along with her daughter Shayla Brown Dandridge, a dedicated committee member and a debutante herself in 1998. Together, these dynamic duos brought a wealth of experience and tradition to the forefront of the Cotillion, ensuring its continued success and enduring significance. Over the years, the Cotillion has been privileged to have approximately 20 dedicated chapter members serve as Chairs and Co-Chairs, with some individuals assuming these roles for multiple years. Dreajean L. Brown stands out for her continuous service, having served as general chairperson or co-chair for 7 Cotillions, while Shana M. Lee's remarkable tenure in this capacity spans 8 Cotillions. In 2008, a notable shift occurred as the Cotillion Leadership Team was introduced, marking a collaborative approach to leadership. Fast forward to the 2020 Cotillion, Denise Brandon took the helm as Cotillion Chair, supported by Claudester Stephens and Shayla Brown Dandridge as Coordinators. This strategic arrangement aimed to enhance communication among committees and provide effective oversight of committee chairs. Traditionally, the Cotillion has been a beloved February tradition, often celebrated on the Sunday preceding President’s Day. This timing was carefully selected to align with students' school holidays and to take advantage of favorable venue rates. However, as circumstances evolve and with consideration for debutante availability and venue scheduling, adjustments have been made to ensure the continuation of this cherished event. Debutantes are carefully chosen based on a combination of factors including their academic achievements/grade point average, involvement in school and community activities, recommendations, and their ability to meet the Chapter's presentation criteria. In 2009, under the leadership of Tanya Watson as Cotillion Chairperson, the Debutante Code of Conduct was introduced, marking a significant step forward. These guidelines were meticulously crafted to instill accountability among debutantes, setting forth stringent standards and clear expectations for their conduct throughout the Cotillion process. Since its inception in 1982, the Akron Alumnae Chapter has proudly introduced a total of 673 debutantes from over 25 prestigious area high schools. In addition to this illustrious roster, the Chapter has bestowed over $400,000 in awards, aiding debutantes in fulfilling various college and post-secondary needs.
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