West Johnson Parsons Foundation Inc. In Partnership with Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
Sigma Alpha Omega Chapter Presents
Precious Pearls Strands of Excellence
Leadership and Scholarship Cotillion Program
LEADERSHIP | SCHOLARSHIP | SERVICE | FRIENDSHIP
A JOURNEY OF LEADERSHIP, SCHOLARSHIP & SERVICE
Application Packet Deadline: March 25, 2016
2015 –2016
Precious Pearls Strands of Excellence Leadership and Scholarship Cotillion West Johnson Parsons Foundation, Inc. in partnership with
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.,
Sigma Alpha Omega Chapter
February 22, 2016
Dear Student:
You are cordially invited to complete an application to participate in the 2015-2016 Precious Pearls Strands of Excellence Leadership and Scholarship Cotillion Program (“LSC Program”) sponsored by the West Johnson Parsons Foundation, Inc. in partnership with Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Sigma Alpha Omega Chapter in Tifton, Georgia. This dynamic multi-month leadership development program is an outstanding opportunity for minority young ladies in Tift County, Georgia and surrounding areas to experience a variety of cultural, academic, community service, and social activities, and at the same time raise funds towards scholarships. Additionally, it is an avenue to bond with other young ladies, as well as establish lifelong friendships. Students selected for this program are called debutantes. The culminating activity for each debutante in this program is her formal introduction to the community at an elegant Cotillion Ball in June 2016.
Are you a minority young lady who plans to enroll in a post-secondary educational institution? Do you demonstrate exemplary academic achievement, possess exceptional character and display outstanding involvement in extracurricular activities and community service? If you answered yes, then you are encouraged to apply for consideration.
West Johnson Parsons Foundation, Inc., a Georgia nonprofit corporation and 501(c)(3) charitable organization, was formed in 2009 by the members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Sigma Alpha Omega Chapter, in Tifton, Georgia. The Foundation partners with community organizations and leaders to support programs, like this LSC Program, that uplift and assist those in need in Tift County, Georgia and surrounding areas.
INFORMATION SESSION We encourage all interested students, parents and guardians to join us for an information session where you will have the opportunity to learn about our program and the requirements for participation. The session will be held on Sunday, February 28, 2016 from 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. at Everette Temple CME Church located at 719 S. Ridge Ave, Tifton, Georgia.
Please read all the attached materials carefully and be mindful of all rules and regulations as outlined in this packet
of information. Please ensure that all forms are completed in their entirety and that $25 application fee is included.
All materials must be returned together, post- marked no later than Friday, March 25, 2016 to the address below.
Applications that are not postmarked by Friday, March 25, 2016 and addressed as follows: West Johnson
Parsons Foundation, Inc., Attn: Precious Pearls Strands of Excellence Leadership and Scholarship Cotillion
Program, P.O. Box 7363 Tifton, GA 31793. Applications that are not postmarked by Friday, March 25, 2016 and/or incomplete will not be reviewed. NO exceptions.
If there are any questions, please email [email protected] . Thank you for your interest in the Precious Pearls Strands of Excellence Leadership and Scholarship Cotillion Program.
Sincerely,
Joyce Barlow, M.B. A Sharon P. Nixon, Esquire President General Chairperson West Johnson Parsons Foundation, Inc. Leadership and Scholarship Cotillion Program
Dr. Kim Ezekiel Marilyn Burks, M.Ed. President Co-Chairperson Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Leadership and Scholarship Cotillion ProgramSigma Alpha Omega Chapter
Precious Pearls Strands of Excellence Leadership and Scholarship Cotillion
West Johnson Parsons Foundation, Inc. in partnership with Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.,
Sigma Alpha Omega Chapter
2015-2016 Precious Pearls Strands of Excellence Leadership and Scholarship Cotillion Program
REQUIREMENTS
Being a Leadership and Scholarship Cotillion Program (“LSC” Program) participant requires time, hard work, and dedication, but will reap great rewards – including the potential for a college scholarship and a variety of program incentives. Therefore, significant contributions are expected from each young lady. Applicants who are selected to participate in the LSC Program are called Debutantes (Seniors), Pre-Debutantes (Juniors) or collectively, Participants.
Please read the following carefully before submitting an application.
