This year The Debutante Club of Mississippi, Inc. is celebrating its 90th anniversary
The motivating force behind the planning of the first formal presentation of debutantes began with Josh Halbert, president of the University Club of Jackson. The presentation was held November 7, 1933 in the drawing room of the University Club of Jackson followed by dancing in the ballroom and little of the formality has changed since then.
The University Club of Jackson also presented debutantes in 1934 and 1935. On November 7, 1936, Mrs. James Dorsey Ball as advisor, organized The Debutante Club of Mississippi. This club was comprised of young ladies who made their debut under the auspices of the University Club of Jackson and The Debutante Club of Mississippi.
The University Club closed in 1938. Mrs. Ball became sponsor and advisor for the Debutante Club of Mississippi. The club progressed under her guidance and gradually became a self-supporting organization and incorporated on December 5, 1946 to The Debutante Club of Mississippi, Inc. (DCM). In 1972, Mrs. Raymond Birchett (Emma Katherine Faser) succeeded Mrs. Ball as advisor and in the years following to present, the position of advisor has been: Mrs. Barbara Wooten Carraway (Barbara Jo Wooten), Mrs. Paul E. Engle Jr. (Wilkie Jane Adams), Mrs. Samuel Weller Arnett (Michelle Lynne Morris) and Ms. Wilkie Bee Engle.
The venues of the presentation have changed through the years from the University Club of Jackson to: The Edwards Hotel (1939-1940); the Robert E. Lee Hotel (1941-1946) with the notable exception during World War II, presentations were forgone and substituted with luncheons); Heidelberg Hotel (1947-1973); The Country Club of Jackson (1974-2006) with exception of 1975, that presentation was held at the former Jackson Hilton on North State Street); The Hilton Hotel of Jackson (2007-2015); and finally the return to The Country Club of Jackson in 2016.
The Debutante Club of Mississippi, Inc. has grown to a roster of approximately 2,061 current and past debutantes. Debutantes of today celebrate roles as active and involved young women enjoying success in college; their chosen careers and humanitarian endeavors.
Several of the debutantes are continuing the traditions of their grandmothers and mothers who have been presented by DCM. Selah Caroline Ferguson, Ellen Mayrant Gonwa and Wilkie Lampton Gonwa each had a maternal grandmother and mother presented. Eleanor Havens Smith’s mother was presented. Debutantes who have had paternal grandmothers presented are Fowler Frances Boyll and Caroline Roth Cavett. Evelyn Claire Thornton’s maternal grandmother was also presented.
THE DEBUTANTES of 2023
Miss Madeleine Odette Black is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Louis Black III. She is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Louis Black Jr. of Madison, Dr. Rudolph Henry Ehrensing, and the late Dr. Gayle Wurzlow Ehrensing of New Orleans.
Miss Black was graduated from Jackson Preparatory School where she was a member of the varsity soccer and varsity basketball teams, winning four state championships. Her senior year, she received the Patriot Award in soccer and won the Overall State Championship in basketball. She also participated in track, numerous clubs, and received the Bronze Community Service Award. Miss Black was presented as a princess in The Grand Ball Osiris, New Orleans, and was a member of the Jackson Symphony League Sub-Debs.
As a sophomore at the University of Mississippi, Miss Black is a business major with an emphasis in real estate. She is a member of Delta Gamma sorority and was honored to represent them in the Ole Miss Parade of Beauties her freshman year.
Miss Fowler Frances Boyll is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Guy Lee Boyll III of Ridgeland. She is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Guy Lee Boyll II of Jackson, and the late Mrs. Jamie Fowler Boyll, and Mrs. Carol Humphrey Barton of Ebenezer, and the late Clarence Earl Barton. Miss Boyll’s grandmother, Jamie Fowler Boyll was presented by the debutante club in 1969.
Miss Boyll graduated with honors from Jackson Academy where she was active as an ambassador in the student council, a member of the National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, Team Officer of the Jackson Academy Accents, and a recipient of the Character and Service award. She participated in City of Ridgeland Chamber of Commerce Junior Diplomat Leadership Program, and the Jackson Symphony League Sub-Debs. She was on the homecoming court and was honored as a beauty.
