{"id":19550,"date":"2026-05-28T15:35:04","date_gmt":"2026-05-28T15:35:04","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/wordpress.thetruthtoledo.com\/?p=19550"},"modified":"2026-05-28T15:35:04","modified_gmt":"2026-05-28T15:35:04","slug":"miss-debutante-2026-crowned-at-58th-annual-debutante-cotillion","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/wordpress.thetruthtoledo.com\/index.php\/2026\/05\/28\/miss-debutante-2026-crowned-at-58th-annual-debutante-cotillion\/","title":{"rendered":"Miss Debutante 2026 Crowned at 58th Annual Debutante Cotillion"},"content":{"rendered":"<figure id=\"attachment_19551\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-19551\" style=\"width: 300px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-19551\" src=\"http:\/\/wordpress.thetruthtoledo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Miss-Debutante-2026-Marleya-Smith-right-with-Miss-Debutante-2025-Paris-300x155.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"155\" srcset=\"http:\/\/wordpress.thetruthtoledo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Miss-Debutante-2026-Marleya-Smith-right-with-Miss-Debutante-2025-Paris-300x155.jpg 300w, http:\/\/wordpress.thetruthtoledo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Miss-Debutante-2026-Marleya-Smith-right-with-Miss-Debutante-2025-Paris-370x191.jpg 370w, http:\/\/wordpress.thetruthtoledo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Miss-Debutante-2026-Marleya-Smith-right-with-Miss-Debutante-2025-Paris.jpg 700w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-19551\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Miss Debutante 2026 Marleya Smith (right) with Miss Debutante 2025 Paris<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><em>By Dawn Scotland<\/em><br \/>\n<em>The Truth Reporter<\/em><\/p>\n<p>The National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n<p>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 \u201cclothed with the finer thoughts of living and endowed with a complete sense of responsibility.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>During the eight-month process the young ladies attend workshops, classes and various events hosted by the club. \u00a0This 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.<\/p>\n<p>Thousands of junior and senior ladies have participated in the Debutante Cotillion since it\u2019s inception. The evening featured dinner, dancing \u2013 including a choreographed waltz- and music by DJ Ohio.\u00a0 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.<\/p>\n<p><strong>The 2026 Debutante Cotillion Awardees:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong> Escort 2026<\/strong>\u2013 DeMario Johnson<\/li>\n<li><strong>Miss Congeniality 2026<\/strong>\u2013 Dana Bethany (Central Catholic High School)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Talent Show Winner 2026<\/strong> \u2013 Marleya Smith (Central Catholic High School)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Miss Debutante 2026 2<sup>nd<\/sup> Runner Up<\/strong> \u2013 Sabriah Greer (Central Catholic High School)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Miss Debutante 2026<\/strong> \u2013 Marleya Smith (Central Catholic High School)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Sponsors for the 2026 Cotillion included The House of Day Funeral Home (Platinum Sponsor), Henry\u2019s Jewelry and Giftware, Bowsher High School, Men&#8217;s Warehouse, Imagine Madison Avenue School of Arts, DJ T.O. Todd Kyle&#8217;s, Reynolds Elementary School, Terry Crosby, Parkway Plaza, Heather Downs Country Club, Perry Harris and DJ Ohio.<\/p>\n<p>Mr. Escort, Miss Congeniality and the Talent Show Winner each received a time piece from Henry\u2019s 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!<\/p>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>The 2026 Debutantes, Escorts and Sponsors<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Dana Bethany<\/p>\n<p>Central Catholic High School<\/p>\n<p>Presented by: Pastor Damon Horton<\/p>\n<p>Sponsored by: Sandra Boyd<\/p>\n<p>Escorted by: Demario Johnson<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>ShawnZeya Brown<\/p>\n<p>Central Catholic High School<\/p>\n<p>Presented by: Shawn Brown<\/p>\n<p>Sponsored by: Kisha Beu<\/p>\n<p>Escorted by: Caleb McCain<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Brooklynn Harrison<\/p>\n<p>Central Catholic High School<\/p>\n<p>Presented by: Brandon Harrison<\/p>\n<p>Sponsored by: Bryan Harrison<\/p>\n<p>Escorted by: Christian Kynard<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Kennedy Powell<\/p>\n<p>Central Catholic High School<\/p>\n<p>Presented by: Calvin Powell<\/p>\n<p>Sponsored by: Wiley Square<\/p>\n<p>Escorted by: Alex Gordon Jr.