The Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Upsilon Sigma Omega Chapter will host the Miss Debutante 2017 Pageant on Saturday, November 11 at 6:00 PM at the Marlboro Civic Center in Bennettsville, SC. Five young ladies will vie to win this year’s title from reigning Queen Miss Halle Alyssa Larkins. 

The 2017 Miss Debutante Pageant is a culminating event of workshops and cultural activities ranging from college prep and educational scavenger hunts, to etiquette and goal setting. The pageant’s participants are high school juniors and seniors who will receive leadership skills, networking opportunities, and scholarship funds for college as a result of their participation. By raising money, presenting talents, writing essays, constructing scrapbooks, and participating in community service activities, each young lady will vie for the coveted title of Miss Debutante 2017.

This year’s contestants are: Miss Dy’Omah Ashae Gaymon, a Senior at Marlboro County High School and the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Reggie & Chisa Gaymon; Miss Sekyria McBride, a Junior at Marlboro County High School and daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Eric and Cateena Cousar; Miss Shiarbriance Shalbriel Parnell, a Senior at Marlboro County High School and the daughter of Mrs. Joanne Wallace Parnell and the late Mr. Frederick Parnell; Miss Kaylynn Thomas, a Junior at Lower Richland High School and the daughter of Mrs. Meredith Horry; and Miss Careka Townsend, a Junior at Marlboro County High School and the daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Calvin and Shareika Townsend.

The purpose of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. is to cultivate and encourage high scholastic and ethical standards, to promote unity and friendship among college women, to study and help alleviate problems concerning girls and women, to maintain a progressive interest in college life, and to be of service to all mankind. In an effort to address several of these areas, the Upsilon Sigma Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. will host its biennial Miss Debutante Pageant.