A sophomore at the University of Mississippi, Miss Boyll is an allied health studies major, a Provost Scholar, and a member of Chi Omega fraternity. She is on the Chancellor’s Honor Roll, and a member of Phi Eta Sigma and Sigma Alpha Lambda Delta National Honor Societies. She is a member of St. James Episcopal Church.
Miss Caroline Roth Cavett is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Nelson Cavett of Jackson. She is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Wilburn Glynn Griffing of Madison, and the late Mrs. Ida Lou Nelson Cavett of Ridgeland, and the late Woods Broyles Cavett. Miss Cavett’s paternal grandmother, Ida Lou Nelson Cavett, was presented by The Debutante Club of Mississippi, Inc. in 1958.
Miss Cavett attended and graduated from Jackson Preparatory School with the Class of 2022. In high school, Miss Cavett participated in several activities including Jackson Symphony League Sub-Debs, Revillon Show Choir, and Pacer Dance Team. She was a member of the Tri M Music Honor Society and Service Club. She was selected as class favorite during her senior year.
Miss Cavett currently attends the University of Mississippi where she is majoring in integrated marketing and communications. She is the recipient of the Herb Dewees Alumni Scholarship, on the Dean’s List, a member of the Student Alumni Association, and Chi Omega fraternity.
Miss Marilee Edwards Cleveland is the daughter of Dr. Kenneth Edwards Cleveland and Dr. Nicole Duncan Cleveland of Jackson. She is the granddaughter of Dr. and Mrs. James David Duncan of Madison and the late Dr. and Mrs. Richard Doss Cleveland Sr. of Dothan, Ala. Miss Cleveland’s sister, Elizabeth Hawthorne Cleveland, was presented in 2022.
Miss Cleveland graduated with honors from Jackson Preparatory School where she was a member of the Service Club and selected as a homecoming maid. While volunteering for the Mustard Seed, she became an advocate for others with disabilities and served as emcee both her sophomore and senior year for the Daughters of Job Pageant which highlighted the talents of handicapped individuals. Upon graduation, she was honored to be the recipient of the Head of School’s Medal of Honor.
A sophomore at the University of Mississippi, she is a public policy major and a member of the Trent Lott Leadership Institute with anticipation of attending law school. As a freshman, she was part of the Chancellor’s Leadership Class and was elected as president of Access For All. She is currently serving as the youngest member of the Associated Student Body Cabinet in the position of Principal of Accessibility.
Miss Cleveland is a member of Chi Omega fraternity and a recipient of both the Chancellor’s Leadership and Mississippi First Student Scholarships.
Additionally, she remains a volunteer at the Blair E. Batson Children’s Hospital and is a member of Northminster Baptist Church.
Miss Claire Elizabeth Cothren is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Phillip Cothren Jr. of Jackson. She is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Phillip Cothren of Madison, Herbert Jones Smith Jr. of Bowling Green, Ky., and the late Mrs. Betty Bartley Smith of Louisville, Ky.
Miss Cothren attended Jackson Preparatory School, where she was a member of the Jackson Prep Pacer Dance Team for three years and was selected officer First Lieutenant during her senior year. Additionally, she was a Jackson Prep Diamond Girl, received the Patriot Award in tennis, served as manager of the Jackson Prep Tennis Team her senior year, and was selected as a senior class beauty. Miss Cothren was actively involved in her community. She is a member of Christ United Methodist Church of Jackson where she served as a youth group student leader. She was also a John D. Williams Cotillion Student Assistant, Jackson Symphony Sub-Deb, and participated in Young Life where she was a Capurnam Leader her senior year.
Currently, Miss Cothren is a sophomore at the University of Mississippi, where she is pursuing a business major. She is a member of the Chi Omega fraternity and actively participates in various charitable events that benefit Make-A-Wish, Blair E. Batson Childrens Hospital and Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA). Miss Cothren is also the recipient of the Herb Dewees Alumni Scholarship.
