The Las Amigas Social and Civic Club presented their 43rd annual Debutante Ball on Tuesday, Dec. 27, at the Texarkana Convention Center in Texarkana, Texas. Sixteen beautiful and talented young ladies accompanied by their escorts were presented to society in the presence of their families and guests.
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Bleu Christmas
Clint Stoerner and Bleu Edmonson team up for a holiday fundraiser for Big Brothers Big Sisters on Tuesday, December 11 at Rev Room.
Greetings were extended by A. Denise Thomas, club president. Barbara Larry and Lillie Young introduced each young lady as she made her debut. The 2016 debutantes were introduced at a reception in August and have been honored at a variety of social activities during the debutante season. Cassandra Rhone served as this year's chairperson for presentation and Barbara Larry served as general chairperson for the debutante season.
Destiny Dashae Arnold is the 17-year-old daughter of Brian and Lakesha Grady. Destiny is the granddaughter of William and Elnora Arnold and Carolyn Grady and James Noiel.
She was presented by her father. Her escort was Tyreik Arnold, son of Brian and Lakesha Grady.
Destiny is a senior at Arkansas High School where she is a member of The HOSA Club. Destiny was homecoming queen for Arkansas High this year. She played basketball in her 10th-grade year.
She attends Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church where she is a youth praise dancer, using mime and sign language. She also sings in the youth choir.
Destiny wore a formal white gown with a tulle overlay and fitted bodice. Her strapless gown is complemented with a rhinestone necklace and drop earrings. The bell of her gown flows from the hip to the floor in a graceful flow of satin.
Her Las Amiga's Sponsor is Shirley Tubbs
Jasmine Grace Brooks is the 18-year-old daughter of James Brooks of Autaugaville, Ala., and Vera Brooks of Texarkana, Texas.
She was presented by Shane Holland, a family friend. Her escort was Eric Sutton, son of Kevin and Shonda Sutton of Texarkana, Texas and Magnolia, Ark.
Jasmine is a senior at Texas High School where she is a four-year letterman on the basketball and track teams. She is also a member of Student Council. She has participated in Race for the Cure and Dash for Cash. Jasmine has volunteered at Randy Sam's Shelter, House of Refuge and Angel Tree.
Jasmine received honorable mention all-District basketball 2013-14, first team all-district 2014-15, and first team all-district 2015-16. She was two-time MVP sprinter in track 2015 and 2016. She is also on the A/B honor roll. She is the reigning Texas High 2016 Homecoming Queen.
She attends Rose Hill Church of Christ. She wore a strapless white gown. Her Las Amigas sponsor is Dr. Lori Rochelle
Aaliyah Shalet Carson is the 18-year-old daughter of Richard and Rhonda Carson of Texarkana, Texas. Aaliyah is the granddaughter of Euna Mae Huff and the late Artis Huff of Clarksville, Texas, and the late Willie and Mary Carson of Texarkana, Texas. She was presented by her father. Her escort was Kameron Green, son of Sierra Henderson-Moss of Texarkana, Texas and Kirby Green of Chicago, Ill.
Aaliyah is a senior at Liberty-Eylau High School where she serves as secretary of the Student Council and is involved in leadership, girls' choir, varsity basketball, varsity track team, varsity softball team, National Honor Society and was a member of the 2015-2016 Dazzlers.
Aaliyah has been listed in Who's Who Among American High School Students. She is an honor roll student and is ranked No. 4 in her class. She has attended leadership camps such as Hoby and Ryla.
She attends Polly Chapel Baptist Church where she is a member of Youth Connection.
Her vintage presentation gown is adorned with beads. It features half sleeves and white lace.
Her Las Amigas sponsor is Leatrice Haskins.
Shamjai Childs is the 18-year-old daughter of Gwen Jones of Texarkana, Texas, and Alvin Stuckey of Texarkana, Ark. She was presented by her father. Her escort was Monquez Moore, son of Quincy Moore of Texarkana, Ark., and Rutha James of Texarkana, Texas.