By signing this application, the applicant and parents and/or guardians understand and agree:
1. Applicant meets the minimum eligibility requirements listed below.2. Participants are required to comply with the program requirements, including participating in the
Parent/Participant Orientation on April 2, 2016 and the Cotillion Ball to be held on June 25, 2016.3. Refunds will not be given after the first official meeting.4. Participant is responsible for Cotillion Ball attire and accessories that meet the LSC Program criteria (to be
provided at the Parent/Participant Orientation).5. All Debutantes are expected to participate in fundraising activities. Guidelines for scholarships and
fundraising will be outlined at Parent/Participant Orientation.6. Participant and parent/guardian must sign Participant Consent, Agreement and Photo and Liability Release
forms to be distributed at the Parent/Participant Orientation on April 2, 2016.7. Only Debutantes who are Seniors will be presented at the Cotillion Ball. Juniors will participate in the
Cotillion Ball along with other LSC Program activities designated. While it is not required, we encourageapplicants to enter the LSC Program in their junior year of high school.
Minimum Eligibility Requirements
Must be a minority female Junior or Senior in High School for the 2015-2016 school term located in Tift County, Georgia or surrounding areas Must be 16-19 years old and single (not married, divorced or widowed) Must not be a mother, pregnant or become a mother during the LSC Program season Must have a minimum 2.5 cumulative grade point average (verified by an official transcript) on a 4.0 weighted scale Must have high ethical standards Must not have a record of poor discipline at school or in the community and no criminal, misdemeanor, or court record of any kind Must plan to enroll in a post-secondary educational institution within 1 year of high school graduation Must by March 25, 2016, mail a completed Application package, including a non-refundable application fee of $25 in the form of a money order or cashier’s check ONLY payable, to West Johnson Parsons Foundation, Inc.
Program Requirements If selected to be a Participant in the 2015-2016 LSC Program, you:
Must commit to attending all applicable rehearsals and activities that occur throughout the LSC Program season
Must complete a minimum of 15 community service hours - group project opportunities are provided
Must pay the non-refundable registration fee of $250 for applicants who are high school Seniors. Fee is payable by money order or cashier’s check only and is due by April 30, 2016. This fee may be paid in installments.
Must pay the non-refundable registration fee of $200 for applicants who are high school Juniors. Fee is payable by money order or cashier’s check only and is due by April 30, 2016. This fee may be paid in installments.
Must, by June 10, 2016, submit the final installment of a minimum of $500 in combined cotillion ball ticket sales and donations. Fundraising guidance is available.
APPLICATION CHECKLIST
All applications must be completed in their entirety to be reviewed and considered. Applications must be typed or printed legibly in blue or black ink. Before submitting your application, be sure that the following items in the checklist below have been enclosed.
□ $25 Non-refundable Application Fee (in the form of a money order or cashier’s check made payable
to West Johnson Parsons Foundation, Inc.)
□ One (1) Original COMPLETED AND SIGNED application
□ One (1) Official (sealed) Transcript
□ One (1) Required typed Essay
□ Two (2) Sealed Recommendation Forms – one (1) from a school official and one (1) from acommunity leader
Application packets must contain all listed requirements in order to be considered. Applications that are not postmarked by Friday, March 25, 2016 and/or incomplete will not be reviewed. NO exceptions.
The Application Review Committee reserves the right to eliminate any incomplete, unsigned, late or illegible applications.
Completed application packets must be postmarked by March 25, 2016 and mailed to:
West Johnson Parsons Foundation, Inc.,
Attn: Precious Pearls Strands of Excellence Leadership and Scholarship Cotillion ProgramP.O. Box 7363 Tifton, GA 31793.
West-Johnson-Parson Foundation P.O. Box 7363/Tifton,
GA 31793
West-Johnson-Parsons FOUNDATION I n Par t ner sh ip w i th A lp ha K a p p a Al p ha S o ro r i t y , In c ,
S i g ma A l p ha Om ega Cha p ter
COTILLION PARTICIPANT
☐ Debutante (Senior) APPLICATION
☐Pre-Debutante (Junior) [Please check one]
Please TYPE or PRINT clearly.
Name:_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ First Name Middle (complete) Last Name
Mailing Address:__________________________________________________________________________________________________ Number and Street
___________________________________________________________________________________________________ City/Town State Zip Code County
Email Address:__________________________________________________ Birth Date:________________________ mm/dd/yy
Home Phone: (____) _______________________________________ Cell Phone: (____)_________________________________
SCHOOL INFORMATION
Name of High School:___________________________________________________________________________
Mailing Address:__________________________________________________________________________________________________ Number and Street
___________________________________________________________________________________________________ City/Town State Zip Code County
School Telephone Number: (____) ___________________________________________
School Principal:______________________________________ School Counselor:____________________________________
Cumulative Grade Point Average:_________________ (Attach Official Transcript)
PARENT/GUARDIAN INFORMATION
Parent/Guardian: ☐Mother ☐Father ☐Other:__________________________________________
Mother (name as it should appear in Cotillion Program):_______________________________________________________________ First Name Middle Last Name
Father (name as it should appear in Cotillion Program):________________________________________________________________ First Name Middle Last Name
Address: (If Different from above)___________________________________________________________________________________
Email Address:____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Home Phone: (____)________________________________ Cell/Work Phone: (____)__________________________________
Text Messages: ☐Yes ☐No
ESSAY
Applicant must include a type-written 300-400-word essay on a separate piece of paper on the topic
below. Your essay should not exceed two pages and should be typed, double-spaced, 12 point Arial
Font, with 1" margins. Please include your name and email address at the top of your essay.
