Gamma Beta Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. announces the 2013-2014 Debutantes for the Debutante Presentation on March 8 at 6 p.m. at Alexander Junior High School.

Zeta Phi Beta Sorority was organized at Howard University on Jan. 16, 1920. The objectives of Zeta are finer womanhood, service, sisterly love and scholarship. The Gamma Beta Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority had its beginning in 1947 in Brookhaven.

The Debutante Presentation is only one of our commitments to society as we introduce young ladies in a positive setting. The Presentation helps to prepare them for the necessary guidelines of their civic, educational, social, moral and spiritual development.

The young women selected are:

Jalee Barnes

Jalee is the daughter of Mrs. Connie Gilmore Jones and is a senior at Hazlehurst High School.

Her academic achievements and honors are “A” Honor Roll and Honor society.

Her non-athletic activities and clubs are Beta Club, Student Council, Spanish Club, JROTC, Leadership Team, Technology Club, Drill Team, AmeriCorps Youth, Health Occupational Students of America and president of the senior class.

She is a member of Gallatin United Methodist Church where she is an usher and sings in the choir.

Her community activities are tutoring and as a youth counselor.

Jalee’s escort is Artavious Cooley, the son of Ms. Stacy Thompson and Mr. Jason Cooley. He is a senior at Hazlehurst High School.

Alexandria Blackwell

Alexandria is the daughter of the Rev. Shon and Mrs. Tiffany Blackwell. She is a senior at Brookhaven High School.

Her academic achievements are Mississippi Scholar, National Honor Society, band award and choir award.

Her school activities are band, Color-guard, Ole Brook Singers, Diamond Dolls, and Spanish Club.

She is a member of New Zion Union M.B. Church where she is a member of the Youth Choir, the Youth Ministry, the Ushers Ministry, the Sunday School secretary and president of Sunbeam.

Alexandria’s community activities are as president of Zeta Archonette, chaplain for Mississippi Zeta Youth for three years, Zeta Debutante flower girl, Zeta Debutante rosette and visits to nursing homes.

Her escort is Martavius Brooks, the son of Mr. Craig and Mrs. Marilyn McCarthy. He is a senior at Brookhaven High School.

Sundai Fells

Sundai is the granddaughter of Mr. Michael and Mrs. Bessie Dixon and Mr. Richard and Mrs. Mary Fells Sr. She is a senior at Brookhaven High School.

Her academic achievements are the “A” Honor Roll, National Honor Society, National Technical Honor Society, Health Occupations Students of America and Mississippi Scholars.

Sundai’s non-athletic activities are Earth Connection, treasurer of Student Council, Latin Club, BARL Club, Diamond Dolls, Project 7 Club and Mock Trial Club.

She is a member of Center Street Church of Christ where she sings in the youth choir.

Her community activities are Zeta Archonette and visits to the nursing homes.

Sundai’s escort is Zachary Wilson, the son of Ms. Jennifer Wilson. He is a senior at Brookhaven High School.

Jamicah McNeil

Jamicah is the daughter of Mr. Robert and Mrs. Rosa Hawkins. She is a senior at Brookhaven High School.

Her academic achievements are National Honor Society, National Technical Honor Society and the “A” Honor Roll.

Her non-academic activities are Future Business Leaders of America, Spanish Club, Earth Connection, and BARL Club.

She is a member of West Point Baptist Church and enjoys photography.

Jamicah’s community activities are BARL and Boys and Girls Club.

Her escort is Lonnie Mackabee, the son of Ms. Robin White. He is a senior at Brookhaven High School.

Savon Smith

Savon is the daughter of Mr. David and Mrs. Yolanda Johnson and Mr. Henry and Mrs. Paula Reed. She is a senior at Brookhaven High School.

Her academic achievements include the “A and B” Honor Roll and Mississippi Scholars.

Savon’s athletic and non-athletic activities are band, Color-guard, 2013 Homecoming Production and track.

Her community activities are serving as secretary of 4-H Club and of the Junior Advisory Board of Lincoln County 4-H, assistant secretary of Gamma Beta Zeta Archonette Auxiliary, and member of the Ministerial Alliance Youth Choir.

She is a member of Mount Wade M.B. Church where she serves as secretary of Sunday School, member of the youth choir, the Youth Ministry, BTU and Youth Ushers Ministry.

Savon’s escort is Anthony Wilson, the grandson of Mr. Willie Burk Wilson. He is a senior at Brookhaven High School.

Ashley Thompson

Ashley is the daughter of Mr. Tedric and Mrs. Countess Thompson. She is a senior at Brookhaven High School.

Her academic achievements are Mississippi Scholars, the “A and B” Honor Roll, and an honor roll certificate from Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.

Her non-athletic activities are Diamond Dolls, basketball player, basketball manager and 2013 Homecoming Production.

Her athletic activities include playing basketball and serving as basketball manager.

Ashley is a member of Mount Wade Baptist Church, where she is a member of the Youth Choir and Youth Ushers Ministry, president of 4-H and assistant secretary of the Youth Ministry.

Her community activities are Zeta Archonette, 4-H, Youth Advisory Board, Youth Junior Advisory and Girl Scouts.

Ashley’s escort is Keefa Nelson Jr., son of Mr. Keefa and Mrs. Keefa Sr., and Mrs. Urshela Nelson. He is a senior at Brookhaven High School.