Dreams come true for debutantes at Cinderella Ball

Photo

Special to The Vindicator

CROWNING MOMENT: Proudly displaying the trophies they received at the annual Cinderella Ball are three young women who were among the 16 debutantes vying for the title of Miss Cinderella 2008. They are, from left, Brianah Lourrae’ Lewis, second runner-up; Mackenzie Blackmon, who was named Miss Cinderella 2008; and Eve Danielle Griffin, first runner-up.

YOUNGSTOWN — “Captured in a Dream” was the theme of the 53rd annual Cinderella Ball sponsored by the Junior Civic League as a scholarship fundraising event.

Mr. Anthony’s in Boardman was the setting on Nov. 28 for the evening of dining and dancing attended by 700 guests. During the evening the debutantes danced a waltz with their fathers and then with their escorts.

The event raised more than $20,000 for the league’s scholarship and educational programs. Each year the league awards several thousand dollars to area high-school students who will be attending college in the fall.

Evening highlight

A highlight of the evening was the presentation of 16 debutantes, who were vying for the title of Miss Cinderella 2008.

The dreams of three young women came true as they were singled out for recognition:

• Miss Cinderella 2008 — Mackenzie Blackmon, a daughter of David and Gloria Blackmon and a student at McDonald High School, who was escorted by Aaron McKinney.

• First runner-up — Eve Danielle Griffin, daughter of Claudette C. Griffin and a student at Youngstown Christian School, who was escorted by Ellis Payne.

• Second runner-up — Brianah Lourrae’ Lewis, daughter of Eric and Essie Richard and a student at Liberty High School, who was escorted by Anthony Cleveland.

Each received a trophy, and Miss Cinderella received a $2,500 scholarship; first attendant, $500; and second attendant, $300.

Requirements

To be eligible for a portion of the scholarship funds, a student must be of African American descent and a graduating senior at a public or private high school in the Mahoning Valley, and must intend to pursue an undergraduate college degree full time.

Nonrenewable scholarships are $1,500 each and are divided into increments, paid upon proof of enrollment and academic standing each semester or quarter during the freshman year.

To apply, students are required to submit an application, an official high-school transcript, a personal essay, three letters of recommendation and proof of household income. The application deadline for 2009 is March 31.