Miss Selah Caroline Ferguson is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Frederick Pitchford Ferguson Jr. of Madison. She is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Gordon Roach Jr. of Madison and the late Mr. and Mrs. Frederick Pitchford Ferguson of Natchez. Miss Ferguson’s mother, Mary Helen Roach Ferguson, was presented by the Debutante Club of Mississippi in 1989 and her paternal grandmother, Mary Ford McDougall Roach in 1963.
Miss Ferguson graduated from Jackson Preparatory School where she was an active member of the National Honor Society, the Community Service Club, the Broadcast Media Team, and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. She served as Pursuit Leader, was elected Prom Queen, and received the Certificate of Academic Excellence Award, the President’s Volunteer Service Award, and an Honor Cord for Community Service. Miss Ferguson was a member of Mu Alpha Theta and the Jackson Prep soccer team and served as manager for the Jackson Prep basketball team. She volunteered at Under the Oaks Daycare, Webster Animal Shelter, Hope Hollow Ministries, and special events for Joni and Friends.
A sophomore at the University of Mississippi, Miss Ferguson is a member of Kappa Delta social sorority and is on the Chancellor’s Honor Roll. Miss Ferguson is a marketing major with a minor in psychology
Miss Margaret Myers Frye is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Davis Frye of Jackson. She is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Richard Roberson of Madison and the late Mr. and Mrs. Charles Coleman Frye Jr. of Jackson.
Miss Frye graduated with honors from Jackson Preparatory School, where she was a member of the National Honor Society and Faculty List Honor Roll. She received the American Legion Citizenship Award, the Broadcast Media Award, and Impact Award for her “Make a Difference” project. Miss Frye was a varsity cheerleader and a member of the varsity soccer, basketball, tennis, and track teams. She received the silver medal for the triple jump at the MAIS State Track Tournament as well as team awards for soccer, tennis, and basketball. Miss Frye was a beauty in the Parade of Beauties at Jackson Prep’s Precis Pageant and a junior homecoming maid. She was also a diamond girl for the Jackson Prep baseball team and a member of the Service Club, Pathfinders, and the Kindness Club. Miss Frye was also a member of the Jackson Symphony League Sub-Debs.
A sophomore at Mississippi State University, Miss Frye is a communications major with a focus in public relations. She is a member of the Chi Omega fraternity. In addition to school activities, Miss Frye is an active member of the Chapel of the Cross Episcopal Church, where she has served as an acolyte and verger.
Miss Ellen Mayrant Gonwa is the daughter of Paul Andrew Gonwa and Ms Wilkie Bee Engle of Jackson. She is the granddaughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. George Joseph Gonwa of Hinsdale, Ill. and the late Mr. and Mrs. Paul Edward Engle Jr. of Jackson. Miss Gonwa’s maternal grandmother, Wilkie Jane Adams Engle, and mother, Wilkie Bee Engle, were presented by the Debutante Club of Mississippi with both ladies having served in various board capacities.
Miss Gonwa attended Jackson Preparatory where she was elected a class favorite; co-captain of swim and archery teams; co-manager of Pacer Dance Team and co-chairman of the National Art Society. She served on Student Council, Sentry, Youth Legislature, Service Learning Club, and a founding member of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Club, including the Student Advisory Committee. She was also a member of United Student Union, Pursuit, Bookends, Ducks Unlimited, Diamond Girls, Chess, and Fiber Arts. Miss Gonwa achieved several Silver Honor Awards, Global Leadership Impact Awards and Distinctive Service Honor Awards for her volunteerism. She was awarded four athletic varsity letters in equestrian.
A sophomore at University of Tennessee, Miss Gonwa is a member of the Women of Haslam Business School majoring in business management/leadership with double minors in advertising/public relations and entrepreneurship. She is a member of Delta Delta Delta social sorority, serving on their mental health and diversity committees. Miss Gonwa is a lifelong communicant of St. James Episcopal Church in Jackson. She returned this past summer as a counselor at Camp Greystone in North Carolina.
