Don’t let the fancy dresses and swept-up hairdos fool you if you go to the annual Delta Sigma Theta debutante cotillion on Saturday.

The young ladies will be beautiful, to be sure. Their impeccable white dresses will flow gracefully as the daughters waltz with their fathers. The smiles will dazzle an audience of admirers, relatives or not.

But the 14 teens who will be introduced formally to society by members of the Natchez chapter of the sorority have spent most of a year preparing not only to be lovely and charming but also to be good citizens and good neighbors.

What’s more, each will receive a scholarship as a bonus for participating in the program.

&uot;This is the ninth year we’ve had this program,&uot; said Thelma Newsome, sorority chaplain and chairman of the cotillion.

&uot;We had a two-fold purpose in starting it. First, we’re a community service-based sorority; and also one of our programs is working with young ladies in the community to tell them about opportunities they might otherwise not know about.&uot;

The cotillion is a culmination of the work that was begun in August, when the participating debs began a round of community service and culturally enriching activities.

&uot;They have worked at the Stewpot, collected toys for the Guardian Shelter and Sunshine Shelter for children, furnished personal items to elderly nursing home patients and served as greeters and helped with cataloging items at the NAPAC museum,&uot; Newsome said.

The girls, all 11th- or 12th-grade students, participated in the Christmas and Black History parades and a downtown walking tour of Natchez.

&uot;We also do a skin care clinic and an etiquette clinic,&uot; Newsome said. &uot;And we have a weekend bonding session in which we reinforce the things we’ve been emphasizing.&uot;

The goal is not only to provide some inspiration and knowledge that may help the young ladies in their personal and professional endeavors, Newsome said. It’s also to create a legacy of service.

&uot;We hope they will continue to pass on what we’re trying to teach, telling their sisters or their friends some of what they’ve learned,&uot; she said.

The debs understand the program and know their year of work will have lasting effects on their lives.

Reo Maynard, who has taken part for years as a junior debutante or other member of the court of girls, said she feels privileged at the opportunity.

&uot;I feel this is a good experience for a young lady. We learn how to conduct ourselves, how to present ourselves around others in a lady-like way,&uot; said Maynard, an honor student at Natchez High School and a cheeerleader.

Her two brothers will attend the cotillion, coming from Chicago and Birmingham, Ala., to see their sister at the special event.

Krystal Banks, also a junior at Natchez High and an honor student, is excited about dressing up for the evening and already has plans for her hair and nails to be just so.

Nevertheless, she looks back on the community service activities as the most important part of the experience.

&uot;This program teaches us about sisterhood and about community service,&uot; Banks said.

&uot;We have made Valentine baskets for the nursing homes, and we’re making Easter baskets for the Natchez Children’s Home.&uot;

Newsome said the cotillion is open to the public at a ticket price of $5. &uot;We have Mr. Carl Dangerfield and his band from Ferriday to play for us,&uot; she said. &uot;He’s been with us every year.&uot;

Members of the 2001 coterie of debutantes include:

Shabila Shanice Adams, the 17-year-old daughter of Rogers and Augustine Adams of Natchez. She is a junior at Natchez High School, where she has been selected to Who’s Who Among American High School Students. She is an honor student, a member of the student council and a member of the SSA, Madrigal and Concert choirs. She plans to attend college and major in a medical field. Her escort will be Joseph I. Henderson, son of Robert and Mary Henderson of Natchez.

Ashley Shauta Anderson, the 17-year-old daughter of Curtis and Carolyn Anderson of Natchez. She is a senior at Natchez High School, where she is an honor student. She is a member of the Future Educators of America, Wharlest Jackson Junior Elks Club and Antioch Baptist Church Junior Auxiliary. She plans to attend Southern University and major in therapeutic recreation. Her escort will be Larry Goodin, son of Cheryl Goodin and Larry Luss of Natchez.

Deana Marika Anthony, the 18-year-old daughter of Earl Dean Anthony and Odis Wagner Sr. She is a senior at Wilkinson County High School, where she is a Principal’s Scholar and a member of the BETA Club. She also is a member of student government, the concert band, the Bible Club and is a member of King Emanuel Baptist Church Choir. She plans to attend Mississippi College and major in accounting. Her escort will be Mark Frederick, the son of Jeardean Frederick and the late David Smith of Woodville.

Krystal Ge’Nae Banks, the 17-year-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Gene Banks of Natchez. She is a junior at Natchez High School, where she is an honor student. She is a member of the Health Occupations Students of America Club. She plans to attend college and become a registered nurse. Her escort will be David Ford, the son of Bobby and Denise Ford of Natchez.

Richaye Curtis, the 17-year-old daughter of Richard and Deatrice Curtis of Natchez. She is a junior at Natchez High School where she is an honor student, listed in Who’s Who Among American High School Students, member of the National Honors Society, Girls Varsity Basketball Team, and the Natchez High School SATB and Chamber Choirs. Curtis plans to attend a university in Mississippi on an academic scholarship. Her escort will be Burton Broudy, the son of Katie and Larry Wesley of Natchez.

