Cotillion 2015 Debutantes:
Front Row Seated (left to right):
Kamile Elizabeth Henriquez Wyatt, Kendra LeBelle Casey, Jasmine Nicole Hanna, Alexa Gabrielle Bowers, Olivia Heaven Alexandria Jones, Gabrielle Nicole Sumpter, Courtney Symone Robinson, Ruby Rosetta Pittman, Skylar Drue Smith, Tyler Alexandra Ridgle, Sophia Raye Hunt.
Back Row Standing (left to right):
Symone Paige Roberts, Asha J. Banks, Madison Ryan Artis Chipley, Kennedy Tiara Long, Sausha Danielle Perry, Lauryn Nicole Cobbs, Nola Simone Cole, Madison Rose Turner, Jessie May Noble, Kendal Nicole Lake, Alexandria Erin Smith, Francesca Simone Walker, Alexandra Caitlinmarie Levatter, Kimberley Irene Peete, Dominique Marie Nelms
Cotillion 2015 Escorts:
First Row: Left to Right
Jeremy Lewis, Cameron Hayforth, Jordan Nathan Foster Savage-Schiller, Darren Glenn Dixon, Ryan Browning, Justin P. Jenkins, Aaron Clarence Butler, Shane Williams, Lee Pitts, Joseph Bryant Strawn, Stephen Andrew Guyton, Timothy Scott.
Second row: Left to Right
Chaz Michael Groves, Christopher Darden, Jr., Ryan Banks, Reginald Allen Harbor, II, Elijah Emanuel Hodge, Floyd Johnson, Dorian Meilleur, Austin Chandler, Brennan Paul Beavers, O’Neill Patrick Lewis, Madison McKesson, Alexander Rostad, Miles W. McQueen, Miles McAliley.
On the evening of Friday, November 27, 2015, The Los Angeles Chapter Charitable Trust (LACCT) and Los Angeles (CA) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated held the 63rd Debutante Cotillion at the Regent Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills, CA. Since the first Cotillion in 1951, Debutantes, also known as Cotillionettes, participate in a series of purposeful events. The 2015 Cotillion Season began with a Mother/Daughter Tea chaired by Link Jacqueline Castillo, in a high tea setting at the Wilshire Ebell Theater where debutantes, mothers and guests were introduced to the intricacies of the Cotillion program. The Los Angeles Links’ Leadership Institute, the cornerstone of the Cotillion program, established by the chapter to mentor debutantes, included workshops on financial literacy, college and career readiness, non-traditional careers, healthy lifestyles, social media, legal savvy, etiquette, cultural awareness and friendship activities. Additionally, each debutante is required to perform 75 hours of community service. During the summer of 2015, the debutantes collectively dedicated over 2,900 volunteer service hours to various organizations and agencies throughout the greater Los Angeles Area. Providing continued service to the community is part of the long-standing legacy of the Los Angeles Chapter. Historically, local, non-profit agencies and programs that provide health, arts, education, and youth and elder services are selected by the Los Angeles Chapter Charitable Trust to receive financial support awards from the Cotillion revenue.
As Los Angeles Chapter of The Links, Incorporated celebrates 65 years of unwavering service to address critical needs and concerns of our local, national and global communities, Kathryn Edwards, Chapter President, and Nedra E. Austin, LACCT Chairman expressed their appreciation to the village of families and friends, the heart and soul of Chapter fundraising efforts for their continuing support of the young ladies, as well.
The culminating Awards Luncheon, held at the Wilshire Country Club, acknowledged every Cotillionette with a certificate of 63rd Cotillion participation, a 14k gold Links pendant and necklace, and monetary merit awards in these categories: Best Theme Essay, Highest number of Volunteer Hours, Highest Grade Point Average, Highest Revenue, Past Presidents’ Leadership Award, the Pittman Family Award, the Toyota STEM Award, the John M. Langston Bar Association Award, the Escuela Plus Education Award, the Millennial Award, the General Chairperson’s Award and awards in memory of: Isabel Anderson, Jessie Mae Beavers, Dr. Jacqueline Broussard, Dorothy Crippens, The Honorable Rodney Forneret and Raymond D. Wilder.
