Nelson

 

Nine school young ladies who have exhibited high scholastic achievement, good moral character and community commitment will be introduced to society Saturday at the annual Debutante Ball.

The event will be held Saturday, May 11 at 6 p.m. at Kahlmus Auditorium on the Mississippi State University-Meridian campus. Presented by the Meridian Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., this year marks the 35th year of this event.

According to Debutante coordinator Jerri Johnson, honorees were selected based on academic achievement, school and community activities and high moral conduct and behavior. The ball is the culmination of several months of preparation, including giving back through several community service projects and participation in several months of workshops on self-esteem and awareness, etiquette, career and goal setting, physical fitness, heritage exploration and college tours.

“The goal of the experience is not only to provide scholarships to our youth, but also to empower positive change in young ladies to believe and achieve their goals and recognize that opportunities do exist,” Johnson said.

Following are brief bios of the 2019 Debutantes:

 

Breanna Briggs

Grade/School: 11th /Meridian High School

Parents: Prentella Patton and James Briggs

Hobbies: Meeting new people and down time

Career Goal: Criminal Justice or Immigration Attorney

Escort/Parents: Sabrina and Phillip Mosley Sr.

 

LaKeitha Brown

Grade/School: 12th /Meridian High School

Parents: Tila Emerson and Keith Brown

Hobbies: listening to music, reading and sleeping

Career Goal: Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

Escort/Parents: Dennis Heidleberg/ Veldore and Twaskie Graham

 

JaLeya Curry

Grade/School: 11th/Meridian High School

Parents: Latoya King and James Curry

Hobbies: Volleyball, drawing, writing poetry, and spending time with friends

Career Goal: Navy travel nurse

Escort/Parents: Cameron Morris/ Tonya Morris and Edgar Ruffin

 

Tavia Griffin

Grade/School: 11th /Meridian High School

Parents: Theresa Harris and Travis Griffin

Hobbies: Dance, gymnastics, powerlifting, and reading

Career Goal: Psychologist

Escort/Parents: Marcus Matthews/ Tyeshia Smith and Marcus Matthews

 

Alexia Hampton

Grade/School 11th /Meridian High School

Parents: Catrina and Demetrious Hampton

Hobbies: Dancing and playing soccer

Career Goal: OBGYN or a Pediatrician

Escort/Parents: RaShaud Cross/ Ashley Price and Richard Cross

 

Alexxus Land

Grade/School 12th/Meridian High School

Parents: Sabrina Terrell and Michael Land

Hobbies: Music, community service and reading

Career Goal: Dental Hygienist

Escort/Parents: JaTravion Spencer/ LaTanya Spencer

 

LaDiamond Landrum

Grade/School 11th/Meridian High School

Parents: Lathena Grace and Lester Landrum

Hobbies: Track, sleeping, eating, and talking on the phone

Career Goal: Accountant or Lawyer

Escort/Parents: Keimoni Ruffin/ Sophia Ruffin

 

Malayzha Nelson

Grade/School: 11th/ Meridian High School

Parents: Serrica Jenkins and Marc Nelson

Hobbies: Church, doing hair and babysitting

Career Goal: Real Estate Agent

Escort/Parents: Tremayne Ruffin Jr./ Stephanie and Tremayne Ruffin Sr.

 

Kortnee Roberts

Grade/School: 11th/Meridian High School

Parents: LaSandra Roberts and the late Alonzie Roberts

Hobbies: Painting and photography

Career Goal: Social Work and Business marketing

Escort/Parents: JaQuan Mitchell/ Teriana and David Cole

 

The annual Debutante Ball is a fundraiser for Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Meridian Alumnae Chapter’s scholarship program.

“Our scholarship program is the sorority effort to encourage young women from our area to continue their education and service to our community,” chapter president Rosie King said.

Meridian Alumnae Chapter was founded in May 1983.