The Washington Rhinestone Club Inc. recently celebrated its 65th Anniversary as they presented eight exceptional college young women to the community and made their debut to society.
Chris B. Bennett, publisher and editor of The Seattle Medium Newspaper, served as a most masterful, articulate and engaging Master of Ceremony for this special 65th Anniversary Debutante Ball. Bennett, an award-winning journalist with a demonstrated passion for advocacy and community service, is a second generation publisher, a former National Board member, former vice chair of the National Newspaper Publishers Association, which is a federation of over 200 Black owned newspapers across the United States. He has served on and chaired multiple boards/commissions — including the Seattle Human Rights Commission and was the youngest person to chair a Human Rights Commission/Board in any urban area in the country. Chris was accompanied by his lovely wife, Kim, who was elegantly attired in a silver sequined gown emphasizing the celebration of the 65th Anniversary.
The reigning 2017 queen, the lovely and talented Miss Olivia Ribera, now sophomore at the University of Washington, was in attendance to crown the designated Queen of the 2018 Debutante Ball. Miss Ribera, in her gracious remarks, thanked the Washington Rhinestone Club for their continued support and congratulated the 2018 debutantes before crowning the 2018 Washington rhinestone debutante queen.
The queen of the 2018 debutante ball was debutante Kennadi Aniya – Sherelle Hairston. Kennadi is the daughter of Mr. Wilford and Mrs. Romanita Hairston. She is a graduate of Franklin High School in Seattle, Washington. She is currently attending Carleton College in Northfield, Minnesota. Kennadi’s escort was Mr. Tony Ngo, the son of Mr. Hong Ngo and Mrs. Thong Ngo. Kennadi received a $2,000 scholarship from the Washington Rhinestone Club presented by President Carol Bell-Daniel. Kennadi was chosen to be the Queen of the 2018 Ball because she earned the highest high school cumulative grade point average, namely a 3.999.
Runner-up with the second highest grade point average of 3.599 was debutante Kyla Rachel Marks, the daughter of the late Larry G. Marks Jr. and retired first Sgt. Don and Trinity Chandler. Kyla is a graduate of Raisbeck Aviation High School in Tukwila, Washington. She is currently attending Washington State University in Pullman, Washington. Kyla’s escort was Mr. Kendall Oaks, son of Mrs. Ola Oaks. President Carol Bell-Daniel presented Kyla with a $l,000 scholarship from the Washington Rhinestone Club. She was also the recipient of the Danna K. Johnston Foundation Stem Scholarship presented by former debutante Danna K. Johnston. In addition, Kyla was the recipient of the Esther Ross Community Scholarship.
In addition, the Washington Rhinestone Club honored the following young college women:
Debutante Zharia Baker, the daughter of Mr. Robert and Mrs. Diana Baker. She is a graduate of Garfield High School in Seattle, Washington. She is currently attending Highline College in Des Moines, Washington. Zharia’s escort was Mr. Torrence Baker, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Baker. Zharia was also the recipient of the Alexis Williams Memorial Award presented by former Debutante Danielle Banon, and Mrs. Denise Williams in memory of Alexis Williams.
Debutante Bryonna McAfee, the daughter of Mr. Kevin and Mrs. Monica Turner McAfee. Bryonna is a graduate of Rainier Beach High School in Seattle, Washington. She is currently attending Paul Quinn College in Dallas, Texas. Bryonn’s escort was Mr. Chandler Williams, the son of Mrs. Paulette Guyton and Mr. Clarence Williams. Bryonna also received the Debutante Legacy Scholarship on behalf of the Past Debutante Alumni as her mother, Mrs. Monica Turner McAfee and her aunt Ms. Lafonda Turner, were both past Washington Rhinestone Debutantes. Mrs. Valerie Anderson also presented The Zeta Phi Beta Scholarship to Bryonna from the Zetas.
Debutante Chloe Newton, the daughter of Mr. Curt and Mrs. Alesia Newton. Chloe is a graduate of Lindbergh High School and Bellevue College. She is currently attending Seattle Pacific University in Seattle, Washington. Chloe’s escort was Mr. Gregory Russell.
Debutante Kyren Pitts, the daughter of Mr. Shedrick and Mrs. Stacy Pitts. Kyren is a graduate of Cleveland High School in Seattle, Washington. She is currently attending South Seattle Community College. Kyren’s escort was Mr. Karl Ingram.
Debutante Grace V. Williams, the daughter of Mr. Keith and Mrs. Paula Williams. Grace is a graduate of Rainier Beach High School in Seattle, Washington. She is currently attending Langston University in Oklahoma. Grace’s escort was Mr. Frederick Roberson. Grace was also the recipient of the Verna Busch Scholarship presented by Mrs. Verna Busch, a long-standing supporter of the Washington Rhinestone Club.
Debutante Teriana Yeggins, the daughter of Mr. Terramce Yeggins and Ms. Shakiara James. Teriana is a graduate of Garfield High School in Seattle, Washington. She is currently attending Hampton University in Hampton, Virginia. Teriana’s escort was Mr. Jevaughn Banks, the son of Mrs. Anntriel Nicholson. Teriana was also the recipient of the Esther Ross Community Service Scholarship presented by Ms. Esther Ross.
Serving in the Queen’s Court were the very charming and beautiful little princess Gracie Davenport, the daughter of Rev. George and Mrs. Beverly Davenport of People’s Institutional Baptist Church in Seattle, Washington.
Page little Ryo James Bell – Taylor, was handsome and splendidly attired in his full tuxedo. Ryo is the son of former debutante Ms. Christine Bell and Mr. Marion Taylor and the grandson of Mrs. Doretha Holmes.
Each Debutante was also presented a $500 scholarship from the Northgate Education Foundation. These scholarships were presented by Mrs. Nancy Stephens-Saunders, a former board member, past debutante and past choreographer of the Washington Rhinestone Club.
In celebration of the 65thanniversary of the Washington Rhinestone Club, special recognition was given to Mrs. Frances Oxner Stephens, past president and one of the founding members of the club and still a vital and contributing members today. She was presented a beautiful trophy from the club to commemorate this special occasion by Ball Co-Chair Mrs. Colleen C. Walls.
Mrs. Dolores Booker, past president was recognized as a Member of Longevity of 56 years.
She was presented a beautiful trophy by club member Mrs. Malver Haynes. Mrs. Booker has served as Chair of the Souvenir Book for the Washington Rhinestone Club for many years. The 65thanniversary souvenir book is a pictorial and historical masterpiece, containing photos of debutantes, guests and club members spanning every decade. Mrs. Booker was assisted in creating this treasured keepsake by Mrs. Malver Haynes and Mrs. Juanita Taylor.
Mrs. Gaynell Walker and Mr. Elisio Pitta were the artistically talented and creative choreographers for the dance routines performed by both the Debutantes and Escorts. The dances were performed in a professional manner and were exciting to watch as the Ball guests enthusiastically applauded their performance. The Mother/Escort and Father/Debutantes presented their traditional waltz but added an individualized “Soul Train Line” to complete their presentation that was thoroughly enjoyed by the very enthusiastic audience!!!!
The Washington Rhinestone Club Inc. is deeply appreciative of the strong and consistent community support that contributed to the success of the 65thAnniversary Debutante Ball.