The Cotillion is the culmination of a comprehensive program that embodies Los Angeles Chapter’s commitment to service. Cotillion General Chairman, Gail Jackson, and Co-Chairman, Cathy Daniels welcomed guests as they entered the elegant ballroom, that was exquisitely designed and splendidly decorated by Link Patricia E. Gibson and her Committee members, Links Renette Anderson, Deborah Beavers-Watford, Irma Brown, Phyllis Forneret and Belinda Stith, to accentuate the 2015 63rd Cotillion theme, “One Step at a Time.”
Susan Chatman, Musical Director, arranged the score to accompany Charlene Carmon as she delivered the Cotillion theme song, One Step at a Time. Mr. Chris Schauble, Guest Presenter of the Cotillion 2015 debutantes, co-anchors weekdays, on the top-rated KTLA5 morning news. He has won a variety of awards, including the coveted Emmy Award for journalistic excellence. Connecting Link Chris Schauble, is the husband of Link Katrina J. Schauble. The 63rd Cotillion Ball presentation, a premier occasion, is inextricably connected to a legacy of service for mentoring these debutantes, each a charming, poised and accomplished young lady:
Asha Jhané Banks, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ozabe Banks, Jr. was presented by her father. She was escorted by Floyd Johnson, II, son of Mr. Floyd Johnson and Dr. Kimberly Johnson. Asha is a senior at Bishop-Montgomery High School. She is involved in the Los Angeles Children’s Choir, a member of the Los Angeles Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, and the Concordia Community Service Club. Her interests include singing, reading, and travel. She plans to attend Howard University. Her career goal is to become a sports management agent or an attorney.
Alexa Gabrielle
Bowers, the daughter of Attorneys Jeryl and Stacy Bowers, was presented by her father. She was escorted by Ryan Browning, son of Mr. Alain Browning and Mrs. Robyn Browning. She is a senior at Harvard/Westlake School where she is Senior Editor of her high school paper. She volunteers at the Grace Hooper STEM Academy in Inglewood. A published essayist, she presented her paper and short film entitled “Blood and Water” in Montreal, Canada. She received highest honors by the Society of American French Teachers. She also received The Links’ award for Highest Revenue, the Millennial Award, and the John M. Langston Bar Association Award. Her interests include cheerleading and journalistic writing. She plans to attend Barnard College at Columbia University. Her career goal is to become an entertainment attorney.
Kendra LeBelle Casey, the daughter of Dr. Kimberly Gregory and Dr. Richard Casey, was presented by her father. She was escorted by Darren Glenn Dixon son of Dr. Marcia Glenn and Mr. Darren R. Dixon. She is a senior at The Archer School for Girls in Brentwood, California where she is the Head Dance Captain for the Archer Dance Troupe. She was the second place winner for The Links’ Millennial Award. She has traveled extensively with People to People, a national student ambassador program. Her interests include dance, music, and international travel. She plans to attend Howard University. Her career goal is to become an Emergency Medicine physician.
Madison Ryan Artis Chipley, the daughter of Mr. Trenton Chipley and Ms. LaChondra Washington was presented by her father. She was escorted by Shane Williams, son of Mr. Brian Williams and Mrs. Angela Williams. Madison is a senior at Da Vinci Design High School where she is a member of the Senior Planning Committee and Honors American Sign Language Club. She is a gifted visual artist who has studied art at Otis College of Art and Design and Savannah College of Art and Design in Atlanta, Georgia. Her interests include drawing, fashion and nail color and design. She plans to attend college on the East Coast. Her career goal is to become an architect.
