Contributed by Shawnda Jo DeRamus
President, Cincinnati Alumnae Chapter
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
The Cincinnati Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. (CACDST) proudly presented a first of its kind $50,000 Scholarship Parade on May 2. For 27 years CAC cotillion debutantes have donned fancy white dresses and pearls and engaged in cherished traditions such as a waltz with their fathers, and a huge party with family and friends. Due to COVID-19 this year’s ball that was to showcase 14 beautiful debutante scholars had to be cancelled. The parade is an excellent opportunity to continue the tradition of celebrating the young ladies accomplishments.
The scholarship prize money was raised by the young ladies working hard to sell more than $50,000 in ads and tickets to their families and friends. Shawnda DeRamus, CACDST president, said, “The young ladies have worked so hard this year, and we wanted to find a special way to honor them and add some cheer to a scholastic year that has been stripped of many of the sentimental and special events such as prom and graduation.”
CACDST will crown the winner of the Miss Debutante Contest and her court during the parade, which will be broadcast live via Facebook to allow family and friends to share in the celebration. The winner and her court raised the most during the yearlong season.