Old Dominion Cotillion Marks 25th Anniversary, Membership Contributes Over 900 Service Hours to Community

The Old Dominion Cotillion marked its 25th Anniversary on July 16th by celebrating the debut of five young women in our community. Since its inception, the Old Dominion Cotillion has focused on preparing young ladies for adulthood with grace, poise and a sense of social responsibility. The year-long program culminates with a magical ball held at Westfields Marriot in Chantilly, Virginia. The ball has become the premier event of the ODC’s Social Season. It gives young ladies the opportunity to replace blue jeans with an elegant gown and truly celebrates a young woman’s transition to a member of society.

The Board of Governors is pleased to announce the debut of the following lovely young ladies: Miss Darby Rachelle Bouweiri, daughter of Ms. Kristina Bouweiri of Leesburg, Virginia and Mr. William Bouweiri of Lovettsville, Virginia; Miss Josephine Rayann Bowen, daughter of Ms. Mandy Bowen of Chantilly, VA; Miss Bradan Alexandra McBurney, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Shawn McBurney of Fairfax, Virginia; Miss Carolyn Marie Shabe, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Laurence Shabe of Oakton, Virginia; Miss Margaret Anne Thompson, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Thompson of Fairfax Station, Virginia.

The Debutantes, dressed in white Cinderella-like ball gowns were escorted by Cadets from Fishburne Military School. After the formal presentation, the Debutantes, their escorts and guests danced the night away to music by Rendezvous.

This year’s Assembly included six Pages, five Future Debutantes, six Post Debutantes and three Post-Post Debutantes, along with active alumnae from classes dating back to 1992.

In addition to learning social graces, the girls also participate in many philanthropic activities throughout the Social Season. The Old Dominion Cotillion’s philanthropic mission is to provide experiences that encourage social awareness and compassion for the needs of our community. This year the membership contributed over 900 hours of service to their designated charity, The Ronald McDonald House in Falls Church, Virginia and other organizations. The girls decorated for holidays, organized crafts, assembled snacks and played with the children staying at the Ronald McDonald House. This year the Old Dominion Cotillion received a recognition citation for their dedication and service.

The Old Dominion Cotillion is a women’s organization that was established in 1991. Young women are educated in the social graces through enrichment, social and philanthropic activities. The ODC’s social development activities include –social graces, dress code and conversation for all occasions, netiquette, sports etiquette, car maintenance, interview skills, manners in public places and much more. Dance lessons and seminars in stationery and dinner etiquette always round out the year-long program. In addition to enrichment activities, the young women and their families enjoy numerous social events throughout the social season.

The ODC program is open to all girls in grades seven through twelve. Membership is now open for the 2016-2017 Social Season, which begins in October with the Invitational Tea and concludes with the 26th Anniversary Debutante Ball in July 2017. If interested in learning more about ODC or to be placed on the invitation list for the Invitational Tea to be held October 23, please contact the Mrs. Sherry Pressley, Founder, or Mrs. Francine Gallagher at info@olddominioncotillion.org

For more information, please visit the website at http://www.olddominioncotillion.org or the Old Dominion Cotillion Facebook page, www.facebook.com/OldDominionCotillion