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Last Updated: Feb 25, 2017 - 2:31:45 AM |
Poised and Polished –The six month Bahamas Debutante Foundation Program culminates with the debutantes’ introduction to society at the Debutante Ball. Pictured are debutantes donning at the 2011 Debutante Ball.
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Nassau, The Bahamas – The Bahamas Debutante Foundation is proud to announce its twentieth year as the premier non-profit organization helping young ladies make the transition from adolescence to young adulthood, with poise and grace.
The foundation will commemorate this milestone with a series of events culminating with the 2017 Debutante Ball on May 6, 2017 at Melia Nassau Beach All-Inclusive.
Big ideas often have humble beginnings. The recognition of a need that can be met, coupled with an authentic desire to make a difference have birthed many impactful organizations. Twenty years ago, a similar convergence of need and a desire to impact the nation sparked the launch of The Bahamas Debutante Foundation.
In 1996, Mrs. Cristina Johnson, then a performing arts teacher at A. F. Adderley found herself teaching students who were just about her age. “I was just a year older and in some cases, even a year younger than many of my students,” stated Mrs. Johnson. That closeness in age created an environment where Mrs. Johnson’s students felt comfortable sharing their personal problems with her. “I noticed that the common denominator was that both the boys and girls lacked self-esteem and a sense of self-worth,” stated Mrs. Johnson.
Mrs. Johnson immediately began formulating a plan to assist her students work through their self-esteem issues. As fate would have it, within a week she received an invitation from The Cancer Society of The Bahamas to assist with an outreach program for girls. She excitedly accepted the offer and a year later The Bahamas Debutante Foundation was born.
Since its inception in 1997, more than 1,600 Bahamian young women have participated in The Bahamas Debutante Foundation.
Every year, twelfth grade female students with a GPA of 3.00 or above who are active in their schools and communities are invited to participate in the program.
Over six months, the young ladies attend seminars and workshops designed to inspire them, boost their self-esteem and empower them to be successful. During the program, debutantes meet weekly and are exposed to thought leaders in various sectors of society. They also pay several courtesy calls to leaders of the nation.
Developing a close relationship with family is highly encouraged and demonstrated in the father, daughter day and mother, daughter day, which often involve emotional tributes from the debutantes to their parents. Their communication skills are also honed through various essay and speech competitions.
Jennice Johnson, Senior Mistress at Eva Hilton Primary School was one of 30 young ladies who enrolled in the inaugural debutante program. She was also the first winner of Debutante of the Year, an accolade bestowed upon the debutante who performs at the highest level throughout the program.
“I initially enrolled in the program because I heard about it from my classmates, stated Johnson. “I am grateful for the experience because being a Debutante played a pivotal role in preparing me to function in society after graduating high school. Participation in sessions related to public speaking, etiquette and ballroom dancing to name a few, further enhanced necessary skills that a young lady should possess. I encourage future debutantes to embrace the opportunity and take advantage of all the program has to offer.”
Following her debutante experience, Jennice Johnson enrolled in a degree program at The College of The Bahamas and has spent the last 16 years as an educator in the public school system.
She is currently the Senior Mistress at Eva Hilton Primary School. After teaching grades 1, 5 and serving as a science specialist, she was promoted to Senior Mistress 3 years ago.
“I have been a part of many different groups at the school, but I am best known for the start of the Discovery Club, and for starting our native plant garden two years ago, stated Johnson. “We also grow crops that the students can eat including tomatoes, onions, cassava, lettuce, cabbage and carrots.”
Growth has been the consistent goal of The Bahamas Debutante Foundation over the years. However the process has not been without its challenges. “Our greatest challenge has been consistently raising the funds needed to operate the foundation’s annual program,” stated Mrs. Johnson. “It costs approximately $40,000 each year to operate a program like this.”
Attracting corporate sponsors who have a desire to impact the lives of young Bahamians is a central goal for The Bahamas Debutante Foundation going forward. “We have been very fortunate to have corporate sponsors like Original Patties and Mr. Rudolph Mosley who has supported us from day one to now,” stated Mrs. Johnson. “We are extremely grateful to those who have assisted whether it was by donating their time and talents or finances to the development of our debutantes.
Mrs. Johnson has a bright vision for the future of The Bahamas Debutante Foundation.
“I would like to see this foundation cater to the entire female student body from girls in kindergarten to young ladies in high school. I would also like to expand our reach to assist in the development of our young men. If we can develop programs that assist in the development of both boys and girls from a very young age, I think our schools and society would be a better place.”
For more information on The Bahamas Debutante Foundation email
debutantefoundation@yahoo.com.
© Copyright 2017 by thebahamasweekly.com
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