The Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Upsilon Sigma Omega Chapter hosted the Miss Debutante 2017 Pageant on Saturday, November 11 at 6:00 PM at the Marlboro Civic Center. Five young ladies vied for the title of Miss Debutante 2017.  All program participants participated in the Talent Competition and Father Daughter Dance.

The chapter crowned Ms. Dy’Omah Ashae Gaymon as Miss Debutante 2017. Dy’Omah is a Senior at Marlboro County High School and the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Reggie & Chisa Gaymon. First runner-up was Miss Sekyria McBride, a Junior at Marlboro County High School and daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Eric and Cateena Cousar. Second runner-up was Miss Careka Townsend, a Junior at Marlboro County High School and the daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Calvin and Shareika Townsend.  The other participants were 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; and Miss Kaylynn Thomas, a Junior at Lower Richland High School and the daughter of Mrs. Meredith Horry.

Each Miss Debutante 2017 participant will receive a scholarship for their participation and fundraising efforts. Miss Careka Townsend was voted Miss Congeniality by her peers and also received awards for best talent and interview. The scrapbook and essay awards were presented to Miss Dy’Omah Ashae Gaymon.  Miss Shairbriance Parnell won the award for community service.

The 2017 Miss Debutante Pageant was a culminating event of workshops and cultural activities ranging from college prep, to etiquette and goal setting. The pageant’s participants were high school juniors and seniors who received 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, debutantes vied for the coveted title Miss Debutante 2017.The contributions raised will be used for scholarships for participants and other community projects.