Niisha Evans, the 16-year-old daughter of Barbara and Ivan Evans of Natchez. She is a junior at Natchez High School where she is a member of Health Occupation Students of America Club and the Choir. She attends Fourth Street Church of Christ. Evans plans to attend a university in Mississippi and major in nursing. Her escort will be Derick Jarvis, the son of Johnell and Brenda Jarvis of Natchez.

Crystal Nicole Harris, the 17-year-old daughter of Mrs. Angela H. James and Frank Lyles Sr. of Natchez. She is a senior at Natchez High School where she is an honor student, a member of the National Honor Society, and a Second Lieutenant in the AFJROTC. Harris plans to attend Mississippi State University and major in civil engineering. Her escort will be Hudie Earls Fells Jr., the son of Carolyn Smith and Hudie Fells of Fayette.

Cheree Shanta Irving, the 18- year-old daughter of Betty Irving of Natchez. She is a senior at Natchez High School where she is a member of the BETA club, Future Educators of America, Student Council, and Health Occupation Students of America. Irving plans to attend college and major in nursing or computer technology. Her escort will be Benard Riley Jr., the son of Mr. and Mrs. Benard Riley of Vidalia.

Candice Elyse Jackson, the 18-year-old daughter of Annette Singleton of Natchez. She is a senior at Natchez High School where she is an honor student and a member of the Future Educators of America Club. She is a member of Wharlest Jackson Junior Elks and the CYO&160;at Holy Family Catholic Church. Jackson plans to attend college and major in social work. Her escort will be her brother, Derrick Jackson, the son of Annette Singleton of Natchez.

Reo Jevon Maynard, the 16- year-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Reo H. Maynard of Natchez. She is junior at Natchez High School where she is an honor student, a cheerleader, an outstanding track runner and junior class president. She is also a member of the student council, Future Business Leaders of America, Natchez Youth Coalition and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. She participates in True Praise Mass Choir, and Antioch Baptist Church Junior Choir. Maynard plans to attend University of Southern Mississippi or Xavier University to major in computer sciences and business administration. Her escort will be Jamal L. Bouldin, the son of Greatery and Shelia Bouldin of Natchez.

Daffney McDaniel, the 18- year-old daughter of Virginia McDaniel of Natchez. She is a senior at Natchez High School where she is a member of the Future Educators of America and the Wharlest Jackson Junior Elks. McDaniel plans to attend the University of Southern Mississippi and become a social worker. Her escort will be William T. Anderson III, the son of William and Linda P. Anderson of Natchez.

Chiquita D. McNealy, the 17-year-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Carl Lee McNealy of Natchez. She is a senior at Natchez High School where she is a member of the Track Club, Future Educators of America, FCA, and a member of the girls 1600 Meter Relay Team. McNealy plans to attend Southern University in Baton Rouge, La., and major in the medical field. Her escort will be Mack Thomas, the son of Mack and Belinda Thomas of Natchez.

Caissidy Tyree Riley, the 18- year-old daughter of Minister Raymond and Elnora A. Riley of Vidalia. She is a senior at Vidalia High School where she is an honor student, member of the National BETA Club, 4-H Club, Student Council, Physical Education Club, French Club, Cheerleading Squad and Basketball Team. She participates in several area youth choirs. Riley plans to attend Louisiana State University and major in chemistry. Her escort will be Jason Arnell Hayes, the son of Adolph and Lisa Hayes of Natchez.

Erienne Washington, the 17- year-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Abraham Washington of Natchez. She is a junior at Natchez High School where she is an honor student, president of Health Occupation Students of America and a member of Future Educators of America and Learn and Serve Lighthouse. She is also a varsity cheerleader. She is a member of Holy Family Catholic Church CYO. Washington plans to attend Jackson State University and major in pediatric nursing. Her escort will be Terry Jones, son of Shelia Jones of Natchez.

The cotillion will also feature 26 young ladies who are serving as junior debutantes.

Kiara Danielle Allen, the daughter of Kimberley Allen and the late Christopher Murray of Natchez. She is a fifth-grade honor student at McLaurin Elementary School.

Brittany Bates, the daughter of Freddie and Josie Bates of Natchez. She is an eighth-grade honor student at Natchez Middle School.

Chelsea Bennett, the daughter of Larenza and Andrew Bennett Jr. of Natchez. She is a fifth-grade honor student at McLaurin Elementary School.

Jerrika D’Evereux Berry, the daughter of Diana Berry and Jerry Franklin of Natchez. She is an eighth-grade student at Natchez Middle School.

Pamela Blackmore, the daughter of Willie and Kathryn Blackmore of Woodville. She is a seventh-grade student at Cathedral Junior High School.

Destiny Antonia Brown, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Brown of Roxie. She is a sixth-grade honor student at Franklin Upper Elementary.

Le’Shawn Brown, the daughter of Jennifer Brown and Lee Floyd Jr. of Vidalia and Natchez. She is a sixth- grade honor student at Vidalia Junior High School.

Jocelyn R. Coulston, the daughter of Willie and Joyce Coulston of Natchez. She is a fifth-grade honor student at Holy Family Catholic School.

Aimee Bianca Crosby, the daughter of Gary and Nancy D. Crosby of Natchez. She is a seventh-grade honor student at Natchez Middle School.

