The formal Cotillion and Scholarship Ball provides the opportunity for the community to share in the culmination of the program. Perhaps the greatest reward of this program is that each participant will receive scholarship funds for her post-secondary education. Following the aforementioned application process/requirements, the accepted young ladies will receive correspondence detailing the date, time, and location of the orientation. This Parent Meeting/Program Orientation meeting should be attended by both the debs and at least one parent, as a complete overview of the program, important dates and events will be disseminated. Debutantes should dress in business attire for the orientation. If you have any questions or concerns prior to the official orientation, please email all inquiries to [email protected]. Participant’s Expectations Albeit hard work and commitment, debutantes participating in 2019-2020 Debutante Cotillion and Scholarship Program will reap great rewards. Therefore, there are some significant expectations for each young lady to successfully complete the program. Debutantes choosing to participate will be required to:

• Remit a $575 Program fee (check, money order or credit card) by September 14, 2019. NOTE: Payments postmarked after September 14, 2019 may not be considered for the program. This fee will cover months of cultural activities, educational workshops and community service projects as well as Cotillion branded accessories/Deb attire.

• Raise a minimum $1500 Presentation fee. The scholarships awarded are directly tied to the Debutantes’ fundraising efforts throughout the course of the program. The Presentation fee can be raised through various fundraising efforts including, but are not limited to, the recruitment of sponsors, patrons and selling advertisements in the Souvenir Ad booklet. The $1500


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Presentation fee will be deducted from the participant’s total fundraised amounts and, in the event it is not raised, it needs to be remitted by the Deb, and is due no later than November 2, 2019.

• Purchase at minimum 10 tickets (one table) for friends, family and other supporters for the 2020 Debutante Cotillion and Scholarship Program Ball @ $75/ticket.

• Attend all scheduled program events. The chapter is aware that scheduling conflicts beyond the debutante’s control may occur and, provided that an acceptable “proof of absence” is presented, the absence will not count against her. However, at minimum, each debutante is expected to attend at least 90% of the scheduled events and activities.

• Purchase an approved Cotillion gown and applicable accessories to wear during the ball and adhere to the overall look in terms of hair, nails, etc. NOTE: The Cotillion Formalwear Sub-Committee will provide specifics on selected gown selection, shoes, etc.

• Select a male peer escort for the Debutante Cotillion and Scholarship Program Ball to participate in a choreographed dance with the Deb. The chapter recommends a close friend or family member for dependence sake. The escorts will be asked to remit a nominal $75 participation fee as well as rent his formalwear from designated Cotillion vendor. Escorts should be chosen by September 7, 2020. The Escort Committee will be available to assist any Deb who does not have an escort for the Cotillion Ball.

• In addition, a male Adult escort for the presentation (typically a father or father figure) should be selected as well.

• Attend all dance/ball rehearsals. Scholarship Awards The scholarship awards will be presented to each Debutante at the post-ball Awards & Recognition Ceremony on March 7, 2020. Each Debutante successfully completing the program will receive a scholarship at the close of the pageant. The amount of the scholarship will be directly distributed to the Debutante and the amount will be proportional to the proceeds raised in excess of the Presentation fee. The Debutante who raises the most funds (in excess of the Presentation fee) will be crowned Miss Debutante. She will have a court consisting of a First and Second runner up.

• Miss Debutante will receive 100% of the funds she raises above the $1500 Presentation fee. • First Runner-Up will receive 95% of the funds she raises above the $1500 Presentation fee. • Second Runner-Up will receive 90% of the funds she raises above the $1500 Presentation fee. • All other participants will receive 85% of the funds raised above the $1500 Presentation fee. • Additional Debutante Awards: Miss Congeniality, Scholastic Achievement, Presidential Award,

Written Essay, Mentor/Mentor, etc. • Awards will be given to the Escorts: Mr. Congeniality, Scholastic Achievement, etc.


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Student Information Name

Address

City, State Zip

Email

Cell Phone

Home Phone

Date of Birth Grade 2019-2020 SY

High School

School Address Include County

School Phone Number Grade Point Average (on 4.0 scale) Attach HS Transcript

How did you hear about the Debutante Cotillion and Scholarship Program?

The person you admire the most and why?

The following section is for informational & planning purposes and has no impact whatsoever on Deb selection process

T-Shirt Size Adult Women Sizes

¨ Small ¨ Med ¨ Large ¨ XL ¨ 2XL ¨ 3XL ¨ 4XL

Are your ears pierced? ¨ Yes ¨ No Are you allergic to nickel? ¨ Yes ¨ No

Shoe Size List any allergies (food or other)


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Parent/Guardian Information Parent/Guardian #1

Relationship to Student

Address

City, State Zip

Email

Cell Phone

Home Phone

Parent/Guardian #2

Relationship to Student

Address

City, State Zip

Email

Cell Phone

Home Phone

Emergency Contact #1

Cell Phone

Emergency Contact #2

Cell Phone


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High School/Community Involvement & Special Awards High School Extra-Curricular Activities Include past, present as well as offices held. Band, cheerleader, Sports team, SGA, School Clubs, etc.