Miss Wilkie Lampton Gonwa is the daughter of Paul Andrew Gonwa and Ms Wilkie Bee Engle of Jackson. She is the granddaughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. George Joseph Gonwa of Hinsdale, Ill. and the late Mr. and Mrs. Paul Edward Engle Jr. of Jackson. Miss Gonwa’s namesake, her grandmother, Wilkie Jane Adams Engle, as well as her mother, Wilkie Bee Engle, were both presented by the Debutante Club of Mississippi.
Miss Gonwa graduated with honors from Jackson Preparatory and awarded the Service Leadership Award along with Silver Honor Awards, Distinctive Service Honor Award and Global Leadership Impact Award. She was also president of Service Club, a member of Pacer Dance Team, Fiber Arts Club, Patriot League, Service Learning, Diamond Girls, Pursuit, Bookends, Student’s Ambassador Club, National Art Honor Society and co-captain of swim team. She received seven athletic varsity letters for equestrian. Miss Gonwa was the youngest recipient of the Annie Laurie and Robert M. Hearin Sportsmanship Award; Hamel Foundation’s Finals qualifier; and regional qualifier for ASPCA Maclay. She is a two-time Reserve Silver Medalist at the national Markel/USHJA Zone Jumper Team Championships. Miss Gonwa was invited and attended a Gold Star Clinic with Olympian, Anne Kursinski.
A sophomore in the Honors College at University of Alabama, Miss Gonwa is a marketing major with double minors in public relations/advertising. A recipient of the Collegiate and Laverne Noyes Scholarships, she is a member of the Professional Women in Communication/Business; National Retail Federation Student Association; and Chi Omega fraternity. Miss Gonwa is a communicant and a Thurifer of St. James Episcopal Church in Jackson.
Miss Harlee Grace Heard is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Stewart Carson Heard of Brandon. She is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Marion Berch Heard Jr. of Pearl, and Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Lee Steed Jr. of Brandon.
Miss Heard graduated from Jackson Preparatory School, where she was a member of Reveillon Show Choir, Drama Club, Ducks Unlimited, Thespian Society Troupe 1663 and the Jackson Symphony Sub-Debs.
A sophomore at the University of Mississippi, Miss Heard is pre-law. She is a member of Alpha Omicron Pi sorority.
Miss Jane Elizabeth Hurst is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Blair Douglas Hurst Sr. of Jackson. She is the granddaughter of Mrs. Jane Henderson, and the late Dr. William Henderson of Oxford, and Mr. and Mrs. Paul Hurst of Kansas City, Mo.
Miss Hurst graduated with honors from Jackson Preparatory School where she was editor-in chief of The Sentry, a member of Pathfinders, and a member of National Honor Society. She received the Head of School Award, as well as friendliest superlative. Miss Hurst is also a member of the Jackson Symphony League Sub-Debs.
A sophomore at Tulane University, Miss Hurst is an honors scholar and is a double major in political science and art history. She was appointed to the Tulane Homecoming Committee, is a member of Alpha Lambda Delta honorary society, and Phi Mu social sorority. Miss Hurst is a member of First Presbyterian Church of Jackson.
Miss Anne Aldridge Jicka is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Mark David Jicka of Jackson. She is the granddaughter of the Rev. Dr. and Mrs. John David Jicka of Orlinda, Tenn., and Mrs. James Walker Woodard Jr. of Terry and the late Mr. Woodard. Her sister, Sarah Riley Jicka, was presented by The Debutante Club of Mississippi in 2018.
Miss Jicka graduated from Jackson Preparatory School with honors where she was a member of the Cum Laude Honor Society, the National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, National Art Honor Society, Pathfinders, and the Hall of Fame. Named “Most Versatile,” she was a member of the varsity soccer, basketball, and tennis teams while president of the French Club. Miss Jicka participated in the Mississippi Governor’s School and paged for the State Senate. She was a member of the Jackson Symphony League Sub-Debs.