She is a senior at Liberty-Eylau High School where she is a varsity cheerleader and is on the varsity track team. She qualified in the UIL State Track meet for 2 years. She is also a member of Student Council and Leadership class. She is on The Twin City Dynamic All-Stars Competitive Cheer Team.
She attends Word of Life Church where she is a member of the youth department.
She chose a gown with clear beads and pearls. The Cinderella style features a corset back with layers of ruffles.
Her Las Amigas sponsor is A. Denise Thomas
Cameron Collins is the 17-year-old daughter of Mary Guillory-Grays of Dallas, Texas, and Corey Collins of Shreveport, La. Cameron is the granddaughter of Fedelis and Melva Guillory of Texarkana, Texas. She was presented by her stepfather, Timothy Grays. Her escort was Jordan Thomas, son of LaTanya McCray of Texarkana, Texas.
Cameron is a senior at Texas High School where she is a member of the Dream Program (The Chick-Fil-A Leadership Academy) and the TAFE club.
Cameron is an honor roll student. She attends St. John Baptist Church. She is a member of the Hospitality Committee.
Cameron's gown is strapless and features a ruched bodice and an ultra-feminine sweetheart neckline. The soft chiffon material gives her dress a whimsical feel.
Her Las Amigas sponsor is Barbara Larry
I'isha Nicole Crawford is the 17-year-old daughter of Cassandra Johnson and Demarcus Crawford, both of Texarkana, Texas. She is the granddaughter of Richard and Lou Murphy of Texarkana, Texas. She was presented by her grandfather. Her escort was Jordan Henderson, son of Doris Ware of Texarkana, Texas.
I'isha is a senior at Texas High School where she has participated in piano, choir, audio-visual program and culinary arts. She is an A/B Honor Roll Student.
She attends Oak Street Baptist Church where she has participated in the choir, praise dance and the audio/visual department.
Her presentation gown is by designer Mary's. It has a full skirt of satin and organza. The bodice has applique, sequins and small pearls. A short bolero jacket complements her look.
Her Las Amigas sponsor is Rita Williams
McKenna Alyse Dials is the 17-year-old daughter of Karen Johnson of Texarkana, Ark., and Lawrence Johnson of Abbeville, La., and the granddaughter of Carolyn Turrentine of Texarkana, Ark. She was presented by her father. Her escort was Cheyenne Lockhart, son of Alva Lockhart and grandson of Shirley Lovette.
McKenna is a senior at Liberty-Eylau High School where she is a member of Key Club, Varsity Choir and Varsity Soccer. She is an A Honor Roll student.
McKenna is a member of Top Teens of America. She attends House of Refuge church.
For her presentation gown she chose an off the shoulder tulle ball gown.
Her Las Amigas sponsor is Essie Dodd.
Ronnece Jamel Galloway is the 17-year-old daughter of Kisie Galloway of Texarkana, Texas, and Ronnie Galloway Sr. of Aliceville, Ala. Ronnece is the granddaughter of Rodric and Clotiel Galloway of Texarkana, Texas, and the late Ruby Wyrick of Texarkana, Texas, and the late Earnest Wyrick of Texarkana, Texas. She was presented by her father. Her escort was Dauan Johnson, son of Stephanie Poole of Texarkana, Texas, and Kenneth Johnson of Texarkana, Texas.
Ronnece is a senior at Liberty-Eylau High School where she is a member of Student Council, Key Club, National Honor Society, a 3-year varsity cheerleader, and 4-year Varsity Track member. She was a member of the 2015 State Champion 4x2 relay team her sophomore year. She qualified for the area and regional meets in the 100m dash her sophomore and junior year.
Ronnece has been listed in Who's Who Among American High School Students and is an honor roll student. She is certified in CPR. She attends Sunset Missionary Baptist Church.
She chose a beautiful sleeveless tulle ball gown with a draped bodice. It features a corset back and is embellished with pearl beading accenting the front.
Her Las Amigas sponsor is Pauline Haynes.