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Alyson Williams<\/p>\n<p>Central Catholic High School<\/p>\n<p>Presented by: Andre Williamson<\/p>\n<p>Sponsored by: Mr. &amp; Mrs. Richard Jackson<\/p>\n<p>Escorted by: Zenaje Liggins<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Marleya Smith<\/p>\n<p>Central Catholic High School<\/p>\n<p>Presented by: Marquis Smith<\/p>\n<p>Sponsored by: Latoya Chatman<\/p>\n<p>Escorted by: Gavin Eckhart<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Kimiko Floyd<\/p>\n<p>St. Ursula Academy<\/p>\n<p>Presented by: John Floyd<\/p>\n<p>Sponsored by: Mr. &amp; Mrs. John Floyd<\/p>\n<p>Escorted by: Khali Moore<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Diamond Kendrick<\/p>\n<p>St. Ursula Academy<\/p>\n<p>Presented by: Je Marr Kendrick<\/p>\n<p>Sponsored by: Club 43 Mark McBee<\/p>\n<p>Escorted by: Bryson Criss<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Ja&#8217;Niya Jackson<\/p>\n<p>Springfield High School<\/p>\n<p>Presented by: Evan Jackson<\/p>\n<p>Sponsored by: Evan Jackson &amp; Robert Brown<\/p>\n<p>Escorted by: Javeon Williams<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Brooklyn Marrow<\/p>\n<p>St. Ursula Academy<\/p>\n<p>Presented by: Prentice Phillips<\/p>\n<p>Sponsored by: Gwen Wyse<\/p>\n<p>Escorted by: Amadi Johnson<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Sabriah Greer<\/p>\n<p>Central Catholic High School<\/p>\n<p>Presented by: Kevin Greer<\/p>\n<p>Sponsored by: Suzette Rushing<\/p>\n<p>Escorted by: Bryson Foster<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Dalliss Lothery-Hatch<\/p>\n<p>Robert S. Rogers High School<\/p>\n<p>Presented by: James White<\/p>\n<p>Sponsored by: Erika White<\/p>\n<p>Escorted by: Matthias Conway<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Riayn Roberts<\/p>\n<p>Toledo Early College<\/p>\n<p>Presented by: Ron Roberts<\/p>\n<p>Sponsored by: Janet Roberts<\/p>\n<p>Escorted by: Julious Simmons<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong>Debutantes in Waiting:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Jaiyah Hill- Central Catholic High School<\/li>\n<li>Sonna Johnson-Maumee Valley Country Day School<\/li>\n<li>Minnie -Jean McMillian-Central Catholic High School<\/li>\n<li>Aubri Stallworth-Notre Dame Academy<\/li>\n<li>Danielle Williams-Roy S. Start High School<\/li>\n<li>Dennasia Mckitric-Toledo Early College<\/li>\n<li>Maliha Diab-Toledo Early College<\/li>\n<li>Mykailah Welborn-Central Catholic High School<\/li>\n<li>Treasure Grant-St. Ursula Academy<\/li>\n<li>Khloe Duke-St. Ursula Academy<\/li>\n<li>A&#8217;Niyah McNair- Notre Dame Academy<\/li>\n<li>Za&#8217;Rianna Wiggins-Jones Leadership Academy<\/li>\n<li>Mackenzie Rayford-Northview High School<\/li>\n<li>Nalae Jones-Central Catholic High School<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong>Officers of the NANBPWC, Inc Toledo Club:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>President Tyra Smith Williamson; 1st Vice President &amp; Financial Secretary Joy Goodner; 2nd Vice President &amp; Parliamentarian Dr. Sherry Coogler; \u00a0Membership Chairman &amp; Treasurer Ethel Scott; Recording Secretary BJ Tucker; Correspondence Secretary Mironda Harris; and \u00a0Chaplain Tommie McGhee<\/p>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Members of the NANBPWC, Inc Toledo Club:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>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<\/p>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>2026 Cotillion Committee <\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Performance Choreographers<\/strong> &#8211; Dr. Sherry Coogler &amp; Perry Harris<\/li>\n<li><strong>Debs-In-Waiting &#8211; Etiquette<\/strong> &#8211; Mrs. Mironda Harris &amp; Charlotte Wells<\/li>\n<li><strong>Talent Coordinators<\/strong> &#8211; Deborah Carlisle &amp; Beverly Tucker,<\/li>\n<li><strong>Escorts &amp; Presenters<\/strong> &#8211; Mr. Eric Willis &amp; Pastor Damon Horton,<\/li>\n<li><strong>Coordinator &amp; Decorations<\/strong> &#8211; President Tyra Smith Williamson<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>By Dawn Scotland The Truth Reporter The National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women\u2019s 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 [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":19552,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[250,17],"tags":[],"wf_post_folders":[349],"class_list":["post-19550","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-local-news","category-local"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/wordpress.thetruthtoledo.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19550","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/wordpress.thetruthtoledo.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/wordpress.thetruthtoledo.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/wordpress.thetruthtoledo.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/wordpress.thetruthtoledo.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=19550"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"http:\/\/wordpress.thetruthtoledo.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19550\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":19555,"href":"http:\/\/wordpress.thetruthtoledo.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19550\/revisions\/19555"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/wordpress.thetruthtoledo.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/19552"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/wordpress.thetruthtoledo.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=19550"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/wordpress.thetruthtoledo.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=19550"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/wordpress.thetruthtoledo.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=19550"},{"taxonomy":"wf_post_folders","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/wordpress.thetruthtoledo.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/wf_post_folders?post=19550"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}