The debutantes are shown here with Kelly Loeffler, co-owner of the Atlanta Dream.

TIFTON, Ga. – The Precious Pearls Strands of Excellence Leadership & Scholarship Cotillion Program debutantes spent time this past weekend in Atlanta. The program is a multi-month leadership development program that offers an opportunity for minority young ladies in Tift and surrounding counties to experience a variety of cultural, academic, community service and social activities. At the same time, the program raises funds for scholarships.

Since February, when the program began, the girls have been involved in several workshops, which were designed to enhance them personally, and provide opportunities for them to volunteer and develop camaraderie within the group. They have also participated in cultural and social activities, fundraising efforts and rehearsals. The trip to Atlanta is part of these special activities.

While in the state capital, the young ladies visited the National Civil and Human Rights Center and had an opportunity to view Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s private papers, which are a part of a Morehouse College exhibit. They also had the opportunity to participate in a simulation of the lunch counter experience for people of color during segregation in the 1960s at the National Civil and Human Rights Center. In addition, they toured CNN Studios.  

The debutantes were officially welcomed to the city of Atlanta by Ceasar Mitchell, president of the Atlanta City Council and were treated to an engaging discussion with Mitchell on key tips to becoming a successful leader.  

The girls were also VIPs at the WNBA Atlanta Dream vs. Minnesota Lynx game at Phillips Arena.  While there, the debutantes had the opportunity to meet and talk with Kelly Loeffler, co-owner of the Atlanta Dream and first woman to own a professional sports franchise and senior vice president of Corporate Affairs at InterContinental Exchange.

The young ladies will be presented at the Cotillion Ball, to be held June 25, which includes dinner and a dance. The event is the culmination of the program. Tickets are $75 per person for adults and $25 for students 18 years old and under. Cost of tickets and donations are tax deductible, less the value of goods received. For tickets, call (229)386-1390.