The Altruist Club of Roanoke hosted its 61st Debutante Ball on Sunday, Dec. 28 in the grand ballroom of the Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center. More than 400 people attended the event in which eight area high school young ladies participated.
Aaliyah Shemae Gray, a senior at Northside High School, was crowned 2014 Debutante Queen. She is the daughter of Anthony and Jamay Gray of Roanoke. Her escort was Brian Garnett, son of Paula Garnett of Roanoke. Sponsores for Miss Gray were Dr. Melva Belcher and Liberty Tax Service, Roanoke.
The first runner up was Asia Monet Stephens, daughter of Jerome and Sondra Stephens of Vinton and a senior at Staunton River High School. She was escorted by Michael Manns of Roanoke, son of Michael and Victoria Manns. Asia’s sponsor was Inner City Athletic Association of Roanoke.
Jamyra Deshay Ball, granddaughter of Wendall and Carolyn Ball of Roanoke, was second runner up and her escort, Jamel Hale, are both seniors at William Fleming. Jamel is the son of April Welton. Yoedie Swain of Divas House of Hair sponsored Asia.
Serving as this year’s grand marshals were Jerel Rhodes, guidance coordinator at Forest Park Academy and Tyler Ambrose, a 2013 escort and an Echols and Walter Ridley Scholar in his first year at the University of Virginia.
Erycka Brown, Alesia Devlin, Jasmine Jordan, Crystaree Smith, Kai and Kameron Washington-Brown, Brianna and Jada Wilson, area middle and high school students participated as Debutantes of Tomorrow. Fourteen elementary aged children served as princes and princesses.
The 2014 ball was dedicated to all deceased members of the Altruist Club. Throughout the Altruist Club’s existence, funds raised during the ball have been awarded in the form of scholarships and grants. The amount totals more than $225,000.
If interested in becoming a debutante or for more information about the organization or the ball, please contact Ms. Melinda J. Payne, president of the Altruist Club, at 389-5344.
