ASTER Debutante Scholarship Program For years young ladies have been presented to their communities through the Debutante Cotillion of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., the Jabberwock of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and similar programs. These signature programs have been renowned for promoting and cultivating in the young ladies elegance, scholarship, and poise. The Unity #17 Gleaner Youth Branch of the Gleaner Youth Department under the Order of the Eastern Star (North Carolina and Jurisdiction) wishes to use a similar program as a means of awarding scholarships to young women in recognition of their scholastic achievement, community service, fundraising, and overall participation in the program, as well as to raise awareness for the Youth Department. Funding for the scholarships will come from patron donations and solicitations. The white aster is the flower recommended for use by the Gleaner Youth Department. It is a combining form denoting relationship to a star, as in asterism (starlike) or asteroid. Used for the title of this debutante program, the word aster forms an acronym of some of the key values: Academics. Service. Tenacity. Etiquette. Righteousness. Program Objectives To promote high ideals and character building for young ladies during their formative years To help young ladies acquire social graces and good citizenship through group activity To promote understanding and friendship between the members of the organization and others To develop new friendships, provide volunteer service; engage in structured leadership, etiquette, and educational worships that will enhance educational and social skills To raise awareness for the Gleaner Youth Department in hopes that the girls will wish to join their local Branches Program Overview The mission of the ASTER Debutante Program is to provide scholarships and promote community service and volunteerism for young girls ages 8-18. Part of the key to the success of the program is the spirit of sisterhood and development that is instilled in the participants in a fun and memorable environment. The program is made up of five key components: Workshops Community Service Volunteerism Special Programs and Projects (including the Debutante Scrapbook/Portfolio) Rehearsals Presentation of the Debutantes at the Exhibition and Coronation
The ASTER Debutante Scholarship Program is enhanced through workshops, providing Debutantes with current information and a medium for discussion on relevant topics, and participation in other programs and projects designed to promote sisterhood among the participating Debutantes. Additionally, the young ladies will have the opportunity to interact with community leaders and establish mentors who are interested in their future development. The ASTER will not only be a vehicle for scholarship, but also a means by which young women can provide service to the community. Eligibility Requirements Must be between the ages of 8-18 and enrolled in a Jones, Onslow, or Carteret County school May not be married nor have children Must submit all required materials ~ Debutante Application Form and appropriate application fee ~ Information Form for Escort * ~ Official Transcript or Most Recent Official Report Card ~ 2 recommendation forms Must sell/pay for at least 10 tickets, and $750 in ads or donations for the program booklet Must pay a fee of $25 for any check returned for insufficient funds GPA (2.75)/Letter grade average (C) must be maintained throughout the program A minimum of 20 hours of volunteer service is required. However, debutantes are encouraged to give as much time as possible to the Gleaner Youth Branch. Information pertaining to service will be provided. Debutantes will be required to participate in various workshops and other activities through the cotillion program. Debutantes will also be required to attend all exhibition rehearsals. *Any Debutante without personal preference for her escort may have one provided for her.
ASTER Debutante Guidelines 1. Applications are due no later than Friday, September 22, 2012. Mailed applications should be postmarked by Wednesday, September 20, 2012. Notification will be sent to young ladies chosen for the Program using the addresses given in the application. 2. A non-refundable application fee is required with each application ($15.00 for Ladies of Virtue, ages 8-13; $20.00 for Ladies of Courtesy, ages 14-18). Checks may be made payable to Excelsior #305 with Unity #17 Gleaner Youth Branch in the memo line. 3. The Debutante candidate is required to submit two recommendation forms with her application. 4. The Debutante candidate must be between the ages of 8 and 18 on the date of June 22, 2013, and must be enrolled in a school within the seventh Masonic district (Jones, Onslow, and Carteret County). 5. The Debutante candidate must attend all scheduled ASTER activities. 6. The first meeting with the Debutantes and their parents is scheduled for Saturday, October 13 th. The meeting time and location will be provided at the time of Debutantes selection notification. 7. The selected Debutante candidate must be prepared to pay a Debutante Program fee of $750.00 (through funds from ads, sponsorships, fundraisers, etc). The fee may be paid on an installment plan established by ASTER staff and the Debutante s parent or guardian. The Program fee of $750.00 which is payable in full or in installments is nonrefundable and will cover the following: Debutante kit program materials, workshop supplies, t-shirt and tote 7-month etiquette and leadership training sessions related to the following: Self-image and Motivation Diversity Training and Team Building Virtue Training Dining, Social, and Networking Etiquette Goal Setting and Career Building Health and Nutrition Recruitment into the Gleaner Youth Department Cultural field trip(s) Sitting fee and media photograph Two tickets for the Exhibition and Coronation Keepsake token 8. Each Debutante will be provided tickets for sale to friends and family who would like to attend the Exhibition and Coronation at the culmination of the program. Unsold tickets must be returned by June 18, 2013, or the Debutante will be responsible for the cost.