Participation Year(s) Extra-Curricular Activities

Honors, Awards and Achievements Include honors such as BETA Club, honor roll and honor societies awards

Year(s) Received Honors

Church/Civic Involvement Include past, present as well as offices held. Girl Scouts, Choir, 4 - H, Youth Leadership program, Usher, etc.

Participation Year(s) Church/Civic Activities


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Community Service Involvement List any voluntary work you’ve performed intended to help people in a particular area (no older than 1½ years ago)

Hours Served Community Service Project(s)

Talents, Hobbies and Special Interests

Post-Secondary Plans (college, major, career, etc.)


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Peer Escort Information Select a male peer escort for the Debutante Cotillion and Scholarship Program Ball to participate in a choreographed dance with the Deb. The chapter recommends a close friend or family member for dependence sake. The escorts will be asked to remit a nominal $75 participation fee as well as rent his formalwear from designated Cotillion vendor. NOTE: Provide this information only if known at this moment. If selected, the Deb will be asked to provide this information almost immediately after the acceptance announcement. In the event a Deb cannot recommend her escort, the Cotillion Committee will assist in this process.

Escort Name

Name of Deb you are escorting

Address

City, State Zip

Email

Cell Phone

Home Phone

Date of Birth Grade 2019-2020 SY

High School

School Address Include County

Escort Parent/Guardian

Email

Cell Phone

The following section is for informational & planning purposes and has no impact whatsoever on Deb selection process

T-Shirt Size Adult Men Sizes

¨ Med ¨ Large ¨ XL ¨ 2XL ¨ 3XL ¨ 4XL

List any allergies (food or other)


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Required Essay Write a 400-600 word (MUST remain in that word-count range), typewritten, single spaced, Times New Roman 12-font ESSAY. Use this space below or attach a separate sheet of paper (include your name and email) to respond to the following question: Black women play many different roles in the media such as musicians, news anchors, actresses, entertainers, etc. Since the entertainment industry is male dominated, many feel that black women are degraded, devalued and disrespected. Others feel it is a woman’s choice to take part in these activities or their behavior leads to the negative portrayal. What is your opinion on how black women are portrayed in media today and why?


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RECOMMENDATION FORM #1 School Representative or Advisor Applicant’s Name:

The above-named young lady is applying to participate in the 2019-2020 Debutante Cotillion and Scholarship Program presented by the Upsilon Alpha Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. Based on your experience with the applicant, please answer the questions and check the box below that best represents the applicant’s ability or character. Please complete the following and return it to the applicant in a sealed envelope so that she may submit it to the Cotillion committee for consideration before the August 17, 2019 deadline.

Relationship to the applicant? How long have you known

applicant?

Overall Impression of Applicant

EXCELLENT

(5)

ABOVE AVERAGE

(4)

AVERAGE (3)

BELOW AVERAGE

(2)

NO OPPORTUNITY TO OBSERVE

(1) ACCOUNTABILITY

Accepts responsibility for her decisions as well as the

consequences of her actions and statements

RELIABILITY Loyal to others in adversity,

worthy of trust, does not disclose info learned in

confidence. Faithful to those she has made commitments

and keeps her promises.

EXCELLENCE Concerned with quality of

work she produces. Diligent, & committed to do her best.

RESPECT Pride in herself (self-respect), demonstrates high regard for peers and authority figures.

LEADERSHIP Does she consistently exhibit the ability to guide others or teams in order to achieve a

common goal.

INTEGRITY Honorable, upright, acts on

convictions, stands by beliefs & does not ignore principle.

Recommendation Given By (please print)

SIGNATURE

Phone Number Email


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RECOMMENDATION FORM #2 Clergy Member or Adult Friend (no relative) Applicant’s Name:

The above-named young lady is applying to participate in the 2019-2020 Debutante Cotillion and Scholarship Program presented by the Upsilon Alpha Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. Based on your experience with the applicant, please answer the questions and check the box below that best represents the applicant’s ability or character. Please complete the following and return it to the applicant in a sealed envelope so that she may submit it to the Cotillion committee for consideration before the August 17, 2019 deadline.

Relationship to the applicant? How long have you known

applicant?

Overall Impression of Applicant

EXCELLENT

(5)

ABOVE AVERAGE

(4)

AVERAGE (3)

BELOW AVERAGE

(2)

NO OPPORTUNITY TO OBSERVE

(1) ACCOUNTABILITY

Accepts responsibility for her decisions as well as the

consequences of her actions and statements

RELIABILITY Loyal to others in adversity,

worthy of trust, does not disclose info learned in

confidence. Faithful to those she has made commitments

and keeps her promises.

EXCELLENCE Concerned with quality of

work she produces. Diligent, & committed to do her best.

RESPECT Pride in herself (self-respect), demonstrates high regard for peers and authority figures.

LEADERSHIP Does she consistently exhibit the ability to guide others or teams in order to achieve a

common goal.

INTEGRITY Honorable, upright, acts on

convictions, stands by beliefs & does not ignore principle.

