Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Zeta Upsilon Omega Chapter, hosted its 12th Biennial Essence of Ebony Pearls Debutante Cotillion on Saturday, March 18, at the historic Coliseum in downtown St. Pete. Pictured Miss Debutante 2023, Mykenzi Davis-Cowart and her escort, Michael Moten.
ST. PETERSBURG — Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Zeta Upsilon Omega Chapter, in partnership with the Youth Development Foundation of Pinellas County, Inc., hosted their 12th Biennial Essence of Ebony Pearls Debutante Cotillion on Saturday, March 18, at the historic Coliseum in downtown St. Pete.
The ballroom was filled with family and friends when 11 stunning young ladies gracefully entered the floor dressed in all-white to be presented to society.
Initially, debutantes were young women of marrying age being displayed for eligible bachelors and their families to view with marriage in mind. Today’s debutantes aren’t looking for a husband to secure their futures. No, these gorgeous pearls will make names for themselves in fields such as education, engineering, medicine, real estate, marine biology and the film industry.
The cotillion aims to promote young ladies’ achievements, inspire educational and cultural growth, encourage personal development and promote community service. The cotillion was the culminating activity for the 2022-23 Essence of Ebony Pearls Scholarship Program.
Over the past five months, these 11 beautiful young ladies have participated in various workshops, which focused on self-care and empowerment, fashion for all occasions, as well as professional networking and dining etiquette. The belles of the ball also attended a debutante tea complete with their fascinators and gloves, celebrating the mother-daughter bonds and how to cherish quality time together.
During the debutante cotillion process, the young ladies were required to perform community service hours. This year they partnered with My Daughter’s Keeper of Tampa Bay. Thanks to Donna Welch, the young ladies packed 89 food kits that were distributed to families in temporary housing here in our city.
The debutantes were also recognized for their academic achievements, church, community and civic involvement. Some 300 people attended the social event of the season, emceed by Erica Riggins, public information director for the City of St. Petersburg.
The men of Theta Eta Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. worked closely with the escorts. They conducted an etiquette workshop and dinner for the young men in preparation for the cotillion.
President of the Zeta Upsilon Omega Chapter, Jenee Skipper, ended the evening by thanking the sponsors, parents of the debutantes and the sorority members for making the evening a success.
“This has been a lovely and exciting evening indeed,” she said. “It brings me great joy to witness the culmination of a ceremonial coming out., a presentation to society as young women.”
Cassandra Williams and Rennair Boozy served as the chair and co-chair of the event, where more than $16,000 in scholarships were awarded.
The following outstanding debutantes were recognized for their achievements:
Miss Debutante 2023 – Miss Mykenzi Davis-Cowart
First Attendant 2023 & Miss Community Service – Miss Denia Averette
Second Attendant 2023 – Miss Emersen Jackson
Third Attendant 2023 & Miss Congeniality – Miss McKenzie Grey
Miss Supreme Spirit – Miss Chazlyn Flowers
About Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®
Founded in 1908, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® is the oldest Greek-letter organization established by African American women. Sorority members are committed to cultivating and encouraging high scholastic and ethical standards, promoting unity and friendship, alleviating social issues that affect girls and women, maintaining a progressive interest in college life, and serving all humankind. The Zeta Upsilon Omega Chapter was chartered on Dec. 15, 1955.
About Youth Development Foundation of Pinellas County, Inc.
The Youth Development Foundation of Pinellas County, Inc. is a 501(c) 3 nonprofit designated entity. Established in 1998, the purpose of the Foundation is to enhance the quality of life for targeted youth and families in Pinellas County by securing funds to provide program activities and services, which focus on education and scholarships, health, the arts, the family unit as well as foster economic and community development within our community.
To learn more about Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®, Zeta Upsilon Omega Chapter, visit www.zuochapter.org.
2023 Debutantes
Denia Kylee’ Averette
Debutante Denia Kylee’ Averette is the daughter of Mr. Robert Averette and Mrs. Katina Averette. She is a junior at Admiral Farragut Academy in St. Pete. Denia is a member of the National Honor Society, National Society of High School Scholars, Top Teens of America St. Petersburg Chapter, the AKA AKAdemy Exquisite Gems, Zoo Club Leader, Interact Club, UNICEF, The Garden Club, Alpha Phi Beta Math Club and The Builders Club. She is also a member of the Admiral Farragut track team, where she has won numerous championships.
