Cotillion program offers monthly workshops

Moving from being a high school senior to a young adult in college is a pivotal moment in a young person’s life and to ensure that teens have the proper tools to successfully make the transition, the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Covington Area Alumnae Chapter is offering its third annual Cotillion Ball program.

Open to both high school seniors and juniors, the Cotillion program is a year-long social and cultural refinement training effort designed to usher the youth into the new phase of their lives.

“The point of the whole program is for us to present young people to society,” said Stephanie Moore, a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Covington Area Alumnae Chapter and Cotillion chairperson.

The Cotillion program, dubbed the “Cotillion Ball: Dancing to Destiny,” will present a free Informational Brunch on Saturday, Feb. 6 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Newton County Board of Education, 2109 Newton Drive. There are 12 slots available per grade level and gender, with the program serving 48 youth total.

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The Cotillion group meets monthly at various locations, such as the Washington Street Community Center, the Covington Regional Ballet, Newton High School and the Newton County Courthouse, and the youth listen to presentations on various topics or have social outings. Workshops cover issues such as worship, political awareness and involvement, international awareness, physical and mental health (including the topic of sexual education), etiquette and formal letter-writing. The group takes field trips to places such as the theater, ice skating, bowling and the dance studio, where they learn to waltz.

“It builds camaraderie and friendship,” said Moore.”(It also) reminds them that there is a time to have fun and a time to be polished.”

The program culminates in the Cotillion Ball, which this year takes place in March at the Atlanta Airport Marriott Gateway hotel.

“All of what they went through that year is brought to one magical night,” said Moore.

Moore said of the 24 teens from last year’s senior class, 22 attend post-secondary institutions including the Georgia Institute of Technology, Mississippi State University, University of West Georgia, Valdosta State University, University of Pennsylvania, Tuskegee University and Savannah State University. Some also joined the U.S. Armed Forces.

The participation cost for the program can run several hundred dollars, said Moore, and the fees help pay for the speakers, venues, meals, transportation, dresses, tuxedos and other services.

Moore, who was a debutante herself and graduated from Auburn University, said she is “extremely passionate” about the sorority’s Cotillion program, as it not only prepares the students for professional life but also extends a network of support to them as they make their journey into college and career.

“It helps them stay crisp and sharp for the next level of opportunity,” said Moore.

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