HAMLET — Alpha Mu Chapter of Alpha Pi Chi National Sorority, Inc. sponsored its 58th Cinderella Ball at Wayman Chapel Faith Center in Hamlet on May 16. The ball was attended by many proud family members and friends of the five beautiful young ladies that participated.
As the young ladies entered the venue, they were met by their handsome escorts and led to the stage to salute Miss Cinderella 2025, Davionna Caileen Pickett, with a bow and curtsy. After the crowning of the new queen, Miss Cinderella 2026 and the participants celebrated with a beautiful waltz and grand march throughout the venue.
Prior to the ball, the young ladies participated in numerous social, cultural and educational events throughout the community.
They dressed in their “Sunday Best” for a “Mother/Daughter Tea”, where they were given a history lesson on ‘tea parties” by chapter member, Lirosia Wall. Patricia McCoy, a member of Alpha Lambda, taught the girls proper table manners and use of china and utensils during a formal dinner. Annie Harden directed the girls on how to make Fascinators to wear while they sampled different kinds of tea, finger sandwiches, and sweet pastries.
As their Gift of Giving Project, the Cinderellas, escorts, their families, and chapter members donated several boxes of gently used toys that will be donated to the Place of Grace Women’s Shelter.
This year’s 2026 Cinderella Queen is Milani Jade Thomas. She is the daughter of Gloria Terry and LeVander Thomas. She was escorted by Makhai Holiday, son of Mya Holiday. Her sponsor is Annie Harden.
Ava Nyomi Terry is the Maid of Honor. She is the daughter of Crystal Johnson and Brandon Terry. She was escorted by Isaiah Payton, son of Chris and Sarah Payton. Her sponsor is Sandra Smith.
The 1st Attendant is Journee Ja’Niyah Brown. She is the daughter of Jeffrey Brown, Jr. and Kinyada Nicholson. She was escorted by Jalil Gray-Covington, son of Jasmine Gray and Kelvin Covington. Her sponsor is Shirlyn Morrison-Sims.
The 2nd Attendant is Makenna Kate Garza. She is the daughter of Elisa Garza (Brent Smith) and Jesse Drury (Amy Drury). She was escorted by Malachi Little, son of Stefon and Anastashia Little. Her sponsor is Dorothy Little.
The 3rd Attendant is Skyler Nicole Buchanan. She is the daughter of Tiffany LeGrand and Perry Buchanan. She was escorted by Brayden Little, son of Twilley Swiney. Her sponsor is Orga Ellerbe.
This year’s Ball featured a special dance routine presented by the Cinderellas directed by Shirlyn Morrison-Sims and Sheila Brosier. The escorts were featured in a dance routine created and directed by Achah Mitchell. Ashley Chapel AME Zion Children of God presented a Lyrical Dance directed by Jada Davis.
The Alpha Mu Chapter of Alpha Pi Chi National Sorority, Inc. has sponsored this beautiful event for 58 years. Girls ages 8 to 12 are given the opportunity to raise money to compete for the title of Miss Cinderella. The funds raised are used to establish 529 College Savings Plans for each young lady, scholarships eligible for any former Cinderella Ball participant, including escorts, who are high school seniors or entering their first year of college, and a host of other contributions to local and national non-profit organizations.
Alpha Pi Chi National Sorority, Inc. is a non-profit service organization of professional/business women geared to fulfilling the interests and talents of women. The Alpha Mu Chapter, located in Rockingham, is one more than 30 chapters located throughout the Southeast, Midwest, and Northeastern parts of the United States. The purpose of the sorority is to provide services and resources to the community, provide leadership development of members, increase cultural awareness and provide opportunities for networking among women of similar interests.
Members of the local chapter are Sandra Smith, Kay Morman, Vanessa Tillman, Annie Harden, Lettie Sturdivant, Angela Hope, Trendee Bostick, Orga Ellerbe, Cynthia Stanback, Bernice Sims-Royster, Regina Wall, Yvonne Rush-Wright, Jessica Sawyer Horne, Betty Clapp, Achah Mitchell, Shirlyn Morrison-Sims, Lirosia Wall, and Dorothy Little.