She was recently invited to represent her school in the National Student Leadership Conference in Engineering and the National Youth Leadership Forum for Law & CSI. She is ranked in the top 10 of her Junior class and has been on the President’s List every quarter since her freshman year.
After graduation, Denia aspires to further her track career and plans to attend Spelman College or Howard University, where she will major in chemical engineering. Her career goals are to become a chemical engineer or fashion model or start her own business. Her interests and favorite hobbies include volunteering, community involvement, vlogging, photography, traveling, sports, shopping, gardening, and yoga.
Cienna Cumberbatch
Debutante Cienna Cumberbatch is the daughter of Mr. Cranstan Cumberbatch and Mrs. Cacia Cumberbatch. Cienna is a senior attending Richard O. Jacobson Technical High School in Seminole, where she has been an honor student throughout her high school career.
She is a Future Farmers of America (FFA) member and the National Honor Society (NHS). Cienna is also a cheerleader for Lakewood High School. After graduation, she plans to major in animal sciences at Tuskegee University. Her career goals are earning her veterinary medicine doctorate and opening her own medical practice. Cienna loves reading, baking treats and cheerleading.
Mykenzi Camryn Davis-Cowart
Debutante Mykenzi Camryn Davis-Cowart is the daughter of Mr. Samuel Cowart III and Dr. Delphinia Davis. She is a senior at The Boca Ciega High School. Her activities include being a member of the National Honor Society, National Society of High School Scholars Honor Society, Rho Kappa Honor Society, Torch & Laurel Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, Student Government, 2023 senior class president, Multicultural Club past president and HOSA, varsity cheerleader and Track Team. She is ranked in the top three percent of her class.
After graduation, Mykenzi plans to attend an HBCU and major in biology/pre-med. Her career goal is to become an anesthesiologist. Her interests are cheering, tennis, playing the piano and running track. Mykenzi also enjoys participating in various organizations in school and within her community. She received the Anne Frank Humanitarian Award, USF MLK Jr. Award and the Congress of Future Medical Leaders.
Mykenzi is an active member of the AKA AKAdemy Exquisite Gems, Teen Sergeant-at-Arms, past teen foundation chair for Suncoast Chapter Jack and Jill of America, Top Teens of America and St. Petersburg College Believers and Achievers program.
Janiah Dennard
Debutante Janiah Dennard is the daughter of Mr. Breht Dennard and Mrs. Dyan Dennard. She is a senior at Gibbs High School. Janiah is a National Technical Honor Society Inductee, a member of the Student Government Association senior representative and the Yearbook Club editor-in-chief.
After graduation, she plans to attend Clark Atlanta University to finish her associate in arts degree and earn a bachelor’s degree in business administration. Her career goal is to become a real estate investor. Janiah’s interests include jigsaw puzzles, shopping for shoes online and reading food reviews. She is also the president of the Pinellas County Urban League NULITES and served as a Youth Ambassador for Taking it to the Streets, a project of St. Petersburg’s Structural Racism Study.
Chazlyn Flowers
Debutante Chazlyn Flowers is the daughter of Major Gene Flowers Sr. and Mrs. Denese Flowers. She is a senior at The Boca Ciega High School, where she is enrolled in the Center for Wellness and Medical Professions Medical Magnet Program.
Chazlyn is also a member of the National Honor Society, a member of the varsity cheerleading team and was a member of the AVID Leadership Club. After graduation, she plans to attend St. Petersburg College to pursue a degree in biology for two years and then transfer to Florida A&M University to finish her bachelor’s degree in biology.
Her career goals are to become a pediatrician or pediatric nurse practitioner and start her own practice. Her interests include spending time with friends and family making lifelong memories, dancing, singing, and cheerleading. Chazlyn is also a member of the All Nations Church’s Youth Praise Team.