Recommendation Given By (please print)

SIGNATURE

Phone Number Email


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DEBUTANTE PARTICIPATION CONTRACT By signing this form below, I affirm that all contents submitted in this 2019-2020 Debutante Cotillion and Scholarship Program application are accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge. I understand that falsified statements and misrepresentations will result in immediate dismissal from the program and that all fees paid up to that point, as well as balances owed, are non-refundable. I authorize representatives of the 2019-2020 Debutante Cotillion and Scholarship Program committee to verify statements made in the attached application packet.

• I agree that, as a debutante, I will adhere to program policies and regulations as communicated; pay a $575 Program Fee; agree to raise and/or otherwise remit a minimum $1500 Presentation Fee, commit to the sale of a minimum of 10 ball tickets and other expenses not contained in this document by the date specified contained herein the packet.

• I agree to wholeheartedly and positively participate to my fullest in all events and programs relating to

the Debutante Cotillion and Scholarship Program. Applicant PRINTED Name

Applicant SIGNATURE

Date


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PARENT PARTICIPATION CONTRACT By signing this form below, I affirm that all contents submitted in this 2019-2020 Debutante Cotillion and Scholarship Program application are accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge. I understand that falsified statements and misrepresentations will result in my daughter’s immediate dismissal from the program and that all fees paid up to that point, as well as balances owed, are non-refundable. I authorize representatives of the 2019-2020 Debutante Cotillion and Scholarship Program committee to verify statements made in the attached application packet.

• I agree that, as a parent of a debutante, I will ensure my daughter adheres to program policies and regulations as communicated; pay a $575 Program Fee; help my daughter to raise and/or otherwise remit a minimum $1500 Presentation Fee, commit to the sale of a minimum of 10 ball tickets and other expenses not contained in this document by the date specified contained herein the packet.

• I agree to participate to my fullest in all events and programs relating to the 2019-2020 Debutante Cotillion and

Scholarship Program and represent my daughter and the Upsilon Alpha Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated with the utmost of courtesy, respect and dignity.

• I further authorize the 2019-2020 Debutante Cotillion and Scholarship Program committee and its representatives to use my daughter’s name and likeness in relative media and in marketing the 2019-2020 Debutante Cotillion and Scholarship Program.

• I give my permission for my daughter to participate in all events within the Cotillion program including, but not limited to, sleepovers, community service projects, workshops and social events, with the understanding that the details of said events will be provided to me in advance and that all events will be staffed and chaperoned by numerous members of the Upsilon Alpha Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. I understand that Upsilon Alpha Omega, Gwinnett Pearls of Service Foundation, Inc., nor the individual members of these organizations are responsible for my child’s transportation to and from events.

• The Gwinnett Pearls of Service Foundation, Inc. and the Upsilon Alpha Omega Chapter reserve the right to use photographs of me with or without my name and for any lawful purpose, including for example such purposes as publicity, illustration, advertising, and Web, or Social Media content.

• I hereby grant GPS, UAO and their respective affiliates, licensees, contractors, assignees, advertising agencies,

and others directly or indirectly associated with the Debutante Cotillion, in perpetuity, the right to use in UAO’s sole discretion, all or any parts of my child’s picture, image, likeness, voice, name and biographical information, for the promotion of, use in, and promotion of the Debutante Cotillion, as solely determined by UAO, in any and all media, whether print, visual, audio, and/or all of a combination thereof, now known or hereafter at any time developed throughout the universe, including, without limitation, television, web casting, and Internet distribution.

• I agree to indemnify and hold harmless GPS, UAO and their respective agents, representatives, affiliated entities,

successors, heirs and designees or legatees, harmless from and against any and all claims, damages, liabilities, cost and expenses, associated with my child’s participation in the Debutante Cotillion.

• The Gwinnett Pearls of Service Foundation, Inc. and the Upsilon Alpha Omega Chapter reserve the right to eliminate any incomplete, unsigned, late or illegible application from consideration.

• The Gwinnett Pearls of Service Foundation, Inc. and the Upsilon Alpha Omega Chapter retains the right to exercise exclusive control, regarding the participation of any applicant in the 2019-2020 Debutante Cotillion Program by declining an applicant’s participation, withdrawing the privilege of participation, or by further declining any participant’s continued participation in the Cotillion Season, including the culminating event.


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THE UNDERSIGNED HAS CAREFULLY READ THIS AUTHORIZATION AND FULLY UNDERSTANDS ITS CONTENTS. UNDERSIGNED/PARTICIPANT IS AWARE THAT THIS IS A RELEASE OF LIABILITY AND WAIVER OF RIGHTS, AND THE PARTICIPANT AGREES TO VOLUNTARILY PARTICIPATE IN THE DEBUTANTE COTILLION AND AGREES TO THE CONDITIONS SET FORTH HEREIN OF HIS/HER/THEIR OWN FREE WILL. Parent PRINTED Name

Parent SIGNATURE

Date

2019-2020 Debutante Cotillion and Scholarship Ball · High School Extra-Curricular Activities...

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