A sophomore at the University of Alabama Honors College, Miss Jicka is majoring in international studies and creative media with a minor in French and was named to the President’s List. She is a member of Alpha Gamma Delta and Alpha Lambda Delta honor society, and is the videography editor for Alice Magazine. She is part of the leadership team of Reformed University Fellowship and is a member of First Presbyterian Church of Jackson.
Miss Libby Kate Lohmeier is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Scott Lohmeier of Jackson. She is the granddaughter of Dr. and Mrs. Thomas Edward Lohmeier of Madison and Dr. and Mrs. Adron Keith Lay Jr. of Stringer.
Miss Lohmeier graduated from Jackson Academy with highest honors. She was a member of the National Honor Society, National English Honor Society, French Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, and Rho Kappa. She was the recipient of the Faculty Award and French 2 and 3 awards. She was selected as a delegate to the Hugh O’Brien Youth Leadership Conference, was a participant in the Perry Outreach program, voted class favorite and prom queen, and was an officer of the French Club and the Debate Club. Miss Lohmeier was a member of Young Life of Jackson and Jackson Symphony League Sub-Debs.
A sophomore in the Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College and The Croft Institute for International Studies at the University of Mississippi, Miss Lohmeier is the recipient of the Academic Merit Scholarship, the 1848 Scholarship, and the Ole Miss Leader Scholarship. She is on the Dean’s Honor Roll and is a member of Kappa Delta social sorority.
Miss Mary Gibson Lundy is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Robert Lundy of Ridgeland. She is the granddaughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. B.C. Lundy of Leland, and Dr. and Mrs. Glyn Roy Hilbun of Madison. Miss Lundy has two sisters who were presented by the Debutante Club of Mississippi, Laura Elizabeth Lundy in 2016 and Anne Marie Lundy in 2020.
Miss Lundy graduated with honors from Jackson Academy where she was a member of the tennis team, Accent dance team, and annual staff. She was selected as a beauty and a member of the Winterfest Court. She participated in Young Life and volunteered at Young Life Capernaum Camp. She was involved in Christ United Methodist Church’s children’s ministry, nursery, and was a disciple group member. She was also a Ridgeland Chamber of Commerce Junior Diplomat.
A sophomore at Mississippi State University, Miss Lundy is a kinesiology major. She is a member of Kappa Delta sorority and a member of the 2023 Peru mission team as well as a member of Christ United Methodist Church. Miss Lundy also works in the office of the president at Mississippi State University.
Miss Reese Allen Lyle is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Allen Lyle of Ridgeland. She is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Matthew Lyle Jr. of Ridgeland, and Mrs. Patrica Allene Meadows and the late James Randall Gates of Brandon.
Miss Lyle graduated from Jackson Preparatory School, where she was on the honor roll, recipient of the Silver Community Service Award, Distinctive Community Service Award, and the Bronze Community Service Award. She participated in the Spanish Club, Bio-Medical Club, and Service Club, and was a Jackson Prep Diamond Girl. Additionally, she was a member of the Jackson Symphony League Sub-Debs.
A sophomore at the University of Mississippi, Miss Lyle is a business major with a minor in accounting and was on the Dean’s Honor Roll for her freshman year. She is a member of Phi Eta Sigma Honor Society, and is involved in Reformed University Fellowship at Ole Miss. Also, Miss Lyle is a recipient of the Academic Merit Scholarship, and the Herb Dewees Scholarship. She is a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma social sorority. Miss Lyle’s home church is St. Richard Catholic Church in Jackson.
Miss Molly Addison Norris is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Charles Norris of Jackson. She is the granddaughter of Mrs. Robert Louis Field of Ridgeland and the late Mr. Field of Vicksburg, and Mr. and Mrs James Albert Norris of Brandon.
Miss Norris graduated from Jackson Preparatory School where she was active in the Spanish, entrepreneurship and service clubs. She was a member of the Pacer Dance Team, the Global Institute Program, Younglife and named a senior class beauty.
A sophomore business marketing major at the University of Mississippi, she was named to the Chancellor’s Honor Roll, a member of Phi Eta Sigma Honor Society, and a recipient of the Herb Dewees Alumni Scholarship. She is a member of Delta Delta Delta social sorority.
