The Tribune

Life for a millennial adolescent on the verge of adulthood can be overwhelming. Choosing the right college, measuring up to society’s standards of beauty and peer pressure are just some of the challenges they have to navigate.

With so many potentially life-altering decisions to be made, it is a time when positive reinforcement and mentoring are vital, and one of the reasons why the Bahamas Debutante Foundation strives to be a pivotal organisation in the local civic landscape.

In existence for 19 years, older than many of its benefactors, the Debutante Foundation aims to help young ladies make the transition from adolescence to young adulthood with poise and grace.

Every year, 12th grade female students with a GPA of 3.00 or above who are active in their schools and communities are invited to participate in the programme. Over six months, the ladies attend seminars and workshops designed to inspire them, boost their self-esteem and empower them to be successful.

Since its inception, more than 1,500 young ladies have benefited from the programme.

“Arguably one of the most impactful ways to inspire hope in young persons is exposure,” said Cristina Johnson, president of The Bahamas Debutante Foundation. “I started this programme because after teaching for so many years, I recognised that we have many young women who need to be encouraged, who never felt like they were entitled to and deserving of.”

Mrs Johnson, a veteran educator of 39 years, considers the Debutante Foundation a labour of love.

“Once one debutante or parent says how much the programme benefited them, I know that I have to continue and get started planning the next year,” she said.

During the programme, debutantes meet weekly and are exposed to leaders in various sectors of society. They also pay several courtesy calls to leaders of the nation. Developing a close relationship with family is highly encouraged and demonstrated in the father-daughter day and mother-daughter day, which often involve emotional tributes from the debutantes to their parents. Their communication skills are also honed through various essay and speech competitions.

The six-month programme culminates with the debutantes’ introduction to society at the Debutante Ball. Donning white gowns and escorted by their fathers, the debutantes dance their first waltz with their fathers and celebrate the completion of the programme. At the ball, one debutante is named the “Debutante of the Year”.