The Suffolk Chapter Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated held its annual Debutante-Beautillion Presentation on Friday, April 26, at the Suffolk Hilton Garden Inn Riverfront.

This year marked the 43rd year of the sorority’s annual scholarship presentation for graduating seniors. This program focuses on assisting potential scholars with the preparation of their postsecondary education.

Participating students hailed from Lakeland, King’s Fork, Western Branch, I.C. Norcom and Woodside high schools. The students, along with their sponsors and parents, worked for more than six months raising money for their scholarships. These students raised over $17,000 collectively in scholarship funds.

In the last 43 years, the Suffolk chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority has continued aiding young seniors with fundraising and professional development and will constantly push the participants to maintain good merit, grades and behavior while pursuing his or her studies and professional careers. Scholarship is an attribute for all young persons to utilize their critical thinking skill while away from their parents. Scholarship was constantly emphasized among the group of eager graduates, and the sorority shared its wisdom, scholarly attributes, etiquette training and more to the young community of future leaders.

The purpose of the presentation was to introduce to society at the proper time and in the proper manner eligible young ladies and young men of our area. The presentation is one of many activities sponsored by the sorority to raise funds for the annual scholarship fund, which is used to help worthy young people meet their financial obligations while enrolled in institutions of higher education.

Ciara Rawls, a senior from Western Branch High School, was named queen of the event. Kendall White, a senior from Lakeland High School, was named king.

The sorority thanked the sponsors and parents who assisted the future graduates with the preparation for this event and their life after high school.

For more information on the next presentation held during the 2014-2015 school year, visit your school’s guidance department or the local chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated website at www.epsilonthetazeta.org.