Beta Zeta Sigma Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc. presented its annual Cotillion in the Brown Auditorium at Nash Community College.

Turnesha Annette Taylor, a senior at Tarboro High School, and the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Turner Taylor lll was honored and crowned as queen of the cotillion.

Jalisa Yvonne Haynes, a senior at Northern Nash High School and granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Cephus Haynes received distinction as first runner-up.

Receiving recognition were Kelsey Troydell Ballance, a senior at Rocky Mount High School, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Calvin Ballance and Joycelyn Renee Bryant, a senior at Tarboro High School, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Winston Bryant.

One of the highlights of the evening was the presentation of the parents. As they were being presented they took their stroll on the ballroom floor as a special tribute was given.

Soror Shawnita Harper, basileus of the chapter, welcomed the guests on behalf of the sorority and presented the sorors of the chapter.

Vonzeffa Christine Thompson, the queen of 2007, a student at UNC-Charlotte, returned to reign over the festivities, to give a brief message and relinquish her crown and robe to the 2008 queen.

The climax of the cotillion is the presentation of the debutantes along with their assistant marshals. Each one made her grand entrance on the arm of her father, chief marshal. She was escorted to her position on the ballroom floor as the queen took her stroll.

The traditional musical tribute was played by the Dick Knight Express.

The official welcome was delivered by Rocky Mount City Councilman, Lamont Wiggins. He delivered a very inspirational and challenging message. He admonished the debutantes and assistant marshals to be responsible citizens.

He reminded them that they must understand and participate in the political process in that they were witnessing two movements that are going on at the same time – the first female or first black American president of the United States.

As the finale of the cotillion, after forming the cartwheel figure, the debutantes, marshals and parents joined in the dancing of the traditional waltz.

The announcers for the cotillion were Sorors Elizabeth Moore and Genotre Penny-Boone.