The inaugural Cotillion took place on Sunday, February 14, 1982, at Tangier’s, marking the beginning of a cherished tradition. Among the twenty-eight selected participants, Dana Marie Mitchell, a senior from Buchtel High School, had the honor of being the first debutante presented. In those early years, debutantes were introduced in ascending order of height, adding a unique touch to the event's proceedings. The distinction of being the first presenter went to John Glover from the United Negro College Fund of Cleveland, Ohio. Over the years, esteemed individuals have graced the occasion as Cotillion presenters, including Ralph Patterson Sr. (1983 & 1984), Richard M. Roberts (1985 & 1986), Dr. William H. Atkinson Jr. (1987 to 2006), and Lawrence B. Butler Jr. (2007-2019), each contributing to the event's grandeur and significance. Following the inaugural Cotillion in 1982, Lawrence B. Butler Jr., a respected music educator in the Akron Public Schools, graciously assumed the role of music director, lending his expertise from 1983 to 1994. Kenneth McCorvey stepped into the position in 1994, and from 1995 to 2003, the late Othello H. Skinner dutifully served as music director and Cotillion pianist until his passing, leaving an indelible mark on the event's musical legacy. Continuing this tradition of musical excellence, Mrs. Bernadette Salley skillfully filled the dual roles of music director and pianist from 2011 to 2019, enriching the Cotillion with her talent and dedication. Debutantes and their escorts are entrusted with the elegant task of mastering the art of the waltz. Carole B. Starks, a distinguished chapter member, assumed the role of the inaugural chairperson of the Waltz committee, demonstrating remarkable dedication throughout numerous years of service. Joining her in this pivotal role were esteemed chapter members such as Cheryl Jones, Sylvia Baxter, Lori Roberts Al Amin, and Francine Blake, each leaving their indelible mark on the Cotillion's waltz tradition. During the early years of the Cotillion, every debutante had the privilege of selecting a young lady as her marshal, a high school student who provided invaluable assistance by tending to the debutante's flowers and offering support throughout the event. However, in the late 1980s, the Sorority opted for a shift in tradition, granting mothers a more prominent role in the Cotillion proceedings by taking charge of retrieving their daughters' flowers. This transition marked a significant evolution in the event's dynamics. Around the turn of the millennium,
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