News Summary
On March 15, 2025, Aiken County hosted the biennial ‘A Touch of Class’ Cotillion honoring 22 debutantes, emphasizing elegance, academic excellence, and personal growth. The event, themed ‘Pearls of Grace and Splendor’, featured awards for academic achievements and workshops aimed at empowering young women as they transition into adulthood. Community leaders played a vital role in organizing this cherished tradition that highlights youth aspirations and the importance of education.
Aiken, SC – On March 15, 2025, Aiken County celebrated the achievements of young women at the biennial “A Touch of Class” Cotillion, an event organized by the Kappa Upsilon Omega and Mu Lambda chapters of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. This year’s theme, “Pearls of Grace and Splendor”, highlighted the elegance and accomplishments of the 22 debutantes presented to society during an impressive ceremony held at the Old Macedonia Baptist Church, with support from the Rev. Limuer Myers Community Enrichment Center.
The debutantes, a mix of junior and senior high school students from various schools in Aiken County, were escorted by their peers as they took the stage. The list of debutantes included senior Tycianna Brown from Aiken Scholars Academy, escorted by Weslyn Guyton, and senior Samaya Dicks from Midland Valley High School, escorted by De’Sharion Burnette. Other participants included juniors Trishonna Dukes and A’Niya Garrett, both from Aiken High School, as well as senior Lauren Goldwire from the same school, and senior Jaelynn Gunn from Wagener-Salley High School.
The ceremony recognized not only the young women’s poise but also their academic excellence. Imani Neloms, representing South Aiken High School, was crowned Miss “A Touch of Class” 2025, with Nicole Hagwood as the first runner-up and Kennedi Savage as the second runner-up. Academic achievements were a focal point, as senior debutantes Tycianna Brown and Alexis Mathis received the Betty J.W. Morgan awards, honoring their high GPAs. Similarly, junior debutantes Trishonna Dukes and Wisdom Lawton were awarded the Rose E. Butler awards for their academic excellence in their respective category.
The Cotillion also featured an awards ceremony led by Trinity LaBrew, who held the title of Miss “A Touch of Class” 2023, thereby fostering a sense of continuity and inspiration for the new debutantes. The event drew attention not only for its celebratory aspect but also for the comprehensive preparation involved, which spanned six months. During this time, participants engaged in a range of enriching activities aimed at personal and professional development.
Enrichment Activities
Preparations for the Cotillion included workshops on critical topics such as Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Dress for Success, Financial Health, Mental Health, Etiquette, and Financial Aid for Post-Secondary Education. These workshops provided invaluable resources and guidance, empowering the young women as they transition into adulthood. The comprehensive curriculum was designed to equip the debutantes with knowledge and skills to navigate their future endeavors successfully.
Event Organization
The leadership of the event was managed by Ragina Dicks, serving as chairman of the Cotillion Committee for 2025, with support from co-chairman Patricia Langford. Their effective organization was crucial in bringing together various elements that contributed to the success of the Cotillion.
Community Engagement
This event not only celebrates the achievements of these young women but also signifies a commitment to community engagement and upliftment within Aiken County. The “A Touch of Class” Cotillion has become a cherished tradition that honors the potential and aspirations of local youth, reinforcing the importance of academic success and personal development.
The Cotillion serves as a reminder of the importance of community support in shaping the futures of young individuals, particularly young women, as they prepare to embark on new journeys in their lives.
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Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: Aiken Juniors & Seniors Honored at Cotillion Ball
- Legacy: William Perkins Memorial
- Post and Courier: Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Hosts A Touch of Class Cotillion
- Google Search: Aiken Cotillion
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Cotillion
Author: STAFF HERE AIKEN
The AIKEN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAiken.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Aiken, Aiken County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Aiken Horse Show, Aiken Bluegrass Festival, and polo matches at Whitney Field. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Aiken Chamber of Commerce and the Aiken County Historical Museum, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and tourism that power the local economy such as Bridgestone and the Aiken County Visitors Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