McKenzie L. Grey
Debutante McKenzie L. Grey is the daughter of Mr. Leigh Grey and Mrs. Diane Grey. She is a senior at St. Petersburg High School. Her activities and honors include Rojans Community Service Club, St. Petersburg High School Track Team 2020-23, St. Petersburg High School National Honor Society, St. Petersburg High School Track Team Captain, Bethel AME YPD and Black Student Association Club.
Her awards and honors include honor roll, student of the month, senior homecoming queen and Vyrle Davis Award recipient.
After graduation, McKenzie plans to attend Florida Atlantic University and major in kinesiology. Her career goals are to attain a doctorate in physical therapy and utilize her knowledge and skills to rehabilitate those in need of restoring their physical abilities. McKenzie loves indulging in culinary delights with her mom or friends, catching the waves and sunsets at the beach, traveling or simply relaxing at home.
Emersen Leigh Jackson
Debutante Emersen Leigh Jackson is the daughter of Dr. Jaih Christopher Jackson and Mrs. Kimberly Griffie Jackson, Esq. She is a junior at St. Petersburg Collegiate High School. Her activities and honors included AKA AKAdemy Exquisite Gems, Academy Ballet of Arts Special Needs Dance Program 2019 – Volunteer Lead, Dr. Mark Scribano 2020 Kennel Tech Trainee, Dean’s list freshman year, actress in the St. Pete City Theatre Christmas Carol Production and was a recipient of the Mac J. Williams Scholar Award during her sophomore and junior year.
After graduation, Emersen plans to attend college and major in theater. She is an aspiring theatrical costume designer and thespian. Her interests include reading, theater, cosplay, ballet and classical music.
Ta’niyha Newsome
Debutante Ta’niyha Newsome is the daughter of Mr. Charles Byrd and Mrs. Latasha Byrd. She is a senior at The Boca Ciega High School in the Center for Wellness and Medical Professions Magnet Program. After graduation, she plans to attend Florida Atlantic University and major in nursing.
Ta’niyha’s interests are meditation, running, getting her nails done and going to the beach. She also enjoys spending time with family and friends.
Mahoganie Lea Scruggs
Debutante Mahoganie Lea Scruggs is the daughter of Mr. Maurice Scruggs, Jr. and Ms. Denise James. She is a senior at The Boca Ciega High School in the Center for Wellness and Medical Professions Magnet Program. Her activities and organizations include AVID, JROTC, food pantry volunteer, cheering, softball and being a member of the Fundamental Program.
After graduation, Mahoganie plans to attend the University of Connecticut and pursue a degree in marine biology. Her career goals are to become a marine biologist and work in the computer science field. She loves spending time with family and friends.
Gabriella Iman Stafford
Debutante Gabriella Iman Stafford is the daughter of Mr. Marcus Stafford and Mrs. Valerie Powell-Stafford. She is a senior at Sarasota High School and is enrolled in the AICE Program-Cambridge of Education Advanced Curriculum and MAST-Math, Science and Technology-Based Research program.
After graduation, she plans to attend college and major in film with a minor in business. Gabriella aspires to pursue a career as an entertainment producer and share stories that inspire change. She enjoys going to the movies and the arts. She also enjoys writing short stories.
Gabriella has also earned her second-degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do. Activities and honors include Black Girls Film Camp Finalist, Girl Scouts of America, Suncoast Chapter Jack and Jill of America, Rho Kappa National Social Studies Honor Society-Chapter president, Technology Student Association, Theater Odyssey-Board Member, West Coast Black Theater Troupe Internship, Sailor Vision Productions: production crew/internship, National Honor Society and Key Club.
Livia Rose Zeigler
Debutante Livia Rose Zeigler is the daughter of Mr. Gregory Zeigler and Mrs. Latasha Zeigler. She is a senior at Gibbs High School. Her activities and honors include being part National Technical Honor Society, varsity cheerleader and Student Government Association president.
She is also a member of the Yearbook Club, Girlfriends Club, AVID, BETA and Safe Club. After graduation, she plans to attend Florida A&M University and major in education. Livia enjoys giving back to her community by volunteering at the library and local hospitals in the maternity ward. In addition, she likes learning new things about history every day. She plans to become an educator in the local community.
