‘Thankful, blessed’ Chaney senior crowned 2009 Cinderella

Twelve teens competed for the crown at the 54th cotillion sponsored by the Junior Civic League.

By JON MOFFETT

Vindicator Staff Writer

BOARDMAN — Donnisha Harris stood proudly in front of applauding friends and family with a smile as bright as the tiara placed on her head as she was handed her trophy,

Harris, 17 and a senior at Chaney High School, was named Miss Cinderella of 2009 by the Junior Civic League of Youngstown.

The group, a black women’s organization that focuses on community service, had its annual Cinderella Ball at Mr. Anthony’s Banquet Center in Boardman on Friday night.

“I’m just so excited, thankful and blessed,” Harris said. “There’s nothing more that I could ask for.”

Harris was one of 12 senior girls vying for the crown, which represents achievement in community and classroom.

The other nominees were: Terika Callier and Docylyne Shelton of Austintown Fitch; Sha’Kela Clark of East; Kourtney Douglas and Kymberly Vidale of Ursuline; Jacinta Figueroa, Sharayontre Jarmon, and Risha Lester of Chaney; Amber Hawkins of Struthers; Janae’ Mayes of Boardman and Niya Merriweather of Youngstown Early College.

“I put a lot of work into this, so I’m glad,” Harris said. “It makes me feel like I’m better. I’m growing into a more mature person.”

Harris was presented with her crown by Mackenzie Blackmon, Miss Cinderella 2008. Along with the crown, Harris was presented a $2,500 scholarship to the college of her choice.

Callier, the first runner-up, received an $1,800 scholarship and second runner-up Vidale received a $1,500 scholarship.

The scholarships are awarded to seniors with a grade-point average of at least 2.0 who volunteer and are not parents.

Blacmon, 19 and a student at Wright State University, majoring in anthropology, spoke about how the award helped her and urged the girls to make the most of it and have a good time.”

League president Elsina Winston said the program, which celebrated its 54th year, raises money for the scholarships.

“We give scholarships in the spring to deserving students in the community, male or female,” she said.

In addition to raising funds for the scholarships, Winston said the ball is a fun way for the girls to remember a time-honored tradition.

“It’s a tradition that started many years ago in the South where they would present the young ladies to society,” she said. “And even though that’s what we’re doing, it’s not for the intent of marriage as it was with the original cotillions.”

Winston said the process helps the girls mature into young ladies and also develop bonds with the girls from other schools.

After each of the 12 girls were presented by family members, the debutantes danced a waltz with male escorts from their schools. A buffet dinner followed the ceremony.

jmoffett@vindy.com