Old Dominion Cotillion Hosts 27th Debutante Ball

The Old Dominion Cotillion marked its 27th Anniversary on July 14th 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 program culminates with a magical ball held at Westfields Marriott in Chantilly, Virginia, which 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 Sophia Grace Baxter, daughter of Dr. Grace L. Keenan of Paeonian Springs, VA; Miss Alexa Skylar Goerges, daughter of Commander and Mrs. Jeff Goerges of Hamilton, VA; Miss Kristian Katharina Hermann, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Hermann of Waterford, VA; Miss Amanda Mary Hirsch, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Hirsch of McLean, VA; and Miss Ellie Alexis McCabe, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Nicklas McCabe of Arlington, VA.

The Debutantes, dressed in white Cinderella-like ball gowns were presented by their fathers. After the formal presentation, the Debutantes, their escorts and guests danced the night away to music by Rendezvous.

This year's Assembly included three Pages, six Future Debutantes, one Post Debutante 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 many 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.

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. 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 program. In addition to enrichment activities, the young women and their families enjoy numerous social events throughout the year.

The ODC program is open to all girls in grades seven through twelve. Membership is now open for the 2018-2019 Social Season, which begins in September with the Invitational Tea and concludes with the 28th Anniversary Debutante Ball in July 2019. If interested in learning more about ODC or to be placed on the invitation list for the Invitational Tea to be held September 30, 2018, please contact Lynn Williams, ODC Director, at williamslynnd@gmail.com.

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

Photo credit: Stone Photography

Participants Left to Right - Miss Ellie Alexis McCabe of Arlington, VA; Miss Kristian Katharina Hermann of Waterford, VA; Miss Amanda Mary Hirsch of McLean, VA; Miss Sophia Grace Baxter of Paeonian Springs, VA; and Miss Alexa Skylar Goerges of Hamilton, VA.