Lauryn Nicole Cobbs, the daughter of Mr. Trent William Cobbs, Sr. and Mrs. Carol Miranda Baychue-Cobbs, was presented by her father. She was escorted by Elijah Emanuel Hodge, son of Mr. Leslie Ivan Milton Hodge and Mrs. Annette Louise Harrigan-Hodge. Lauryn is a junior at Notre Dame High School in Sherman Oaks. She is involved with The Good Samaritan Hospital’s fight against breast cancer. She loves teaching the fundamentals of sports to youth. She is the recipient of the Honorable Rodney G. Forneret Memorial Award and The Links’ Best Essay Award. Her interests include creating short films and playing basketball. She plans to attend Stanford University. Her career goal is to become a television producer and host for entertainment news.
Nola Simone Cole, the daughter of Ms. Deborah Belle and the late Joseph Eric Cole, was presented by her uncle, Mr. Lawrence L. Wells. She was escorted by Timothy Scott, son of Mr. Van Scott and Ms. Shailendra Waters Scott. Nola is a senior at St. Mary’s Academy where she is an officer in the academy’s student body organization. She is involved in several ministries at Holman United Methodist Church where she is President of the Holman Young People’s youth group; a soloist with the praise dance team, and with the youth choir. Her interests include singing and cross country running. She plans to attend Howard University. Her career goal is to become a Clinical Psychologist
Jasmine Nicole Hanna, the daughter of Mr. Remon Hanna and Dr. Jacqueline Hanna was presented by her father. She was escorted by Cameron Hayforth, son of Mr. Dewayne Hayforth and Ms. Catina Slade. Jasmine is a senior at Pacifica Christian High School in Santa Monica where she is involved in Associated Students. She is committed to community volunteer work at the Charles R. Drew Saturday Science Academy of South Los Angeles. Jasmine is also a member of the National Honor Society and the recipient of The Links’ Toyota STEM Award. Her interests include softball; and tap and jazz dance at L.A. Collective Arts studio. She plans to attend Dartmouth College. Her career goal is to become a physician with a specialty in dermatologic oncology.
Sophia Raye Hunt, the daughter of Mr. Michael Oliver Hunt and Mrs. Ingrid Jane Batiste Hunt was presented by her father. She was escorted by Ryan Banks, son of Dr. Christopher Meilleur and Mrs. Suzette Banks Meilleur. She is a senior at Mayfield Senior School. She is involved in Vocal and Instrumental Conservatories, the Student Arts Council, volunteering at Crowell Library, Good Shepherds Shelter, and the California Elderly Home. Her interests include listening to music, international travel, and reading comics. She plans to attend a private college with a liberal arts focus. Her career goal is to become a criminal profiler.
Olivia Heaven
Alexandria Jones, the daughter of the late Alexander S. Jones and Ms. Suzanne Patterson Jones, was presented by her stepfather, Mr. Tristan Carey. She was escorted by Reginald Allen Harbour, II, son of Mr. Reginald Harbour and Ms. Rene Bell Harbour. Olivia is a senior at St. Bernard’s High School where she is captain of the cheerleading squad, a member of the National Honor Society, and vice president of the Viking Ambassadors. She is a 14-year member of the Los Angeles Chapter of Jack and Jill of America. Her interests include cheerleading, dancing, and participating in community service activities. She plans to attend Georgetown University. Her career goal is to become a lawyer.
Kendal Nicole Lake, the daughter of Mr. Jay B. Lake and Mrs. Karen D. Lake was presented by her father, Mr. Jay B. Lake, Esq. She was escorted by Aaron Clarence Butler, son of Mr. Clarence Butler, Jr., and Mrs. Veronica Butler. Kendal is a senior at Palisades Charter High School where she is an Advance Placement honors student. She is captain of the Varsity Track and Field team. She is also a member of the Varsity Cheerleading Squad. She is the recipient of the Dorothy L. Crippens Memorial Award. Her interests include staying up to date with current events and track and field. She plans to attend Spelman College. Her career goal is to become a sports medicine physician.
