Introducing Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority's Debutantes and Petite Pearls

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. is America’s first Greek-letter organization established by African American college- educated women. Founded on Jan. 15, 1908, on the campus of Howard University in Washington, DC, Alpha Kappa Alpha’s mission is to cultivate and encourage high scholastic and ethical standards, promote unity and friendship among college women in order to improve their social stature, maintain a progressive interest in college life, and to be of “Service to All Mankind.”

Currently, Alpha Kappa Alpha has over 355,000 initiated members in graduate and undergraduate chapters located in 12 countries including the United States, Bahamas, Bermuda, Canada, Dubai, Germany, Japan, Liberia, Nigeria, South Korea, South Africa and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Zeta Mu Omega, Gastonia’s local graduate chapter, in partnership with Twenty Pearls, Incorporated Foundation introduced five girls and 22 young ladies from area high schools into society on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023. This event was Zeta Mu Omega’s 66^th annual Debutante/Petite Pearl Ball. Cassie Watkins serves as president of the chapter, and David Currence served as master of ceremonies at the event held at Stuart Cramer High School.

The Petite Pearls are selected because of their good citizenship qualities, and the debutantes are selected based on their academic/scholastic achievements, personality and high moral characteristics. They participated in a service project for residents at Rosewood Assisted Living Facility, a Mental Health Symposium, Fashion Show, Father/ Daughter Dinner Dance, Paint and Sip Party, Honey Hunters Baseball Game and a visit to Illusions Museum in Charlotte.

At the culminating activities, the Petite Pearl Ball and Debutante Ball, the 2023 Miss Petite Pearl Princess and the 2023 Debutante Queen of the Ball were crowned.

Zeta Mu Omega is involved in and supports local and national service programs. Some of the local programs include the African American Museum of History and Culture, Bountiful Blessings Food Pantry, Catherine’s House, Crisis Assistance Ministry, Gaston County Cancer Society, Gaston Gazette’s Empty Stocking Fund, Habitat for Humanity, House of Mercy and Kings Mountain Elite. Others are the Lyle Gash Inspire Fund, Gaston County NAACP, Off the Streets Ministry, Phoenix Society Breast Cancer Foundation, Potter’s House of Gastonia, Stellie Jackson Enrichment Center, Gaston County United Arts Council, United Way of Gaston County and Step Up to Leadership.  On a national level, Zeta Mu Omega supports UNCF and UNICEF/AFRICARE.

2023 Petite Pearls

• Little Miss Bryson Anna-Marie Allison, Little Miss Pearl Winner, daughter of Mr. Fredrick Allison and Ms. Dianna Bond

• Little Miss Zula Olukemi Baker, Little Miss Ivy Winner, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Chris Baker

• Little Miss Skylar Giselle Gash, Little Miss Petite Pearl Princess, daughter of Rev. Dr. and Mrs. Chris Gash

• Little Miss Nakeivia Monae' Glenn, Little Miss Diamond Winner, daughter of Ms. Nakeisha Glenn

• Little Miss Aleah Amore Littlejohn, Little Miss Ivy Winner, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Arrington Littlejohn

2023 Debutantes

• Miss Saniyah Brianne Alexander-Reid, daughter of Mr. Tobias Reid and Mrs. Kendra Alexander-Reid

• Miss Shakema Ni'Trice Bernabela, daughter of Mr. Shakeam Bernabela and Mrs. Tawanna L. Bernabela

• Miss Sha'Hirah Kimora Blessing Black, daughter of Mr. Johnathan Black Sr. and Mrs. Latoya Black

• Miss Andreya Chanel Byers, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Andra Byers

• Miss Alana Tanai Moss-Caldwell, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. DeCarlos Caldwell

• Miss Tamaya Asia Clay, daughter of Mr. Felix Clay and Ms. Angela Middle

• Miss Ailliana Camille Crawford, Crystal Level Winner, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Alliam Crawford Sr.

• Miss Karsyn Alaya Feemster-Jones, Silver Level Winner, daughter of Mr. DeJuan Jones and Mrs. Maya Feemster-Jones

• Miss Malasia Elyse Friday-Scales, Bronze Level Winner, daughter of Mr. Marquis Scales and Mrs. Marsha Oates

• Miss Mia Sade Lauren Hibbert, daughter of Mr. Andre Hibbert and Ms. Heather Hibbert

• Miss Myla Kalis Hoover, daughter of Mr. Keith Hoover and Ms. Millette Mills

• Miss Kelston Daterian Hughes, Queen of the Ball, daughter of Mr. Donterious Hughes and Ms. Angelica Roseboro

• Miss Chloe Cecelia Jenifer, daughter of Mr. James Jenifer and Ms. Canisha Bryant

• Miss Kemani Carlise Judasia Moore, daughter of Mr. Gerald Moore Sr. and Ms. Greshiona McKnight

• Miss Rubyyonna Elizabeth Peprah, daughter of Mr. Harold and Mrs. Vivian Dye

• Miss Alexia Janae Ratliff, daughter of Ms. Kendala B. Rendleman

• Miss Mya Breanna Rivers, daughter of Mr. Monzo Little and Ms. Ashley Rivers

• Miss Kae'lyn Alexandria Roberts. Daughter of Mr. Karnez Roberts and Mrs. Aria Roberts

• Miss Rhema Tonaye Smith, daughter of Pastor Anthony and Lady Ayesha Smith

• Miss Jalen Lavon Starr, daughter of Mr. Justin Starr and granddaughter of Ms. Sherry Guyton

• Miss Kynadi Amari-Renee' Stover, daughter of Ms. Caroline Stover

• Miss Gabrielle Alyssa Taylor, Gold Level Winner, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jarrett Taylor

This article originally appeared on The Gaston Gazette: Introducing Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority's Debutantes and Petite Pearls