Miss Madeline Dyar Page is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jeremy Franklin Page. She is the granddaughter of Mrs. Diana Stokes Page of Gulfport and the late Mr. William Arthur Page, and Mr. and Mrs. Philip Roland Hogue of Jackson.
Miss Page graduated with honors from Jackson Preparatory School where she was a member of the National Honor Society, National Art Honor Society, Jackson Symphony League Sub-Deb, Student Ambassador, Service Club, Bookends Mentor Program, and a Jackson Prep Pacer. She received multiple community service awards, as well as the Global Leadership Impact Award for her project at God’s Haven. Miss Page was a principal dancer for Mississippi Metropolitan Ballet and a member of Southeastern Regional Ballet Association.
A sophomore at the University of Alabama, Miss Page is a dance major on the pre-physical therapy track. She is the recipient of the Edgar Sentell Endowed Scholarship, UA Collegiate Scholarship, and the Fairhope Foundation Scholarship. She is a member of UA Honors College, Phi Eta Sigma, a Dean’s List Scholar and Chi Omega fraternity. Miss Page participates in Dance Alabama and was chosen to perform in Alabama Repertory Dance Theatre’s fall 2023 performance. She is a member of First Presbyterian Church of Jackson.
Miss Lana Ashley Runnels is the daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Rudolph Scott Runnels Jr. of Madison. She is the granddaughter of Dr. and Mrs. Rudolph Scott Runnels Sr. of Magee, the late Mrs. Pansy Austin Ivy of Brandon and Mr. and Mrs. Dwight Louis Bailey of Brandon.
Miss Runnels graduated with honors from Jackson Academy where she was a member of the National Honor Society, National English Honor Society, varsity cheerleader, class beauty and Winterfest Queen. In addition to winning the Silver Key Scholastic Art Award, she was voted most charming, student council representative and selected as a member of the Jackson Academy honors council and student ambassador as well as member of the Jackson Symphony League Sub-Debs.
A sophomore at the University of Mississippi, Miss Runnels is a business major. She is a Provost Scholar and received the Academic Merit Scholarship as well as the 1848 Scholarship, on the Dean’s Honor Roll and a member of Delta Delta Delta social sorority. Miss Runnels is a member of St. Matthew’s Methodist Church in Madison and spent the summer studying in Barcelona and Madrid, Spain. She helped raise funds for St. Jude Children’s Hospital and an Operation Bloom volunteer for breast cancer awareness as well as Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure.
Miss Eleanor Havens Smith is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Carter Pearce Smith of Jackson. She is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Jefferson Havens Anderson II of Jackson and Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Briggs Smith of Batesville. Miss Smith’s mother, Cassie Anderson Smith, was presented by the Debutante Club of Mississippi in 1993.
Miss Smith was an honor graduate from Jackson Preparatory School where she was co-captain of the varsity cross country team, co-editor of the yearbook, a Diamond Girl, and a member of the track and field team. She served as a Page for the Mississippi House of Representatives and participated in Youth Legislature. She was a recipient of the Bronze and Gold Community Service Awards, organizer of a blood drive, a member of National Honor Society and Chi Alpha Mu. She was awarded the Jackson Prep Global Leadership Institute Impact Award.
A sophomore at Auburn University, Miss Smith is a genetics major. She is a member of the Honors College and a Chick-fil-A Scholars Award recipient. She is a member of Chi Omega fraternity and serves on the Student Government Association. She is a member of First Baptist Church of Jackson.
Miss Olivia Ansley Smith is the daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Adrian Russell Smith of Jackson. She is the granddaughter of Mrs. Dawn Covington Carney and the late John Lack Carney of Meridian, and Mr. and Mrs. Donald Russell Smith of Baton Rouge.
Miss Smith graduated from Jackson Preparatory School with honors where she was a member of the National Honor Society, Service Club, and Student Council. She was senior class secretary and a head organizer for Pursuit at Jackson Prep. She was a member of the Jackson Symphony League Sub-Debs and volunteered at First Presbyterian Church Under the Oaks Daycare. She was presented with the Faculty School Service Award, Distinctive Community Service Award, Silver and Bronze Community Service Award. She participated in Jackson Prep soccer and basketball. She was awarded best defensive player in basketball, and most valuable player in soccer her senior year. She was also a senior homecoming maid.