9. Photos will be taken of each young lady to be used for press releases and our souvenir booklet. The cost of the sitting fee is included in the registration fee. Debutantes will be given the opportunity to purchase additional pictures for an additional cost. Guidelines on dress will be given at a later date. 10. Young ladies chosen to participate in the ASTER Debutante Scholarship Program are expected to conduct themselves at all times as young ladies and representatives of Order of the Eastern Star and the Gleaner Youth Department. 11. There are several functions held prior to the ASTER Debutante Exhibition and Coronation. Attendance at these functions is mandatory for the Debutantes. Failure to attend these functions will result in point deductions. Exact dates will be provided for Debutantes upon selection to participate in the program. October 2012 Orientation Dinner and Motivational Seminar November 2012 Diversity Training and Team Building Workshop December 2012 Virtue Training Workshop / Practice January 2013 Etiquette Workshop / Practice, Cultural Field Trip February 2013 Goal Setting and/or Financial Planning Workshop March 2013 Healthful Living Workshop / Practice April 2013 Recruitment Presentation / Practice April 2013 Cultural Field Trip May 2013 Photo Session / Practice June 17-20, 2013 Scrapbook Assembly and Practices June 21, 2013 Dress Rehearsal June 22, 2013 ASTER Debutante Exhibition and Coronation 12. The ASTER Debutantes will be required to provide perform community service hours with Unity #17 Gleaner Youth Department. Any Debutantes who are members of Unity #17 Gleaner Youth Department before the inception of the program must complete a 1-2 page writing assignment for each community service event.
Unity #17 Gleaner Youth Branch Gleaner Youth Department of the Order of the Eastern Star North Carolina and Jurisdiction Participant Application Lady of Courtesy / Lady of Virtue / Escort Information Form (Please check the appropriate category.) Lady of Courtesy (Age 14-18) Lady of Virtue (Age 8-13) Escort Name First Middle Last Address _ City State Zip Code Telephone Number(s) Home Cell Email Address School GPA (or Letter Average, for Lady of Virtue) Official Transcript Attached Grade Most Recent Report Card Attached T-Shirt Size Youth Adult (Circle One) S M L XL 2X 3X Mother s Name Father s Name Parent/Guardian Cell Numbers Mother Father Sponsor s Name (if applicable)
Activities School Activities Church Related Community Service Honors/Awards Debutante candidates are to please remit a non-refundable application fee ($15.00 for Ladies of Virtue, $20.00 for Ladies of Courtesy) and an official high school transcript or most recent official report card with application. Checks or money orders should be made payable to Excelsior #305 and write Unity #17 Gleaners/ASTER in the memo line. The deadline for the acceptance of applications is September 22, 2012 (all mailed applications must be postmarked by September 20). Please mail application, transcript and fee to Marisha Washington; 117 Ash Place; Jacksonville, NC 28546. For questions contact (910) 333-6332 or e-mail marisha.washington@gmail.com. I have read and completed this application and understand the attached guidelines of the ASTER Debutante Scholarship Program. I agree that the sponsoring Gleaner Youth Branch will not be responsible for any accident to me/my child while participating in ASTER activities both on and off-site. I give my consent for photographs, video and other forms of media, in which I/my child may appear to be used in any way by the ASTER and/or the Gleaner Youth Department for non-profit, public purposes. Candidate Signature Parent/Guardian Signature Date Date
Unity #17 Gleaner Youth Branch Gleaner Youth Department of the Order of the Eastern Star North Carolina and Jurisdiction Participant Application Lady of Courtesy / Lady of Virtue / Escort Information Form (Please check the appropriate category.) Lady of Courtesy (Age 14-18) Lady of Virtue (Age 8-13) Escort Name First Middle Last Address _ City State Zip Code Telephone Number(s) Home Cell Email Address School GPA (or Letter Average, for Lady of Virtue) Official Transcript Attached Most Recent Report Card Attached Grade Mother s Name Father s Name Parent/Guardian Cell Numbers Mother Father Debutante Participant s Name
ASTER Debutante Scholarship Program Reference Form Please complete this reference check form and place it in an envelope (signed along the seal) for the Debutante candidate to include with her completed application packet. Completed by Date Debutante Candidate Name 1. What is your relationship to the candidate? 2. How long have you known the candidate? 3. Please circle the most applicable rating for each of the following characteristics. Character and personality Initiative and drive Interaction with others Demonstrated leadership Concern for others Team player Service in the community 4. How do you think the Debutante candidate would benefit from the ASTER Debutante Scholarship Program? Additional comments: Thank you for your time and consideration. All information you supply will be shared only with the selections committee.
ASTER Debutante Scholarship Program Reference Form Please complete this reference check form and place it in an envelope (signed along the seal) for the Debutante candidate to include with her completed application packet. Completed by Date Debutante Candidate Name 1. What is your relationship to the candidate? 2. How long have you known the candidate? 3. Please circle the most applicable rating for each of the following characteristics. Character and personality Initiative and drive Interaction with others Demonstrated leadership Concern for others Team player Service in the community 4. How do you think the Debutante candidate would benefit from the ASTER Debutante Scholarship Program? Additional comments: Thank you for your time and consideration. All information you supply will be shared only with the selections committee.