The Old Dominion Cotillion (ODC) will begin its 2006-2007 social season with an Invitational Tea on Sunday, Oct. 15. The Tea is an opportunity for young ladies who are interested in joining the ODC to meet current members and their mothers and to learn about Cotillion activities.
THE ODC provides an opportunity for parents to prepare their daughters for the adult social world through planned events, seminars, and philanthropic activities. It offers a diverse program of social, cultural, and educational experiences that provide young women with the opportunity to grow in confidence, grace, and poise.
Fun, interactive seminars conducted by ODC include everyday items such as writing thank-you notes, phone etiquette, correspondence, email etiquette, wardrobe and makeup. Formal etiquette sessions include formal dining, dance instruction, poise and attire, and interview preparation. The mothers, fathers, and families of the young ladies are also involved in many of the activities held throughout the year. Events planned for the coming year include teas, dances, a father-daughter sweetheart brunch, a women's day in Washington, D.C., a Halloween night in Old Town Alexandria, visits to the National Cathedral and the U.S. Department of State, a Mardi Gras party, a road rally, picnics, and an auto maintenance seminar.
In addition, as a commitment to social responsibility, each member contributes volunteer service during the year.
The year's social events culminate in a wonderful ball in July at which the Debutantes are presented. Debutantes are juniors and seniors in high school who have spent the year preparing for this moment. This past summer, the ODC celebrated its 15th Annual Debutante Ball on July 15th in the Old Dominion ballroom at Westfields Marriott in Chantilly.
Six young ladies became the 15th class of Debutantes to be presented by their parents at the elegant event. Ball Week began with a father-daughter road rally on Sunday in Northern Virginia, followed by a picnic in Clifton.
At the Ring Dance later in the week the Debutantes met their escorts from Virginia Military Institute and were presented with their class rings. The week concluded with the elegant ball, a fairy tale evening of beautiful girls in Cinderella gowns.
This year's Debutantes included: Laura Bennett (Bishop O'Connell High School), daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Bennett of Clifton; Michelle Kaczmarek (Paul VI Catholic High School), daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Carl Kaczmarek Jr. of Clifton; Sophie McManus (Chantilly High School), daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Michael Mulligan of Fairfax; Caroline Rushing (Centreville High School), daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Melvern Rushing of Clifton; Katherine Sumner (Robinson Secondary School), daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Sumner, Centreville; and Ashlyn Wallace (Bishop O'Connell High School High School), daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Wallace of Alexandria.
Five young women were introduced as Future Debutantes, who will debut in the next two years, and seven Post Debutantes were introduced who were Debutantes last year.
Francine Gallagher, director of the Old Dominion Cotillion, was honored during the festivities for her hard work in making the Cotillion such an enjoyable experience for the young ladies and their families. During the event, Mrs. Gallagher also announced the engagements of her two daughters, Julie and Leslie, who will be married in September 2006 and March 2007, respectively.
Under the direction of Mrs. Gallagher, membership in the Cotillion is open to all young women and their families, regardless of race, religion, or creed.
For more information, to receive an invitation to the tea, or to request a brochure describing the ODC and its activities, contact Mrs. Donald Pressley at 703-304-7126.