A sophomore at the University of Mississippi, Miss Smith is a biology major on a pre-med track. She was on the Chancellor’s Honor Roll and is a member of the Chi Omega fraternity. She is a member of First Presbyterian Church of Jackson.
Miss Evelyn Claire Thornton is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Alan Thornton of Jackson. She is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Leland Martin of Madison and the late Dr. Larry Lee Thornton of Cleveland and the late Mrs. Judith Watts Roberts of Memphis. Miss Thornton’s grandmother, Alice Kay Abernethy Martin, was presented in 1965.
Miss Thornton graduated with high honors from Jackson Preparatory School, where she was inducted into the Cum Laude Society, National Honor Society, and Mu Alpha Theta. She served as student body secretary, treasurer of Bookends Mentor Program, student ambassador, and co-captain of varsity cheer. She was member of the Precis yearbook staff, Community Service Club, Spanish Club, Diamond Girls, and the Jackson Symphony League Sub-Debs. She was elected Miss Junior Class, a senior homecoming maid, and a senior beauty. She received Jackson Prep’s Global Leadership Impact Award for her planning and implementing the “Veteran’s Day” program.
A sophomore at the University of Mississippi, Miss Thornton is a dietetics and nutrition major on the pre-physician’s assistant track and is a member of the Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College. She is a recipient of the Academic Merit Scholarship, 1848 Scholarship, Mississippi Eminent Scholar Grant, and the Herb Dewees Alumni Association Scholarship. She is on the Chancellor’s Honor Roll, was selected as an Ole Miss Diamond Girl, and is a member of Student Alumni Council, student activities associations, and Pre-Physicians’ Assistant Society. Miss Thornton is a member of Delta Delta Delta sorority, where she serves on the membership committee. This past summer, she served as a counselor at Camp Ozark in Mount Ida, Ark. She attends First Baptist Church in Jackson.
Miss Ellyn McCall is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Alfred Waits of Jackson. She is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Wesley Summers Jr. of Memphis and Mrs. Barbara Moore Waits and the late James Alfred Waits of Brandon.
Miss Waits graduated with high honors from Jackson Preparatory School where she was inducted into the Cum Laude Society, National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta Honor Society, Tri M Music Honor Society, National Latin Honor Society, and the Thespian Society. She was named a Mississippi star student for her ACT score and overall GPA. She was selected for the DAR good citizen scholarship and awarded the Jackson Prep Impact Award for her organization of the Jackson Prep blood drive. She was involved in Reveillon Show Choir, Student Ambassadors, The Bookends Mentor Program, Writer’s Block tutoring, Service Club, and Jackson Symphony League Sub-Deb. Miss Waits also performed in all of Jackson Prep’s musical productions which included the role of Rizzo in Prep’s production of Grease. Miss Waits was also voted “Wittiest’’ in her graduating class.
A sophomore at the University of Mississippi, Miss Waits is majoring in biology at the Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College where she maintains a 4.0 GPA. She is on the Chancellor’s Honor Roll and a member of Delta Delta Delta social sorority. Recently she served as a counselor at Camp Desoto in Mentone, Ala. Miss Waits attends Fondren Church in Jackson and Christ Presbyterian in Oxford.
Miss Frances Phillips Wilkirson is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Arthur Wilkirson of Jackson. She is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Phillips Hunter Jr., of Birmingham, and the late Ms Jean Frances Sain of Jackson, and the late Arthur Bond Wilkirson Jr. of Tyler, Texas.
Miss Wilkirson graduated with highest honors from Jackson Academy where she was a member of the National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, and French National Honor Society. Miss Wilkirson received the Advanced Math Award, Physics Award, the President’s Award for Educational Excellence, the Leigh Anne Ward Memorial Scholarship, the Faculty Award, was a member of the Winterfest Court and was voted a class favorite. Miss Wilkirson was a Jackson Academy Accent, served on Student Council, was a Student Ambassador, a Diamond Girl and participated in YoungLife.
