Southern University Alumni Federation
St. Landry Parish Chapter
Saturday, April 9, 2022, 7:00pm
The Southern University Alumni Federation, St. Landry Parish Chapter will sponsor its 40th annual Debutante Cotillion, theme “Southern Classique.” The goal of this Debutante program is to promote and strengthen the educational and social development of young ladies while providing them with societal preparedness through workshops and community involvement.
Debutantes are also given scholarships towards their post-secondary education.
The Cotillion will be Saturday, April 9, 2022 at the Evangeline Down’s Event Center 7pm.
Tickets are $40.00 and can be purchased through any active member of the St. Landry Parish Chapter of Southern University Alumni Federation or by calling Southern University’s Cooperative Extension – Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development Institute (SARDI) at 337-943-2410. Seven beautiful debutantes will participate in this year’s festivities.
Debutante Lakayla Cleveland is the daughter of Louella (Jeremy) Lewis, Reginald (Sherry) Cleveland, granddaughter of Linda Brown/Angie Skinner and sister of Ladajah Fontenette. She is currently a senior at Opelousas High School and excels as a StudentAthlete, maintaining over a 3.8 GPA. Lakayla participates in Biomed Academy, LSUE Dual Enrollment, BETA, National Honor Society, Spanish Club, Sociedad Honoraria Hispanica (Spanish Honor Society), Interact Club, Science Olympiad,Jazz Classique DanceTeam, Varsity Soccer, and is a dancer at Elite Academy of Dance.
Lakayla serves as Vice president of Sociedad Honoraria Hispanica (Spanish Honor Society) and previously held the position of Commander for Disabled Auxiliary Veterans Organization. During her free time, Deb Lakayla enjoys volunteering, playing soccer, drawing, traveling and dancing.
Deb Lakayla is escorted by Hieu Tran, son of Mien Tran. Hieu attends Opelousas High School. After graduating from high school, Deb Lakayla plans to attend LSU and major in Criminology. Lakayla aspires to become a Forensic Psychologist for the FBI.
Debutante Cheyenne Sarai Donato is the daughter of Carla and Elliot Jerome Donato and the younger sister of Tamica Lemelle and Shantel Donato. She is currently a senior at Magnet Academy for Cultural Arts. Cheyenne participates in the talented choir at her school. During her free time, Deb Cheyenne likes to sing and bake.
Deb Cheyenne Sarai is escorted by Jakaven Biagase, who is the son of Laquanta Roby.
Jakaven currently attends the Magnet Academy for Cultural Arts.
After graduating from high school, Deb Cheyenne plans to attend Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and major in Marketing Management.
Debutante Asia Ferguson is the daughter of Antonio Ferguson and Jaquinta and Jevin Frank, Sr. and the big sister of Jevin Jr.. She is currently a senior at Northwest High School. Asia participates in track and dance. During her free time, Deb Asia likes to style hair or dance.
Deb Asia is escorted by Jaylon Jolivette, who is the son of Gwen Dean. Jaylon currently attends Northwest High School.
After graduating from high school, Deb Asia plans to attend Southern University where she will major in nursing and hopefully be a part of the Fabulous Dancing Dolls.
Debutante Ari Mckenzie Harris is the daughter of Antonio and Ann Harris and the youngest sister of Aris, Aramis, Ashton, Alyx, and Arlis. She is currently a senior at Magnet Academy for Cultural Arts. Ari participates in Dance at Dance Theater Conservatory in Opelousas LA where she studies ballet, jazz, tap, pointe, and acrobatics.
Ari also belongs to the following organizations and holds the following positions: President of the Student Government and the Renaissance team. Also is a part of the Beta club and is active in her church. During her free time, Deb Ari likes to tailgate at SU football games, attend basketball games, go camping, hang out with her friends, workout, eat and sleep.
Deb Ari is escorted by Lonnie Robinson II, who is the son of Lonnie Sr. and Rita Robinson of Houston, Texas. Lonnie currently attends Southern University majoring in Psychology and is a part of the Human JukeBox band.
After graduating from high school, Deb Ari plans to attend Southern University, majoring in Business Management and Marketing and eventually becoming a luxury real estate agent.
Debutante Ja’Kia A’niya Joseph is the daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan and Tranessa Joseph. She is currently a senior at Port Barre High. Ja’Kia participates in Dance and Track.
She also belongs to the following organizations and holds the following positions: Senior Beta, Student Council, 4-H which she is the Secretary, Youth Leadership Council Board, and JAG which she is President and also The Louisiana State Officer for National JAG Association. During her free time, Deb Ja’Kia likes to spend time with her aunt shopping and trying different restaurants.
Deb Ja’Kia is escorted by Howard Albert, who is the son of Howard and Lillian Albert. Howard is a senior at Port Barre High School.
After graduating from high school, Deb Ja’Kia plans to become an active member in the National Guard and build a career with the goal of retiring from service.
Debutante Taylon Milburn is the daughter of Lanisha Milburn and the older sister of Aliyah Milburn. She is currently a senior at North Central High School. Taylon participates in BETA, 4H and FFA. Taylon also belongs to the following organizations and holds the following positions—President of JAG and Co-Captain of the Varsity Girls Track Team. During her free time, Deb Taylon likes to go mud riding, attend trail rides, spend time with friends, and enjoy nature.
Deb Taylon is escorted by Ju´wan Milburn, who is the son of Shawn Milburn. Ju´wan currently attends South Louisiana Community College.
After graduating from high school, Deb Taylon plans to attend Southern University to obtain a PHD in Biology and later become an Orthodontist.
Debutante Kalie Tyler is the daughter of Charles Tyler and the oldest sister of 6.
She is currently a senior at Opelousas Sr. High. Kalie participates in the 4H club and holds the following position as vice president. During her free time, Deb Kalie likes to volunteer at the Boys and Girls club.
Deb Kalie is escorted by Don’treyvious Pete, who is the son of Rastacia Johnson. Don’treyvious currently attends Magnet Academy of Cultural Arts.
After graduating from high school, Deb Kalie plans to go to college to become a registered nurse.
