Twenty young women were presented by the Upsilon Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority at its 2016 Debutante Presentation and Ball.

The theme for the formal event: “An Elegant Evening in Pink and Green.”

The ball was held Dec. 17 at the Greater Richmond Convention Center.

The debutantes were: Shanna Christina Adkins, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Adkins, and a junior at Highland Springs High School; Elle Marsha Anderson, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Ricardo Anderson, and a senior at John Marshall High School; Erin Crawford Beale, daughter of Ms. Robin Crawford Beale and Mr. Orlando Cepeda Beale, and a junior at Hermitage High School; Tayler Alexis DeDeaux, daughter of Mrs. Beverly Jones Daniels and Mr. Roland Lee DeDeaux Jr., and a senior at James River High School.

Nia Chardae Easter, daughter of Ms. Charlene T. Easter and Mr. Mark A. Easter, and a senior at Varina High School; Sydni Nicole Friend, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Wilson Henry Friend Jr., and a junior at The New Community School; Camryn Christina Green, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Terone B. Green, and a junior at Henrico High School; Nadia Marlei Greene, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Harris Merman Greene Jr., and a senior at Richmond Community High School.

Illiana Nicole Harris, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Delmar Grant Harris Sr., and a junior at Thomas Dale High School’s Specialty Center for the Performing Arts; LinNeasha Shadavea Henderson, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Linwood Tremayne Henderson and Ms. LaTese S. Fordham, and a junior at Huguenot High School; Jaiden Amari Hobbs, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Duan Vidal Hobbs, and a junior at Trinity Episcopal High School; Donae Jyleah Jones, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Melvin Lee Banks, and a senior at the Appomattox Regional Governor’s School for the Performing Arts and Technology.

Jessica Alise Martin, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Christopher Martin, and a senior at Midlothian High School; Sydney Alexandra McCain, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Billy Ray McCain, and a senior at Cosby High School; Lauren Taylor Parker, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Lee T. Parker, and a junior at Henrico High School; Maylahn Sione Parsons, daughter of Ms. Kimberly R. Jones and Mr. Todd Lamont Parsons, and a junior at Open High School.

Tocaia Karel Scott, daughter of Mrs. JaVonya Scott DeDeaux, and a senior at James River High School; Kailyn Elise Small, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Kyron Antoin Small, and a senior at Open High School; Kree Alanis Small, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Kyron Antoin Small, and a junior at Open High School; and Kyra Janae Walden, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Alfred J. Walden, and a junior at Atlee High School.

From August through December, the young women participated in a variety of activities and workshops, including sessions on communications and college entrance essay writing; social graces; and a healthy mind, body and soul. They also participated in a service project, mother-daughter luncheon and worship service.

The AKA Debutante Project serves as a source of funding for the AKA Shoe Bank, which the Upsilon Omega Chapter has sponsored since 1954 to purchase shoes for children in need in Richmond Public Schools and in surrounding counties.

Carolyn Johnson and Andrea Coleman are the Debutante Project Committee chairwoman and co-chairwoman, respectively. Johnelle Torbert was the chapter president during the ball, while Audrey Swann is the chapter’s current president.