Carettes Inc. of Morris County RETURNS! Crowns 2026 Queen and Top Esquire

EAST HANOVER, N.J. — Elegance, tradition, and academic excellence filled the ballroom at Ravello's on Saturday, May 2, as Carettes Incorporated of Morris County hosted its 56th Annual Junior Debutante & Esquire Scholarship Ball.

The evening celebrated 13 outstanding junior high school students representing schools across Morris County and beyond, including Roxbury High School, Parsippany Hills High School, Morristown High School, Mount Olive High School, Morris County School of Technology, American Christian School, and Great Oaks Legacy Charter School.

For more than six decades, Carettes Incorporated of Morris County, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, has remained a cornerstone of community empowerment, educational support, and cultural tradition. Founded in 1959 by eight visionary African American women from the Morristown community, the organization was established to ensure that young people—often overlooked at traditional scholarship and awards programs—would have opportunities to be recognized, celebrated, and supported in their educational pursuits.

What began as a small social club among classmates and neighbors evolved into a powerful force for change throughout Morris County. Today, the organization continues its mission of fostering social connection, encouraging community participation, and supporting the growth and success of youth through social, cultural, and educational enrichment.

The Junior Debutante Ball was first introduced in 1966 as the organization’s premier fundraiser to address the growing cost of higher education. The program provided high school juniors with the opportunity to earn scholarship funds by securing journal advertisements, selling event tickets, and participating in workshops focused on leadership, etiquette, and community service.

In 1995, the program expanded to include young men, becoming the Junior Debutante & Esquire Scholarship Ball. The change reflected the Carettes’ commitment to supporting all students as they pursue excellence in education and service.

After a temporary hiatus during the COVID-19 pandemic and a period of organizational restructuring, the Carettes returned with renewed purpose and vision.

“We used the pause to enhance the program for today’s families,” a Carettes spokesperson shared during the evening. “Our mission is to provide a dignified and meaningful platform for students to earn scholarships through their own efforts, while learning the value of community, discipline, and grace.”

Guests at Saturday’s Ball enjoyed an evening of formal presentations, scholarship recognition, dining, and dancing, while honoring the achievements and hard work of the participating students and their families. The event served not only as a fundraiser, but also as a rite of passage celebrating achievement, character, and community pride.

Proceeds from the Ball continue to support the organization’s longstanding scholarship fund, benefitting generations of students throughout the region.

As Carettes Incorporated looks toward the future, the organization is already preparing for its Spring 2027 Junior Debutante & Esquire Scholarship Ball. An informational session for interested students and parents is scheduled for Sunday, Oct 4, 2026, at the Madison Community House. The session will provide details about participation, fundraising opportunities, and scholarship resources available through the program.

More than 65 years after its founding, Carettes Incorporated of Morris County continues to uphold its core principles: empowering youth, strengthening families, and enriching the community.