Calling all debutantes.

Alpha Lambda Omega Christian Sorority’s Debutante Program is looking for female senior high school students for its inaugural year.

The Debutante Program identifies and celebrates young ladies moving into womanhood.

A debutante is a young lady who makes her first and formal entrance into society and must exemplify the qualities which are the epitome of finer womanhood, according to the club’s application. Young women’s 18th birthdays are celebrated by having a formal ball.

Many organizations have a debutante program, however, this is the only one in Huntsville. Stacie Jones, Alpha Lambda Omega’s president, hopes this first year will be a success. Because Alpha Lambda Omega is a Christian sorority, its program is founded on Christian principles.

“Depending on the success of this year determines if we keep on having the program,” Jones said.

According to Jones, the program is similar to a sorority, with its bonds to other girls and the activities to which girls are exposed.

Jones said candidates must plan on graduating in May or June 2007, have a minimum grade point average of 2.7 on a 4.0 scale, must never have been married, must have no children and must be in good standing with school, home and community. A complete application packet should be postmarked by Sept. 1 and it consists of the application, three letters of recommendation and an official transcript.

Ladies chosen as debutantes receive a college scholarship, however, the ladies have one year to sell ads that will appear in a book at the Cotillion Ball later in the year.

The ads may be business ads or notes from relatives. Ladies are required to sell a minimum of five full-page ads. Jones said the minimum scholarship will be around $500 but the more ads the ladies sell, the larger the scholarship will be. Jones received an $800 scholarship 10 years ago when she was a debutante.

“It’s not just about an award, but showing that you’re grown up,” Jones said.

The number of debutantes differs for each year, and Jones said the number of ladies selected depends on the number of candidates and the interview committee.

Jones said several community service projects are planned for the upcoming year. Examples of Jones’ service projects include serving Thanksgiving dinner at a senior center, holding a clothing drive and reading to children in libraries.

Once selected, girls will attend seminars hosted throughout the year. These seminars will help the young ladies become better women from a Christian perspective.

The program’s finale will be a formal Cotillion Ball. Debutantes will be required to purchase white dresses and attend the event with an escort. Jones said it’s symbolic of the lady entering womanhood. The lady dances with her father and the escort at the ball.

Also, the Cotillion is where Miss Debutante is crowned and where the ladies receive scholarships.

The public is invited to the Cotillion, but it is a formal event so guests must dress accordingly. It will be held in the Lowman Student Center Ballroom on the campus of Sam Houston State. Tickets are $15 presale or $20 at the door. The date of the Cotillion has not yet been announced.

Jones attended C.E. Ellison High School in Killeen where she was a debutante through Delta Sigma Theta Sorority’s program.

“The Debutante Program is a good tool to help prepare you for when you graduate and get out there,” she said.

For more information about the Debutante Program and to receive a packet, call Stacie Jones at (254) 681-4180 or e-mail lambda_ladies1990@yahoo.com. They may be mailed to Alpha Lambda Omega Christian Sorority Inc., Delta Numbers Chapter, Attn: Debutante Program, SHSU Box 2476, Huntsville, Texas 77341.