Topic: Tell us about yourself, your future career goals and why you should be considered for
the Precious Pearls Strands of Excellence Leadership and Scholarship Cotillion Program.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
What is your shirt size? ☐ Small ☐ Medium ☐ Large ☐ Extra Large ☐ Other________________
What is your motto?______________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
What are your top three College Choices? _____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
What is your desired major in College? _____________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Are you involved in extracurricular activities or have community activities? If so, please list in detail.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Please read and sign the following:
I certify that I meet the eligibility requirements outlined in this application and that my answers to the
application questions are true and complete to the best of my knowledge. If this application leads to
my selection as a Debutante or Sub-Debutante for the 2015-2016 Precious Pearls Strands of
Excellence Leadership and Scholarship Cotillion Program, I understand that false or misleading
information in my application may result in my release from the Program.
Applicant's Signature: ______________________________________________________ Date: ________________
Parent/Guardian's Signature: _____________________________________________ Date: ________________
Precious Pearls Strands of Excellence
Leadership and Scholarship
Cotillion Program Application
West Johnson Parsons Foundation, Inc.
Attn: Cotillion Committee
P. O. Box 7363
Tifton, GA 31793
Precious Pearls Strands of Excellence Leadership and Scholarship Cotillion West Johnson Parsons Foundation, Inc. in partnership with
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.,
Sigma Alpha Omega Chapter
RECOMMENDATION FORM
________________________________ is applying to participate in the 2015-2016 Precious Pearls Strands of Excellence Leadership and Scholarship Cotillion Program presented by West Johnson Parsons Foundation, Inc. in partnership with Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., Sigma Alpha Omega Chapter, in Tifton, Georgia and asks that you serve as a character and or academic reference.
1. What is your relationship to the applicant?_________________________________________
2. How long have you known the applicant? _________________________________________
Please Agree or Disagree with the following statements as related to the above Applicant. Place an X in the corresponding box.
Agree Disagree Not Applicable
Demonstrates high moral/ethical standards
Gets along well with others
Respects authority
Is a positive role model
Contributes to her school or community
Is a good student (concerned about her education)
Has a positive attitude
Is socially conscious
What else would you like us to know about this Applicant? You may attach additional pages, as needed.
Recommendation given by (please print):
Name and Title: ____________________________________________
Signature: _________________________________________________
Date: ____________________________________________________
Telephone Number: ________________________________________
E-mail Address: ___________________________________________
Please place this form in a sealed envelope, sign the flap, and return the envelope to the applicant to be
mailed with her application so that she may submit it to us for consideration before the deadline of March 25,
2016.
Precious Pearls Strands of Excellence Leadership and Scholarship Cotillion West Johnson Parsons Foundation, Inc. in partnership with
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.,
Sigma Alpha Omega Chapter
RECOMMENDATION FORM
________________________________ is applying to participate in the 2015-2016 Precious Pearls Strands of Excellence Leadership and Scholarship Cotillion Program presented by West Johnson Parsons Foundation, Inc. in partnership with Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., Sigma Alpha Omega Chapter, in Tifton, Georgia and asks that you serve as a character and or academic reference.
1. What is your relationship to the applicant?_________________________________________
2. How long have you known the applicant? _________________________________________
Please Agree or Disagree with the following statements as related to the above Applicant. Place an X in the corresponding box.
Agree Disagree Not Applicable
Demonstrates high moral/ethical standards
Gets along well with others
Respects authority
Is a positive role model
Contributes to her school or community
Is a good student (concerned about her education)
Has a positive attitude
Is socially conscious
What else would you like us to know about this Applicant? You may attach additional pages, as needed.
Recommendation given by (please print):
Name and Title: ____________________________________________
Signature: _________________________________________________
Date: ____________________________________________________
Telephone Number: ________________________________________
E-mail Address: ___________________________________________
Please place this form in a sealed envelope, sign the flap, and return the envelope to the applicant to be
mailed with her application so that she may submit it to us for consideration before the deadline of March 25,
2016.
