Becoming a senior in high school is a monumental achievement that should be celebrated and tonight(Saturday), 13 area seniors will get their moment to shine.

Sponsored by the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Selma chapter, 10 debutantes and three Nubian knights (also Culturama and African Knights) will be introduced at the sorority’s 26th annual “Rights of Passage” Debutante and Knights Cotillion at 7 p.m. inside the J.A. Pickard Auditorium.

This free event brings a close to students’ high school experience of enriching activities such as workshops, cultural enrichment activities, a tour of historically black colleges and universities, parent luncheons, step shows, oratorical contests and the “Rights of Passage” program. The seniors will also have a chance to dance a waltz with supporting parents and receive awards for their participation.

Frederick De’Wayne Brown Jr., Selma High School senior and African Knight, said he’s glad to be a part of tonight’s event.

“It’s something that’s very productive and positive,” Brown said.

Cortney La’Shae Mahone, Francis Marion senior, said it’s something different.

“People in my community have never experienced anything like this before so it’s a good experience for people around Marion and Perry County,” Mahone said. “It’s a great way to learn something new.”

Nancy G. Sewell, general chairperson for Culturama and African Knights program, said this event is a chance of a lifetime for the seniors.

“This is the time the public can watch these young women and men make their official bow to society,” Sewell said.

This year’s debutantes and debonair gentlemen include: Jukaira Smitherman (Ellwood Christian), Neokee Neshar’ Clay (Selma High), Samantha Ramsey (Selma Early College), La’Quisha Bre’Anna King, (Selma Early College) Whitney Simone Stanley (Selma High), Kiremia Lee (Selma High), Cortney La’Shae Mahone (Francis Marion High), Jasmine Dominique Lewis (Selma High), Jessica Leterica Webb (Selma High), Jarnise LaShae Strong (Selma High), Frederick De’Wayne Brown Jr. (Selma High), Kendrick King Crum (Selma High) and Jeremy Rashawn Blake (Selma High).

Contact Sewell at 874-1694 for more information.