Erica Denise Crump, the daughter of Linda and Horace Crump III of Waterproof, La. She is an 11th-grade honor student at Ferriday High School.

Shawnese Davis, the daughter of Melvin and Shirlean Davis of Natchez. She is a sixth-grade student at McLaurin Elementary School.

Jelesia Ja’Nae Dunbar, the daughter of Violet and Willie Dunbar, of Vidalia. She is a sixth-grade honor student at Vidalia Junior High School.

Davida Auriel Ealey, the daughter of Mary Ann Butler. She is a seventh-grade honor student at Natchez Middle School.

Candice J. Hatcher, the daughter of Dana and Rhonda Banford Hatcher of California. She is an eighth-grade honor student at Natchez Middle School.

Kirsten Nicole Hickingbottom, the daughter of Tyrone and Shelia Hickingbottom of Natchez. She is an eighth-grade honor student at Natchez Middle School.

Amber Jalicia Johnson, the daughter of Corsetha and Michael Johnson of Natchez. She is an eighth-grade honor student at Natchez Middle School.

Diamond Johnette Morgan, the daughter of Johnny and Gwendolyn Morgan of Natchez. She is a sixth-grade student at Holy Family Catholic School.

Kimberly Corinne Pollard, the daughter of Donald Pollard Sr. and Maude Howard-Pollard of St. Joseph, La. She is a sixth-grade honor student at Tensas Elementary School.

Loren Beanca Price, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George A. Brooks and Mr. and Mrs. Herman Price Jr. of Natchez. She is a fifth-grade honor student at Holy Family Catholic School.

Jy’Syria Diana Selmon, the daughter of Deborah Berry and Louis Selmon of Natchez. She is a ninth- grade honor student at Natchez High School.

Erica Kanisha Singleton, the daughter of Dietrich and Thomas Singleton&160;Jr. of Natchez. She is a fifth-grade student at McLaurin Elementary School.

Danielle Cherie Smith, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Lee Smith Jr. of Natchez. She is a ninth-grade honor student at Cathedral High School.

Brittany Lanette Thomas, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Larry Thomas of Natchez. She is a ninth-grade honor student at Cathedral High School.

Darah White, the daughter of Darrell S. White of Natchez. She is an eighth-grade student at Natchez Middle School.

Courtney Williams, the daughter of Nicole Morris and Fredrick Williams of Natchez. She is a sixth-grade honor student at Morgantown Elementary School.

Keishawn Elizabeth Williams, the daughter of James A. and Darlene Williams of Natchez. She is a ninth-grade honor student at Natchez High School.

Taking part as Delta Dolls are:

Valenycia Danielle Alexander, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Dan Alexander. She is a second-grade honor student at Morgantown Elementary School.

Jasmine Cox, daughter of Derrick Cox and Gia Duncan. She is a fourth-grade honor student at Morgantown Elementary School.

Janell Hayes, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Adolph Hayes. She is a third-grade honor student at Morgantown Elementary School.

Yentl Hunt, daughter of Zokwa Walker and Fred Hunt. She is a fourth-grade student at McLaurin Elementary School.

Anastacia Hutchins, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Sandy Hutchins. She is a third-grade honor student at Holy Family Catholic School.

Kierston Jackson, daughter of Monica Jackson. She is a second-grade honor student at McLaurin Elementary School.

Amber Minor, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Minor. She is a third-grade honor student at Morgantown Elementary School.

Renada Mosby, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Waldron Mosby. She is a second-grade honor student at Morgantown Elementary School.

Taylor Pollard, daughter of Charmaine Mosby and Marion Pollard. She is a third-grade honor student at Morgantown Elementary School.

Faith Sherman, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Sherman. She is a third-grade honor student at Wilkinson County Elementary.

Cindeka Smith, daughter of Cinderella Smith, Carol Smith, and Huey McCrainey Jr. She is a second-grade honor student at Holy Family School.

Keundra Washington, daughter of Sandra Washington and Frank Washington. She is a thirdird-grade honor student at Holy Family Catholic School.

Sharnese Woods, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Woods. She is a third-grade honor student at McLaurin Elementary School.

Serving as Delta Angels are the following:

Kimberly Hargrave, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Hargrave. She is a kindergarten student at West Primary School.

Kiera Jones, daughter of Shalanda Jones.

Ke’Anti Murphy, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Myron Murphy. She is a kindergarten student at Frazier Primary School.

Brittany Mosby, daughter of Jeffrey Mosby and Bobby Mosby. She is a kindergarten student at Jefferson County Elementary School.

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Devin Carter, son of Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Rice and Glendale Brown. He is a third-grade honor student at Morgantown Elementary School.

Sidney Mardell Johnson, son of Mr. and Mrs. Embrick Johnson. He is a fourth-grade honor student in Memphis, Tenn.

Norman Mosby III, son of Tiffany Hauer and Norman Mosby II. He is a first-grade honor student at Frazier Primary School.

Waldron Mosby II, son of Mr. and Mrs. Waldron Mosby Sr. He is a kindergarten student at Frazier Primary School.