Alexandra
Caitlinmarie Levatter, the daughter of Mr. Theodore Levatter and Mrs. Wanda Chappell Levatter was presented by her uncle, Mr. Galen Rodney Chappelle. She was escorted by Alexander Rostad, son of Mr. Ray Rostad and Mrs. Sherrell Rostad. Alexandra is a senior at Campbell Hall Episcopal School. She is an award-winning violinist. She studies chamber music at the Pasadena Conservatory and the Colburn School where she is a member of its symphony orchestra. She is also working on a certification in AVID Pro Tools, a digital program for recording media. She is the recipient of the Dr. Jacqueline Broussard Memorial Award and the Pittman Family Award. She plans to attend New York University. Her career goal is to be a well-rounded and knowledgeable working musician.
Kennedy Tiara Long, the daughter of Mr. Arthur Lee Long, Jr. and Mrs. Karen Grubbs Long was presented by her father. She was escorted by Miles W. McQueen, son of Mr. Garry E. McQueen and Mrs. Carolyn McQueen. Kennedy is a senior at Harvard/Westlake High School. As a member of Los Angeles Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, she is the Group 5B Community Service Chair. She is a varsity track and field triple jump Mission League champion and CIF Qualifier. She is the recipient of The Links’ Escuela Plus Education Award and the Raymond D. Wilder Memorial Award. Her interests include telling stories through photography and community service projects. She plans to attend Williams College in Williamston, Massachusetts. Her career goal is to become an attorney.
Dominique Marie Nelms, the daughter of Mr. Kevin Nelms and Mrs. Traci Nelms, was presented by her father. She was escorted by Dorian Meilleur son of Dr. Christopher Paul Meilleur and Mrs. Suzette Banks Meilleur. She is a junior at Cerritos High School. She participates in the Cerritos Regiment of Gold Marching Band; the Cerritos Wind Symphony, and is the founder of the Young, Black and Gifted group. She is a member of the Long Beach Chapter of Jack and Jill of America where she serves as editor. Her interests include event planning and editing videos complete with music tracks. Her career goal is to become a creative director.
Jessie May Noble, the daughter of Dr. James P. Noble and Mrs. Kimberly Beavers Noble, was presented by her father. She was escorted by Brennan Paul Beavers, son of Mr. LeRoy A. Beavers, III and Mrs. Gayle Harvey Beavers. Jessie is a senior at the Van Nuys High School Medical Magnet. She is a legacy member of the Los Angeles Chapter of Jack and Jill of America where she serves as Secretary of Group 5B. She is the Brass captain of the Van Nuys High School marching band. She is the 2nd Place recipient of The Links’ Dorothy L. Crippens Memorial Award. Jessie May is a legacy Heir-O-Link of The Links, Incorporated, Los Angeles (CA) Chapter, where her late grandmother, Jessie Mae Beavers, served as 1986-88 chapter president. Her interests include playing the trombone and volunteering at Valley Presbyterian Hospital. She plans to attend the New England Conservatory of Music. Her career goal is to become a psychiatrist, applying music therapy as an intervention for persons with autism.
Kimberley Irene Peete, the daughter of Dr. Robert D. Peete and Mrs. Karen Peete, was presented by her father. She was escorted by Chaz Michael Groves, son of Mr. Wesley Michael Groves, Jr. and Dr. Colette Foster Groves. Kimberley is a senior at Bishop Montgomery High School where she is Vice President of the Concordia Community Service Club. She has been a member of the National Honor Society for two years. She is also involved in Campus Ministry. She received The Links’ Award for the Highest Grade Point Average (4.5). Her interests include shopping, reading, and working out. She plans to attend Howard University. Her career goal is to become a corporate attorney.
Sausha Danielle Perry, the daughter of Mr. Michael Allen Perry, Sr. and Ms. Jennifer Alice Wiltz was presented by her father. She was escorted by O’Neill Patrick Lewis son of Ms. Evelyn Zapata. Sausha is a senior at Glendale High School where she is involved in Junior Varsity Softball. She studied piano for 11 years and is an accomplished pianist. Her interests include reading and hiking. She plans to attend the University of California, Santa Barbara. Her career goal is to become an entrepreneur.
