Chantilly, VA — On July 16, 2011, the Old Dominion Cotillion (“ODC”) held its 20th Anniversary Debutante Ball at Westfields Marriott in Chantilly, Virginia. Family and friends gathered for a sumptuous multi-course dinner and lively dancing to celebrate the social debut of ten local young women. Dressed in white Cinderella-like ball gowns, the Debutantes each appeared under an arch of sabers impeccably and precisely performed by cadets from the Virginia Military Institute. Each debutante was formally presented by her father, then escorted for the evening by a designated VMI cadet.
The ODC proudly announces the debut of its 2011 debutantes: Miss Jessie Noelle Brown, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Brown of Fairfax, Virginia, who is a rising senior at Fairfax High School; Miss Erin Kathleen Dooley, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Michael Dooley of Oak Hill, Virginia, who is a rising senior at Oakton High School; Miss Morgan Michelle Doss, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Bradford Doss of Oakton, Virginia, who is a rising senior at Oakton High School; Miss Taylor Jane Johnson, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Mitchell Johnson of Oakton, Virginia, who is a rising senior at Oakton High School; Miss Stephanie Joy Kelly, daughter of Ms. Kristine Kelly of Chantilly, Virginia, and Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Kelly of Arlington, Virginia, who is rising senior at Yorktown High School; Miss Katherine Faye Mahoney, daughter of Dr. David and Dr. Karen Mahoney of Oakton, Virginia, who is a rising freshman at the College of William and Mary; Miss Esther Soyeon Moon, daughter of Ms. Jenet Ahn of Centreville, Virginia, who a rising senior at Westfield High School; Miss Allison Jane Mulligan, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Michael Mulligan of Fairfax, Virginia, and Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Kane of Fairfax Station, Virginia, who is a rising senior at South County High School; Miss Mackenzie Danielle Peterson, daughter of Ms. Megan Vance of Jacksonville, Florida, who is a rising senior at First Coast High School in Jacksonville, Florida; Miss Cassidy Joy Watkinson, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Steven Watkinson of Clifton, Virginia, who is a rising home-schooled senior.
The program also included the introduction of four Pages (seventh and eighth graders), six Future Debutantes (ninth and tenth graders), and five Post Debutantes (seniors and college freshmen). Returning alumnae of all classes of the Cotillion were also recognized in honor of the 20th anniversary.
Established in 1991, the Old Dominion Cotillion is a women’s organization that guides young women to grow in confidence and poise while educating them in the social graces through cultural enrichment, social events, and philanthropic activities. Each year, the ODC’s social season begins with the Fall Invitational Tea, an informative overview for interested young ladies and their mothers, highlighting the year’s upcoming events.
The 2010-2011 season featured exceptional cultural growth resources. In April, we were privileged to attend the Tenth Annual Global Leadership Awards ceremony in the Kennedy Center Opera House presented by Vital Voices Global Partnership. Founder of Vital Voices, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton spoke, as well as other honorees—women of extraordinary courage in social issues, politics, or business from around the globe. Educational seminars featured practical information such as internet etiquette and personal safety, as well as lessons in social graces such as dinner etiquette and dance lessons. Other notable events included a Royal Wedding Tea, an informative Father-Daughter Scavenger Hunt in Georgetown, and a tour of DAR Constitution Hall, to name a few.
In addition to enrichment activities, the young women and their families enjoy numerous social events throughout the social season, such as a Halloween Party, a fashion show, the annual Holiday Gala, a father-daughter Valentine’s Day brunch, and a Kentucky Derby party, to name a few. Each year, “Ball Week” is filled with activities for the young women and their families as they eagerly anticipate the annual Debutante Ball, including Family Day, a Debutante luncheon, the “Ring Dance” (where the Debutantes are presented with the ODC’s signature ring), and the Rehearsal Party. While the annual Debutante Ball marks the end of the social season, it also promises the beginning of a new journey for the young women who are making their debuts.
One of the primary objectives of the ODC is to teach its young women social responsibility and encourage them to engage in the community. In the spring of 2008, the ODC began a philanthropic partnership with the Katherine K. Hanley Family Shelter in Fairfax, Virginia. The shelter is run by Shelter House, Inc., a community-based, non-profit organization serving homeless families in Fairfax County, Virginia. This season ODC members provided more than 200 hours of service, hosting kids-night activities such as games, snacks, and crafts. In 2009 ODC was awarded the Volunteer Service Award in the category of “Youth Volunteer Group” by Volunteer Fairfax. This year, 2011, the Old Dominion Cotillion received the Shelter House 30th Anniversary Champion Award. “This award is in appreciation of your high level of service and commitment to preventing and ending homelessness and to those fleeing domestic violence.”
The 21st Social Season will commence with the annual Invitational Tea in September. For more information about the Old Dominion Cotillion and membership, please contact Mrs. C. Peter Gallagher, Director, at (703) 476-9576 or visit the web site at www.olddominioncotillion.org
