The St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office recently partnered with United Way of St. Charles and Legacy Venue to offer a unique and positive experience for several young ladies in the community.
These organizations hosted their first annual “A Night Beyond the Stars” Debutante Ball/Cotillion event in Luling, for teenage girls ages 15 through 19 and serving as an introduction for the participants to society as they transition into womanhood.
Eight participants – called “The Divine 8’ by Andrell Lockett, owner of Legacy Venue – went through the process of preparing for the event, learning different skills and making what was a fairly significant time commitment to do so.
“They have to learn to waltz, they learned table etiquette, they share their aspirations – both short and long term – after graduating high school,” said Jorge Walker, who has two daughters who were among the participants. “They shared what they’re doing currently in terms of leadership in the community and among their peers.”
Walker said the event was a joy both for his daughters and to witness as a father.
“I thought it was well-executed, well-organized and very high caliber,” he said. “I really appreciated the work they did doing
something so positive and enlightening for those young ladies in our community. The entire evening was done beautifully.”
Lt. Roanne Sampson and Sgt. Keysla Perrilloux of the Sheriff’s Office worked with Lockett to coordinate the event, which was open to all teen girls ages 15 to 19 in the local community.
Each debutante was escorted by someone of their choosing – grandfathers, fathers, uncles and close friends of family. Family, friends and local community members attended the event, which saw Pastor Troy Smith from True Vine Baptist Church opening with prayer and a guest motivational speaker, Sandra Washington.
The plan is to make this an annual event.
Several of the girls who were part of the event have also attended the Sheriff’s Office’s annual Exploring Crew Girls Summer Camp, in which eleven female chaperones from the sheriff’s office supervised 35 preteen and teen girls, ages eleven to seventeen, for a fun-filled week of activities including archery, gun safety, swimming, rock climbing, and other events.
“(Sampson) had approached me about doing some etiquette classes for the girls,” said Lockett. “So, they would come to Legacy periodically and we would make different meals. We taught them dining etiquitte. We would do simple things like spaghetti and meatballs, to fine dining with 12 utensils on the table. The teaching was very extensive and they learned a lot … how to place your napkins, how to let the chef know they enjoyed the meal, how to inform the waiter or waitress they’re finished their meal … they rehearsed for weeks. Some nights we had 12, some nights we had 15.”
Lockett said she is grateful for the chance to be part of this, and called it an opportunity to give back.
“We are planning on doing it again next year. It’s my way of giving back to the community … helping out children, no matter what nationality, ethnic or financial background they come from, I can call on my experience to contribute something into their lives as well,” she said.
