First Posted: 5/22/2013

The Alpha Lambda Chapter of the Alpha Pi Chi Sorority celebrated “a radiating night of elegance” as it crowned the 2013 Debutante Queen.

Latoya Cuthrell won the title at the 52nd Annual Debutante Cotillion that recently took place at West Rockingham Elementary School.

Cuthrell is the daughter of Jerry and Doris Henry Cuthrell and is a student at West Montgomery High School. She was sponsored by her mother, Soror Doris Cuthrell. Her chief marshal was her father, and her marshal was ShyQuarn Little.

She was crowned by the 2012 Debutante Queen, Tonesha Horne.

The queen’s court included the following:

• Kyonna Jones as Maid of Honor. She is the daughter of Elbonee Jones and Carl Isaac. Her chief marshal was her father, and her marshal was Jalen Joy. She is a student at Richmond Early College High School and was sponsored by Soror Doretha Jefferson.

• Kinyada Nicholson as First Attendant. She is the daughter of Emily Nicholson and Walter Gould. Her chief marshal was her father, Frank Nicholson, and her marshal was Charles Lyons III. She is a student at Richmond Senior High School and was sponsored by Soror Janet Nicholson-Stroman.

• LaShonda York as Second Attendant. She is the daughter of Kelvin and Monica York. Her chief marshal was her father, and her marshal was Jalen McDonald. She is a student at Richmond Senior High School and was sponsored by Soror Patricia McCoy.

• Keliesia Cross as Third Attendant. She is the daughter of Mia Coleman and Curtis Rorie Sr. Her chief marshal was her father, and her marshal was Myrone Davis Jr. She is a student at Richmond Senior High School and was sponsored by Soror Sabrina McDonald.

Other highlights of the evening were the announcements of other awards. Winning the highest academic scholarship award was Kyonna Jones. Cuthrell received Miss Congeniality, the Citizenship Award and won the talent competition. Cross won the All About Business Award.

The purpose of the Debutante Cotillion is to raise funds for scholarships and educational grants, and to expose women to new cultural experiences throughout the year. Each contestant raises money and receives a financial award for their educational pursuits.

“With your generous financial contributions, we are able to present educational awards and scholarships that encourage and assist these young ladies in their educational endeavors beyond high school,” said Cynthia Northcutt, sorority president.

Chairpersons for the Cotillion were Janet Stroman and Annie Pratt. Bruce Stanback choreographed the various waltzes and entrance of the marshals. Greg Hagins served as musician.