By Dawn Scotland
The Truth Reporter
The National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Club, Inc. Toledo Club presented the 58th Debutante Cotillion at Parkway Place Saturday, May 23. The elegant evening featured 13 Debutantes and 14 Debs-in-Waiting from area high schools. Marleya Smith of Central Catholic High School was crowned the 2026 Miss Debutante.
Since 1965, NANBPWC, Inc. Toledo Club has hosted The Annual Debutante Cotillion with the purpose of presenting outstanding young ladies in the Toledo community to society “clothed with the finer thoughts of living and endowed with a complete sense of responsibility.”
Juniors and senior ladies must meet high standards for selection including a 3.0 GPA minimum as well as volunteer hour requirements, letters of recommendation and sponsorship.
During the eight-month process the young ladies attend workshops, classes and various events hosted by the club. This year the organization added life skill workshops, financial scholarships and etiquette training to continue to ensure that the debutantes step into the threshold of womanhood with success.
Thousands of junior and senior ladies have participated in the Debutante Cotillion since it’s inception. The evening featured dinner, dancing – including a choreographed waltz- and music by DJ Ohio. TaTiana Cash, WTOL 11 news anchor, served as the Mistress of Ceremonies. The 2026 judges for the cotillion ball were Chanell Phenix, Deborah Roberts, Ebone Waweru and tallier Desiree McGhee.
The 2026 Debutante Cotillion Awardees:
- Escort 2026– DeMario Johnson
- Miss Congeniality 2026– Dana Bethany (Central Catholic High School)
- Talent Show Winner 2026 – Marleya Smith (Central Catholic High School)
- Miss Debutante 2026 2nd Runner Up – Sabriah Greer (Central Catholic High School)
- Miss Debutante 2026 – Marleya Smith (Central Catholic High School)
Sponsors for the 2026 Cotillion included The House of Day Funeral Home (Platinum Sponsor), Henry’s Jewelry and Giftware, Bowsher High School, Men’s Warehouse, Imagine Madison Avenue School of Arts, DJ T.O. Todd Kyle’s, Reynolds Elementary School, Terry Crosby, Parkway Plaza, Heather Downs Country Club, Perry Harris and DJ Ohio.
Mr. Escort, Miss Congeniality and the Talent Show Winner each received a time piece from Henry’s Jewelry and a $300 award. The second runner up received a $2000 scholarship, first runner up $3000 and Miss Debutante 2026 was awarded a $5000 scholarship. Congratulation to all of the 2026 Debutantes as they enter their new chapter!
The 2026 Debutantes, Escorts and Sponsors
Dana Bethany
Central Catholic High School
Presented by: Pastor Damon Horton
Sponsored by: Sandra Boyd
Escorted by: Demario Johnson
ShawnZeya Brown
Central Catholic High School
Presented by: Shawn Brown
Sponsored by: Kisha Beu
Escorted by: Caleb McCain
Brooklynn Harrison
Central Catholic High School
Presented by: Brandon Harrison
Sponsored by: Bryan Harrison
Escorted by: Christian Kynard
Kennedy Powell
Central Catholic High School
Presented by: Calvin Powell
Sponsored by: Wiley Square
Escorted by: Alex Gordon Jr.
Alyson Williams
Central Catholic High School
Presented by: Andre Williamson
Sponsored by: Mr. & Mrs. Richard Jackson
Escorted by: Zenaje Liggins
Marleya Smith
Central Catholic High School
Presented by: Marquis Smith
Sponsored by: Latoya Chatman
Escorted by: Gavin Eckhart
Kimiko Floyd
St. Ursula Academy
Presented by: John Floyd
Sponsored by: Mr. & Mrs. John Floyd
Escorted by: Khali Moore
Diamond Kendrick
St. Ursula Academy
Presented by: Je Marr Kendrick
Sponsored by: Club 43 Mark McBee
Escorted by: Bryson Criss
Ja’Niya Jackson
Springfield High School
Presented by: Evan Jackson
Sponsored by: Evan Jackson & Robert Brown
Escorted by: Javeon Williams
Brooklyn Marrow
St. Ursula Academy
Presented by: Prentice Phillips
Sponsored by: Gwen Wyse
Escorted by: Amadi Johnson
Sabriah Greer
Central Catholic High School
Presented by: Kevin Greer
Sponsored by: Suzette Rushing
Escorted by: Bryson Foster
Dalliss Lothery-Hatch
Robert S. Rogers High School
Presented by: James White
Sponsored by: Erika White
Escorted by: Matthias Conway
Riayn Roberts
Toledo Early College
Presented by: Ron Roberts
Sponsored by: Janet Roberts
Escorted by: Julious Simmons
Debutantes in Waiting:
- Jaiyah Hill- Central Catholic High School
- Sonna Johnson-Maumee Valley Country Day School
- Minnie -Jean McMillian-Central Catholic High School
- Aubri Stallworth-Notre Dame Academy
- Danielle Williams-Roy S. Start High School
- Dennasia Mckitric-Toledo Early College
- Maliha Diab-Toledo Early College
- Mykailah Welborn-Central Catholic High School
- Treasure Grant-St. Ursula Academy
- Khloe Duke-St. Ursula Academy
- A’Niyah McNair- Notre Dame Academy
- Za’Rianna Wiggins-Jones Leadership Academy
- Mackenzie Rayford-Northview High School
- Nalae Jones-Central Catholic High School
Officers of the NANBPWC, Inc Toledo Club:
President Tyra Smith Williamson; 1st Vice President & Financial Secretary Joy Goodner; 2nd Vice President & Parliamentarian Dr. Sherry Coogler; Membership Chairman & Treasurer Ethel Scott; Recording Secretary BJ Tucker; Correspondence Secretary Mironda Harris; and Chaplain Tommie McGhee
Members of the NANBPWC, Inc Toledo Club:
Delores Bates, Clara Brank, Deborah Carlisle, Iris Page Jones, Wanda Terrell Galloway, Charlotte Wells, Marquisa Horton, Beverly Tucker, Rita Ray, Jessica Lemon, Shareese Norwood, Kimberly Scribner
2026 Cotillion Committee
- Performance Choreographers – Dr. Sherry Coogler & Perry Harris
- Debs-In-Waiting – Etiquette – Mrs. Mironda Harris & Charlotte Wells
- Talent Coordinators – Deborah Carlisle & Beverly Tucker,
- Escorts & Presenters – Mr. Eric Willis & Pastor Damon Horton,
- Coordinator & Decorations – President Tyra Smith Williamson