Ruby Rosetta Pittman, the daughter of Mr. J. Marshall Pittman and Ms. Ruby Z. Mays, was presented by her father. She was escorted by Joseph Bryant Strawn, son of Dr. Larry Strawn and Dr. Rachel Baranco Strawn. Ruby is a senior at Orange County School of the Arts. She is Editor-In-Chief of the Dreamscape Yearbook, and student director of the Classical and Contemporary Conservatory. She serves as teen president in the Long Beach Chapter of Jack and Jill of America. She is the recipient of The Links’ Past Presidents’ Award and the Jessie Mae Beavers Memorial Award. Ruby’s interests include dance and project management. She plans to attend Columbia University. Her career goal is to become a multi-disciplined innovator in dance and science.
Tyler Alexandra Ridgle, the daughter of Mr. Elston Ridgle and Ms. Kameelah Hakeem, was presented by her father. She was escorted by Lee Pitts, son of Mr. Ron Pitts and Mrs. Babette Perry-Pitts. Tyler is a senior at Beverly Hills High School where she is involved in Musical Theater and has achieved Thespian status. She is a member of the AP Posse Hip Hop Dance Troop and Vice President of the Black Student Union. Her interests include acting, working with at-risk youth, basketball, and track and field. She plans to attend Howard University. Her career goal is to become an actor and broadcaster.
Symone Paige Roberts, the daughter of Mr. Lance Roberts and Mrs. Pamela Roberts was presented by her father. She was escorted by Austin Chandler, son of Mr. Ron Chandler and Mrs. Antoinette Chandler. Symone is a junior at Notre Dame High School where she is involved in the Ambassador’s program and Student Body Government. She is a member of the San Fernando Valley Chapter of Jack and Jill of America and plays soccer with the BRM Soccer Club in Burbank. Her interests include cooking and community Service. She plans to attend Georgetown University. Her career goal is to become a physician.
Courtney Symone
Robinson, the daughter of Mr. Donnie Robinson and Mrs. Connie Robinson, was presented by her father. She was escorted by Jeremy Lewis son of Dr. Keith Lewis and Mrs. Sherrie Lee-Lewis. Courtney is a junior at New Roads High School where she is involved in volleyball, track and art. She also performs community service with Jack and Jill of America. Her interests include sketching and dance. She plans to attend Southwestern University. Her career goal is to become a creative design director.
Alexandria Erin Smith, the daughter of Mr. Aaron Smith and Ms. Tracey Adams-Smith was presented by her father. She was escorted by Justin Jenkins son of Mr. Marc A. Jenkins and Mrs. Cherie D. Jenkins. Alexandria is a junior at Notre Dame High School where she is involved in Journalism and television production, sports medicine and BrittiCares International. She received the first place award for the Most Volunteer Hours and the Cotillion General Chairman’s Award. Her interests include singing and volunteering. She plans to attend Howard University. Her career goal is to become a journalist.
Skylar Drue Smith, the daughter of Mr. Quincy Smith and Mrs. Aisha Andrews-Smith was presented by her father. She was escorted by Miles McAliley, son of Ms. Raye Dowell and Mr. Ira McAliley. She is a senior at Beverly Hills High School where she is Captain of the varsity swim team and secretary of the Black Student Union. She volunteers throughout the year with My Friend’s House Foundation and Special Needs Network. Her interests include swimming and animation. She plans to attend Howard University. Her career goal is to become a sports medicine physician.
Gabrielle Nicole Sumpter, the daughter of Mr. CeDaniel Sumpter and Mrs. Goldie Gabriel Johnson, Esq., was presented by both her father, Mr. CeDaniel Sumpter and her stepfather Mr. Michael Johnson. She was escorted by Christopher Darden, Jr., son of Mr. Christopher Darden, Sr., Esquire and Mrs. Marcia Darden. Gabrielle is a senior at The Archer School for Girls where she has served multiple terms as class representative. She is involved in varsity tennis and Rotary International with which she experienced a cultural exchange opportunity in Spain. She enjoys foreign travel, is fluent in Italian and Spanish and enjoys learning about new cultures and languages. She plans to attend the University of Pennsylvania. Her goal is to pursue a career in diplomacy.