Tahtiana King is the 18-year-old daughter of Kyshia Johnson of Sulphur Springs, Texas, and Dondre Harris of Bryant, Ark. Tahtiana is the granddaughter of Lorene Pearson of Ashdown, Ark and Donald Harris of Little Rock, Ark. She was presented by her father. Her escort was Jacobi Halliburton, son of Alicia and Michael Williams of Atlanta, Ga.
Tahtiana is a senior at Sulphur Springs High School where she is a member of the Key Club, Varsity track team, and a former varsity basketball player.
Tahtiana is listed in the top 25 percent of her high school class. She was a candidate in the Dairy Festival in 2016. She attends East Caney Baptist Church where she is active in the choir.
She is wearing a long white strapless ball gown with a beaded ruched waistband.
Her Las Amigas sponsor is Cassandra Rhone
Nakina Janea' Levingston is the 17-year-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joe Levingston Jr. of Texarkana, Texas. She is the granddaughter of Joe Levingston Sr. and the late Brenda Lyles of Texarkana, Texas, and the late Billy Washington and Johnnie Washington of Shreveport, La. She was presented by her father. Her escort was Kameron Levingston, son of Ronald and Ceretha Levingston of Texarkana, Texas.
Nakina is a senior at Pleasant Grove High School where she is a member of Student Council, HOSA, leadership, student teacher in training, volleyball, basketball team and manager of basketball and track teams.
Nakina attended church camp in 2012 where she received the I'm Third Award. She also went to Columbus, Ohio, in the summer of 2016 to compete in the Junior USA Team, where her team won the Championship game.
She attends St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church. She is active in Youth Alive, Teen Talk, choir, Sunday School, video ministry, nursery, hospitality and Christians in Action.
Her long-sleeved gown is by Mary's. It features white beading.
Her Las Amigas sponsor is Lillie Young.
Kennedy Lollis is the 17-year-old daughter of Lametria Griffie of Texarkana, Texas, and William Lollis of San Antonio, Texas. She was presented by her brother, Taylor Lollis. Her escort was DaVonta Vaughn, son of Dewayne and Shenell Carson of Texarkana, Texas.
Kennedy is a senior at Liberty-Eylau High School where she is active in the varsity choir, band, National Honor Society, and is in the top 10 percent of her senior class. She was also a member of Key Club from 2013-2015.
Kennedy has been in the Gifted and Talented program since 2006. She received All-Region band in 2011-2016; All-Region choir 2016; Pre-Area Choir Qualifier 2016; Area Choir Qualifier 2016; A Honor Roll 2012-2016; and 3rd place in PTA Reflections Art Contest in 2011.
Kennedy is a member of Macedonia Baptist Church.
Her presentation gown is a Mary's Couture D Amour off the shoulder ball gown with tiers of ruffles, crystal beading, and embellished corset with a laced-up back.
Her Las Amigas sponsor is Johnnie Wallace
Kristlin McGary is the 18-year-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Ward of Little Rock, Ark. Kristlin is the granddaughter of Napoleon and Joyce McGary of Texarkana, Ark. She was presented by her father. Her escort was Cameron Grissom, son of Jerry and Pamela Grissom of Texarkana, Ark.
Kristlin is a senior at Arkansas High School where she is a member of the Student Council, NIKE club, and Youth 2 Leadership. She spends Mondays with the Texarkana Police Department helping entertain children after school, volunteers at Randy Sam's Shelter, and is also a member of the Stompers Drumline.
Kristlin is on the A/B honor roll at Arkansas High and is listed in the Henderson 100.
She attends Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church where she plays the drums, praise dances, sings in the youth choir, and helps with the younger children when needed.
Her gown is a strapless ball gown with lace beading and paired with a silk cover up.
Her Las Amigas sponsor is Iwona Rockwell
Destiny Chanette Reed is 18 years old, and the daughter of Ruthie M. Beed of Texarkana, Ark.
She was presented by her uncle, Edward C. Beed. Her escort was Dezmond J. Harris, son of Ann Marie Wilkerson and the late Andrew S. Harris.
