By Chuck Stewart, Jr.
New Windsor - It was a night to showcase the best of the city of Newburgh - its youth.
Those were the sentiments of the Debutante & Gentlemen Committee, speaking on behalf of the young women and men who were presented at the 10th Annual Debutante & Gentlemen Ball held at the Meadowbrook Lodge on Saturday night.
The lodge was packed as parents, grandparents, family, friends and members of the community came to be part of this year’s "Rite of Passage" for the young people.
Formal proceedings began with a prelude of costume, movement and dance by the Junior Debutante’s as they presented a stunning dance interpretation.
The "Voices of Glory" then performed a Gospel song to the delight of the audience. The selection was followed by a minuet by future debutante’s and gents.
The debutantes and gents were then introduced by the Mistress of Ceremonies Ms. Beverly Faison, who read each participants background to the eager audience. This year’s Debutante’s were: Miss Jenna Maria Vann (escorted by Justin Caesar), Miss Carielle Erskine (escorted by Tevin Bowman), Miss Ashley Phifer (escorted by Darrell Williams), Miss April Kelly (escorted by Richard Degraffenried), Miss Daneya Shakiel Ligon (escorted by Ronnie Stevens).
This year’s Gentlemen were: Mr. Justin Caesar (escorted by Jenna Marie Vann), Mr. Tevin Bowman (escorted by Carielle Erskine), Mr Richard Degraffenfried (escorted by April Kelly), Mr. Michael Whitted, Jr. (escorted by Nickeysha Lewis).
On the cue of Ms. Consuelo Hill, the choreographer for the evenings formal dances, the Cotillion Waltz was played and the Debs and Gents gracefully glided across the floor. Proud mothers and father’s would later take to the dance floor for the father and mother debutante dance.
Joy Pittman, City of Newburgh Youth Bureau Youth Services Coordinator stated, "We hope that all the participants had many memorable experiences that they will treasure forever. It was a pleasure working with all of them." Looking to the Debs and Gents future she reminded them to, "Always remember to pursue higher heights and that you can be whatever you desire to be, education will be the key."
Of course, such a successful and enjoyable evening could not have been possible but for the great planning, hard work and dedication shown to Newburgh’s young people by the organizing committee, some of whom have been involved in the annual event for as long as it has been held.