Madison Rose Turner, the daughter of Mr. Leonard O’Dell Turner Jr. and Mrs. Karla Jenkins-Turner, Esq., was presented by her father. She was escorted by Stephen Andrew Guyton, son of Mr. Andrew Guyton and Mrs. Cheronda Guyton. She is a junior at The Archer School for Girls where she serves as Captain of Archer’s Enhanced Dance Troupe. She is a member of Jack and Jill of America, a Silver Presidential Service Award recipient, and she volunteers in the oncology unit at Children’s Hospital. She is the recipient of The Links’ Isabelle Anderson Memorial Award. Her interests include photography and volunteerism. She plans to attend Georgetown University. Her career goal is to become a pediatric oncologist or neonatologist.
Francesca Simone Walker, the daughter of Mr. Arman Walker and Ms. Gabrielle Binion Walker was presented by her father. She was escorted by Jordan Nathan Foster Savage-Schiller, son of Mr. Robert Loren Schiller and Ms. Barbara Savage. Francesca is a senior at Harvard/Westlake School where she is involved in Varsity Track and Field and serves as Senior Editor and Advisor of the yearbook. Francesca is a commended National Merit Scholar. Her interests include reading, visiting art and history museums, and studying foreign languages. She plans to attend college on the east coast.
Kamile Elizabeth
Henriques Wyatt, the daughter of the late Dr. Lacey Elizabeth Wyatt and Dr. Gavin Henriques was presented by her grandparents Drs. Gail and Lewis Wyatt. She was escorted by Madison McKesson, son of attorneys Michele and Kevin McKesson. Kamile is a senior at Brentwood School where she is on the academic honor roll and won the Princeton Book Award for Academic Excellence. She was the second place winner of The Links’ Highest Revenue Award. Her interests include world travel, soccer, and pilates. She plans to attend college on the east coast. Her career goal is to own an environmental science company.
After the presentation of 26 exemplary Cotillionettes, “Dance with My Father, “written and recorded by the late Luther Vandross, permeated the Grand Ballroom during the Father/Daughter Waltz. Next, the Cotillionettes waltzed to the musical selection, “One Step at a Time.” Earned It, a contemporary hit, selected for the audience-pleasing Debutantes and Escorts’ Waltz was written and recorded by The Weekend. “The Night is Young,” a Cotillion classic, written by Lanny Hartley and performed by Michael Paul Smith, concluded the formal dance portion of the evening. The waltzes were expertly choreographed by Terrica Banks, Lead, featuring choreographer, Mr. Chris. Families and guests enjoyed a celebratory evening of dining, dancing and tributes earned by the extraordinary young ladies.
Members of Los Angeles Chapter of The Links, Incorporated plan and participate in Cotillion events that are designed to prepare Cotillionettes for responsible next steps in life, personally and professionally. Committee activities to address all Program Facets of Los Angeles (CA) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated and the LACCT were led by Cotillionette Committee Chairman, Jacqueline K. Ryan, Leadership Institute Chairman, Sandra Roussell, and Co-Chair Belinda Stith; Mother-Daughter Tea Chairman, Jacqueline Castillo, Awards Luncheon Chairman, Kathleen Watford Allen, Souvenir Book Chairman, Sandra K. Wellington, Reservations/Invitations Chairman, Nedra E. Austin, Menu/Venue Chairman, Kim Willis, Decorations Chairman, Patricia E. Gibson, Music/Entertainment Chairman, Kim Stewart. Photography Chairman, Angela Robinson, Media/Publicity Chairman, Peggy G. Loeb, Contracts Chairmen, Nedra Austin and Irma Brown; Refreshments Chairman, Trudy A. Williams, and Dress Inspection Chairman, Denise Orso and Co-Chairman, Ramona Wilder.
The Annual Cotillion program of the Los Angeles Chapter Charitable Trust and Los Angeles (CA) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated has evolved over the years, to become a 21st Century comprehensive preparation program for young ladies. It is a Rites of Passage opportunity to develop lifelong friendships and strategies for next steps, One Step at a Time! For additional information, contact us at: lalinksinc.org.