Destiny is a senior at Arkansas High School where she is the president of Student Council and HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America). She is the Color Guard captain of the AHS marching band and is an active member in the Interact Club, FCA Fellowship of Christian athletes, E.A.S.T, Nike Pride/youth to leadership, Principal Advisory and also Mathletes, where she served as co-vice president.
Destiny has completed in the M.A.S.H and RYLA programs. She is also an emerging young leader of the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority. She's an honor student and won Miss. Congeniality at the Miss Arkansas High Pageant. She has volunteered with more than 50 organizations in the Texarkana area. So far, she has accumulated 1,000 volunteer hours while in high school.
She attends Calvary Christian Church. Destiny is a junior usher, Praise Dancers member and the youth announcement clerk.
Destiny chose a ball gown designed by Symphony of Venus. The white gown features a V-neck, sleeveless tank style laced bodice that's beaded and has full tulle. The floor-length bottom skirt is designed with handcrafted lace over tulle and imperial satin. A waist length zipper and satin button adorn the back of the gown.
Her Las Amigas sponsor is Melva Flowers.
Tylo Simone' Thompson is the 18-year-old daughter of Nwani Thompson and Steven Turner and the goddaughter of Marcia Crittenden and Randy Pitts of Texarkana, Texas. She was presented by her father. Her escort was Ricky Cooks Jr., son of Mr. and Mrs. Ricky Cooks Sr.
Tylo is a senior at Liberty-Eylau High School where she is vice president of the Student Council, member of Interact club, book club, leadership, Varsity Cheerleader, Spanish Club, National Honor Society and Gifted and Talented.
Tylo has been listed in Who's Who Among American High School Students; She is an honor roll student; and she is also named in the National Society of High School Scholars. She is a member of the Junior NAACP, and Top Teens of America, Twin City Competition Cheer, and Gayle Burrow All- Star Dance.
She attends Polly Chapel Baptist Church where she is active in the Youth Connection.
Tylo is wearing Mori Lee Blu. This gorgeous Organza gown has a strapless sweetheart neckline that is ruched to the left side of the midriff and adorned with an open flower that is removable if your style dictates it. The bodice is dropped to the floor with a corset laced back.
Her Las Amigas sponsor is Maxine Crittenden.
Iiyonna Walker is the 17-year-old daughter of Gerald Walker of Foreman, Ark., and Iiesha Taylor of Texarkana, Texas. She was presented by her grandfather, James Taylor of Wilton, Ark. Her escort was Isaiah Germany, son of Isaiah and Bertha Germany.
Iiyonna is a senior at Texas High School where she is a member of Student Council, Culinary Club, and the Dream Program.
Iiyonna has been listed as an A/B honor roll student at Texas high.
She attends Spirit Life and Worship Church in Ashdown, Ar.
Her satin A-Line gown features an asymmetrical skirt.
Her Las Amigas sponsor is Karen Brown.
Fre'Chaundra Waller is the 17-year-old daughter of Fred and Traci Waller of Texarkana, Ark. Fre'Chaundra is the granddaughter of Sharon Waller and Darryl and Pam Ware and Carolyn and the late Earnest Johnson. She was presented by her father. Her escort was Demetrius James Jr., son of Demetrius James Sr. and Tameka Grady of Texarkana Texas.
Fre'Chaundra is a senior at Liberty-Eylau High School where she is a member of Student Council and captain of the drill team. She is the Student Council treasurer and Senior Class president. She is also a member of the varsity track team.
Fre'Chaundra is 2016 Liberty-Eylau Homecoming Queen, she is also an honor roll student and is ranked in the top 10 percent of her class. She is a member of the Rotary Club.
She is an active member of House of Refuge Church. She praise dances and is a member of the step team.
The timeless romance of her fairytale debutante gown is its charm, with a gorgeous lace bodice and sweetheart neckline adorned with beads and pearls, finished with corset closure.
Her Las Amigas sponsor is JoAnn Rice.