Sigma Pearls Cotillion

Published May 9, 2009 at 3:48 p.m.

Terry Pierce, whose daughter, Alexandria, also was a debutante, offers his congratulations to Angela Agee, crowned queen of the fifth Sigma Pearls Cotillion. Photo by Steve Peterson, Special to The Denver Post

What: Fifth annual Sigma Pearls Cotillion
When: May 3, 2009
Where: Denver Renaissance Hotel
Hosted By: Theta Zeta Sigma Alumnae Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority
Chairwoman: Kathy Callum
Why: To celebrate the accomplishments of nine graduating high school seniors
Also see: denverpost.com/seengallery, for pictures taken at the cotillion, and the May 10 Denver Post, where Joanne Davidson's column about the event appears in the Arts & Entertainment section.

The 2009 debutantes are:

Angela Noelle Agee, a senior at Overland High School and the daughter of John and LaTonya Agee. Angela is a member of Anchor of Hope Church, where she is active in the Mass Choir, Youth Choir, Youth Praise Team, Young Adult Praise Team, Usher Board, Youth Ministry, Marvelous Master Mime and Hip-Hop Dance team. She also spends one day a month as a children's church teacher. Angela, who was crowned queen of the cotillion, was escorted by Taran Crawford of Gateway High School.

Kierra Monae Cortez-Ray, a senior at East High School and the daughter of Keona Cortez and Andre Ray. Kierra is a member of the Black Student Alliance and Future Business Leaders of America and helped organize homecoming, prom and teacher appreciation day. She belongs to Central Baptist Church and has done volunteer work with the Jena Six Defense Fund and the Greater Park Hill Food Bank. She also won the first Elvin R. Caldwell Youth Essay Contest. She was escorted by Tony Anderson, who also attends East.

Le'Ausha Monae Cunningham, a senior at East High School and the daughter of Lisa Smith and Roger Cunningham. Le'Ausha mains a cumulative grade point average of 3.0, is a member of the Poms Dance Team and has volunteered for the Ford-Warren branch library since her freshman year, shelving, checking books in and out, assisting the elderly develop computer skills and planning activities for children. She is a member of Heritage Christian Center. Her escort was Willie Finnie, who attends West High School.

Vanessa Marie Emerson, a senior at Aurora Central High School and the daughter of Arthur L. and Rose M. Emerson. Vanessa is student body president at Aurora Central, where she also was president of her freshman, sophomore and junior classes. She has a 3.639 grade point average, qualified for state with the Speech and Debate Team, and played basketball and softball, ran cross country, participated in fitness kick-boxing and indoor track and field. Her escort was Mark Gibson, who also attends Aurora Central.

Tori Rai Hall, a senior at Rangeview High School and the daughter of Craig S. and Traci L. Hall. Tori, who has a cumulative GPA of 3.073, was junior class president, a cheerleader and a member of the National Honor Society. She attends Word Up Life Changers Ministry, where she is an officer in the youth program and a junior usher, and works part-time at Hollister in the Town Center of Aurora and at Side Creek Elementary School. Her escort was Vaughn Sterling, who attends Gateway High School.

Alexandria Leighland Pierce, a senior at East High School and the daughter of Mercelle Seale-Pierce and Terry L. Pierce. Alexandria played field hockey and soccer at East, and participated in Leader's Challenge. She started a purse company, Bags by Alex P, when she was 10; she also designs hoodies and other casual-wear items under the Pumpkin label. She attends New Hope Baptist Church and Colorado Christian Fellowship, and was second runner-up as queen of the cotillion. Her escort was Charles Johnson, who also attends East High School.

Aspen Claire Pinto, a senior at Overland High School, where she maintains a 3.213 grade point average, and the daughter of V. Kelly Pinto, David A. Pinto and Kristi Pinto. An accomplished vocalist, Aspen has sung with the Smith Missionary Baptist Church Choir and the Shiloh Missionary Baptist Churh Choir, as well as the Women's Trebelaine Choir and the Cecilian's Mixed Choir. She hopes to become a pediatrician. Her escort was Christoffer Powell, who also attends Overland.

Hanifah Chufi Turner, a senior at East High, where she maintains a 3.207 grade point average, and the daughter of Kathryn Turner. At East, she has been active in student council and an outstanding athlete. She is one of the top prep shot putters in Colorado and is hoping to qualify for the Olympics. Hanifah attends Anchor of Hope Church and volunteers at youth basketball camps and for Senior Support Services. Her escort was Askia N'diaye, who also attends East.

Alexis Marie Washington, a senior at Denver School of Science and Technology and the daughter of Karen von Phul and Matthew Washington. Alexis lettered in basketball, soccer and academics and has been recognized as one of the most dedicated art students in her former hometown of Albion, Mich. Alexis was third runner-up for queen of the Sigma Pearls Cotillion, and has been a Denver Safe City Office intern. Her escort was Nicholas Tealer, who attends Thunderidge High School.

Society Editor Joanne Davidson: 303-809-1314 or jdavidson@denverpost.com

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