The members of Swans Inc. hosted their 30th biennial debutante ball and 72nd anniversary celebration recently in the Grand Ballroom of the Sheraton Metairie. Four young ladies were introduced to society with the theme, "Celebrating our Founding Jewels."
The 10 founding members -- the late Gloria Bijole, Hilda Bujol, Evelyn Carroll, Lucille Carroll, Edna Crockem, Betsy Hammond, Angeline Harris, Ethel James, Doris Jones and President Margarete Houston -- began the foundation of the organization in 1952 at Kenner Colored High. Also celebrated were Debra Edwards, Mary Joseph and Shirley Williams.
The cotillion was the culmination of almost a year of activities for the debutantes in which they participated in monthly charm and etiquette classes, career planning/college preparation and networking workshops, community service projects, Kente and Couture Celebration of Sheroes, essay and scrapbook contests, dining out experience and the presentation tea.
Miss Leyah Antoinette Dejoie reigned as queen. A senior at East Jefferson High School, she is the daughter of Reginald Dejoie Jr. and Joy Miller-Dejoie.
The princess, Miss Kennedy Elizabeth Hughes, is a senior honor student at Riverside Academy and the daughter of Lloyd Michael Sr. and Gillian King-Hughes.
Debutantes were Misses Harlym Rocsi Henderson, a junior honor student at Bonnabel Magnet Academy, daughter of Paul Cooper and Brandi Henderson; and Destiny Loretta Johnson, a senior honor student at Archbishop Chapelle High School, the daughter of Eric Johnson and Willye Mae Turner.
Serving as herald, ladies-in-waiting and attendants to the queen were Alvin J. Meyers Jr., son of Alvin J. Meyers Sr. and Joanna Miller Meyers; Lauren Katherine Arceneaux, daughter of Brad and Dr. Lxchelle Arceneaux; Davion Maria Boykins, daughter of the Meyers; Nakira Lee Elder, daughter of Kevin Elder and Raina Edwards-Elder; and Rose Berlin Gelin, daughter of Berniel and Chantel Gelin.
Appearing was past queen Miss Tykeyah Chaliz Dejoie and her attendant, Blossom Ellen Gelin.
The escorts for the debutantes were: Cardell Ashton Henderson, son of O'Bryant Henderson and Marceia Walker; Shamus Gardner Jr., son of Shamus Gardner Sr. and Leslie Henderson; Dedric Desmond Lastie, son of Albert and Carla Lastie; and JaKiren Williams, son of Annette Bradford.
Mistress of ceremonies was Keisha Ferdinand. The toast to the queen, debutantes and in celebration of the anniversary was given by Raina Edwards-Elder.
Following a buffet and dancing, attendees participated in the traditional second-line with umbrellas decorated by the debutantes. The music was provided by Clark Knighten and the 4X4 Connection Band, DJ Polo and the Young Pinstripe Brass Band.
After a reorganization of the SWANS (Sagacious, Willing and Noble Samaritans) of Greater New Orleans After a reorganization in 2011, Debra Houston Edwards serves as president and ball chair with the assistance of co-chair Shirley Gardner Williams. The debutante committee was chaired by Raina Edwards-Elder, who also served as choreographer and chair of programming assisted by Shelita Holmes and Keisha Ferdinand. Shanna Porter chaired the junior court. Kevin Elder, Mark Joseph Sr. and Scott Joseph served as ball marshals. The Rev. Richmond Edwards Jr. served as mentor to escorts.