GOLDSBORO, N.C. – The Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®, Epsilon Phi Omega Chapter is proud to announce the 68th Annual Debutante Pageant, to be held on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. at the historic Paramount Theatre, located at 139 S. Center Street in Goldsboro, North Carolina. This highly anticipated evening will celebrate elegance, achievement, and tradition under the inspiring theme, “Crowning Jewels: A Legacy of Diamonds and Pearls.”
This year’s pageant will feature five exceptional young women representing the Goldsboro, Clayton, and Kinston areas. During this formal presentation, the debutantes will be officially introduced to society and the community. In addition to crowning Miss Debutante, the evening will include the presentation of the Frances J. Tyler Community Service Award, Miss Scholarship, and Miss Congeniality, honoring excellence in service, academics, and character.
Ms. VaNesha Carlton, a former Debutante Queen, is serving as Chairman of this year’s pageant. Reflecting on the significance of the program, Ms. Carlton shared, “The Debutante Pageant provides young ladies with opportunities to build meaningful relationships with peers and mentors while gaining valuable role models. Participants are exposed to college-educated women who share knowledge in financial wellness, self-care, mental health awareness, college preparation, etiquette, and volunteerism. These experiences help foster high standards, peer-driven aspirations, and positive lifelong goals.”
Throughout the debutante season, participants engage in a robust series of enrichment activities, including etiquette and social behavior training, vision board development, mental health awareness sessions, financial literacy workshops, beauty and self-care seminars, panel discussions with former debutantes and escorts, and college and university tours. Proceeds from the pageant directly support scholarship opportunities for participants and provide financial assistance to benefit the broader community.
Newly elected Chapter President, Mrs. Nancy Wooten Coor—also a former Debutante Queen—emphasized the lasting impact of the program, stating, “The Debutante Pageant season is a meaningful opportunity to guide young ladies in the principles of finer womanhood, the importance of education, and the tools necessary for success in life. This tradition is one our chapter holds very dear and executes with great purpose and care.”
Our Debutantes are as follows:
- Maeajah Griner North Lenior High School Sophomore Mr. Darrell Chapman & Ms. Renesha Griner
- Jaela Rhodes Charles B. Aycock High School Freshman Mr. JB Rhodes, III & Mrs. Teborah Rhodes
- Adisa Umar Clayton High School Senior Dr. Yusif Umar & Ms. Lillienne Umar
- Daisy Williams Eastern Wayne High School Senior Mr. Amos & Mrs. Michelle Williams
- Victoria Wooten Lenior Early College High School Sophomore Mr. Victor Wooten & Mrs. Valerie Wooten
Chartered in 1952 in Goldsboro, North Carolina, the Epsilon Phi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® continues to serve as a leading change agent in Wayne County. The chapter maintains longstanding partnerships with Wayne Community College, The Arts Council of Wayne County, Wayne County Public Schools, Wayne County Public Library, Communities Supporting Schools of Wayne County, the NAACP, and the Gold-Wayne Pan-Hellenic Council. Through these partnerships and the dedicated service of its members, the chapter continues to advance the enduring principles of sisterhood, service, and excellence.