A sophomore at Mississippi State University, Miss Wilkirson is a marketing major. She is a member of the Phi Delta chapter of the Chi Omega fraternity and an active member of Galloway Memorial United Methodist Church.
Miss Swayze Scott Williams is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Richard Scott Williams of Canton. She is the granddaughter of Mrs. Richard Donald Williams and the late Mr. Williams of Brookhaven, and Shelby Karl Brantley Sr. and the late Mrs. Brantley of Madden. Miss Williams’ sister, Parker Lea Williams, was presented by The Debutante Club of Mississippi in 2020.
Miss Williams graduated with honors from Jackson Preparatory School where she was a member of the National Honor Society and Mu Alpha Theta. She received three Jackson Prep Impact Awards for Leadership and Excellence and the Jackson Prep Community Service Silver Award. She enjoyed being a Diamond Girl and was the baseball team and girl’s track team manager. She was a member of the BioMedical, Culinary, and Spanish Clubs, and competed on the archery team. Leadership activities at Jackson Prep included Student Ambassador, Bookends leader and Pursuit Retreat leader. In addition, Miss Williams was a Jackson Symphony League Sub-Deb.
A sophomore at the University of Mississippi, Miss Williams is on the pre-med track. She is a member of the Delta Delta Delta fraternity and on the Chancellor’s Honor Roll. She enjoys volunteering at Leap Frog, a literacy program for first through third graders in Oxford and Lafayette County Schools. She is a member of Christ United Methodist Church.
Miss Annalee Nichols Willson is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Mark Brian Willson of Ridgeland. She is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Richard Cleveland Edmonson of Ridgeland, and Mrs. Barbara Riley Willson of Madison and the late Troy Rogers Willson. Miss Willson’s sister, Virginia Dray Willson, was presented by The Debutante Club of Mississippi in 2018.
Miss Willson graduated with highest honors from Jackson Academy where she was a member of the Cum Laude Society, JA Hall of Fame, captain of the varsity cheer and tennis teams, senior beauty, student council treasurer and named JA’s Heisman High School Scholar Athlete. She was 2022’s MAIS mixed doubles state tennis champion and a member of the MAIS girls state championship tennis team from 2018-2022. She was a member of the President’s Leadership Circle for Mississippi Children’s Museum and both Greater Jackson and Madison County Youth Leadership classes. She is a member of the Peru mission team and of Christ United Methodist Church where she served as a DGroup leader.
A sophomore at the University of Alabama, Miss Willson is an accounting major. She is a recipient of the Presidential Scholarship, in the honors college, on the President’s List and a member of Phi Eta Sigma and Alpha Lambda Delta honor societies. She is a member of Kappa Delta social sorority where she is a member of the recruitment team.
Miss Elena Walker Zouboukos is the daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Constantine Peter Zouboukos of Jackson. She is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. William J. Chaffins of Brandon, and the late Mr. and Mrs. Peter Zouboukos of Jackson. Miss Zouboukos’ sister, Julia Diane Zouboukos, was presented by The Debutante Club of Mississippi in 2021.
Miss Zouboukos is a 2022 graduate of Jackson Preparatory School where she was an honor roll student, Community Partner leader, Student Ambassador, varsity cheerleader, Diamond Girl and tennis manager. She participated in Student Council, Community Service Club, Young Life and Jackson Symphony League Sub-Debs.
A sophomore at the University of Mississippi, Miss Zouboukos is an integrated marketing communications major. She was named to the Chancellor Honor Roll and a member of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars and Chi Omega fraternity. She attends Holy Trinity-Saint John the Theologian Greek Orthodox Church in Jackson.
The invitation only black tie formal Presentation and Ball will be held on Saturday, November 25 at The Country Club of Jackson. The Debutante Club of Mississippi offers a special thanks to a past debutantes Martha Grace Gray of Martha Grace Gray Photography, Inc. as official photographer for the club.
