The Zeta Eta Omega chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. held its Cotillion on April 6 at the Selma High School Auditorium.

Three debutantes from Selma-Dallas County and Wilcox County were awarded a combined $6,000 in scholarship by the local AKA Chapter.

Jordon Johnson was crowned Miss Culturama 2019. Johnson is the daughter of Eboni Thomas Pettway and Bryan Johnson.

Shamiyah Sha’Keal Hall was first runner-up and Gabriel Crum earned second runner-up. Hall is the daughter of Ms. Sarah Hall. Crum is the daughter of Rev. Gary Crum and Alesia Crum.

Hall was also named Miss Congeniality. Calvin Griffin Jr. was named Mr. Esquire.

Johnson received a scholarship for the highest overall academic Average of the Debutantes. Johnson and Hall were one-two in the Oratorical Contest. Hall received the Presidential Leadership Scholarship.

Bruce K. Craig Elementary School Principal Ebony Cox, Black Belt Region Outreach Coordinator Robert Stewart and U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell, D-AL all were the emcees for the event. AKA Chapter President Karen Brown introduced the emcees.

Dr. Willietta Ellis Conner served as chairman of the Debutante Cotillion. He was assisted by several committee members, including the choreographers who were honored during the pageant: Gwendolyn Carrington, Rita M. Lett, Co-Chairman, Patricia Farrior and Resource Consultant, Nancy G. Sewell.  Brown and Farrior presented the scholarships and prizes. Alpha Academy members Derrick Hatcher and Maximus Jones were the Marshals.

“I think this cotillion was one of our best as it relates to the participation of the contestants, escorts and the program as a whole,” Farrior said. “The cooperation of parents, added attractions, and exquisite decoration made our evening a grand affair. Being the highlight of the Culturama experience, the cotillion should be a memorable one and 2019’s Cotillion was truly a night of splendor.”

The Jewels of AKA presented each participant with a personalized gift.