Presenting the 2021 Texarkana Cotillion

 

Fifteen debutantes dressed in traditional gowns and carrying bouquets of red roses were presented to society on December 28, 2021, at Texarkana Country Club. John Crisp, master of ceremonies, introduced each young lady as she stepped from the dais. Vicki Carr and Andrea Finley played the chosen debut song for each debutante as she and her escort circled the room. This season was coordinated by Miss Blaire Barlow.

(Photos by Martin Patterson, Patterson’s Camera Shop)

 

Hollan Briley Borowitz

Hollan Briley Borowitz is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Borowitz of Texarkana, Texas. She is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Bill Lavender of Texarkana, Arkansas, and Mr. and Mrs. Felix Borowitz of Columbus, Ohio. Hollan is a sophomore at Texas Christian University, where she is in the Harris College of Nursing.  She plans to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist. She is a Chancellor’s Scholar, TCU Scholar, and on the Dean’s List for academic excellence. A member of Chi Omega Sorority, Hollan was chosen to serve on the Cardinal Cabinet for her chapter. This fall she was chosen to be a TCU Ambassador, a role which allows her to give tours of the campus and information session presentations to potential TCU students and parents. Her freshman year, Hollan was a part of TCU’s premier first-year leadership program, Frog Aides, and was chosen to serve on the Executive Team for the 2021-2022 school year where she is the Director of Internal Communications, leads the Health and Wellness Small Group, and specializes in teaching leadership through the Enneagram. Hollan is a member of First Baptist Church Texarkana and attends Christ Chapel in Fort Worth. She plans to spend her summer as a counselor at Camp Ozark in Mount Ida, Arkansas, as well as shadow nurse anesthetists in Texarkana. She was presented by her father, John Borowitz, and escorted by her brother, John Thomas Borowitz, a junior at Texas High School. She selected “Waltz of the Flowers’’ by Tchaikovsky from “The Nutcracker Suite” for her presentation song, an ode to her lifelong love for dance. She wore a one-of-a-kind classic ball gown with a unique, modern neckline and folded bodice flowing into a sleek skirt.


Chloe Lane Carpenter

Chloe Lane Carpenter is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Caven Carpenter of Texarkana, Texas.  She is the granddaughter of Mrs. Penny Carpenter, the late Mike Carpenter, and the late Mr. and Mrs. Mickey Schilling of Texarkana, Texas.  Chloe is a sophomore at The University of Texas at Austin where she is majoring in Advertising in the Moody College of Communication and minoring in Business. She is a member of the Iota chapter of Chi Omega fraternity where she served on the rush marketing team.  Chloe was a member of The University of Texas Pom squad her freshman year and is currently an instructor at Dancers Workshop dance studio in Austin, Texas.  She is a volunteer for the nonprofit organization, Regarding Cancer, and is a member of First Baptist Church Texarkana. She was presented by her father, Caven, and escorted by her brother, Zach Carpenter.  She selected “I Cross My Heart” by George Strait for her presentation song.  She chose a delicate organza ball gown from the Allure Romance Collection.  Detailed pleating created a lovely strapless, sweetheart neckline and a wide pleated cummerbund waist transitioned to the full skirt.  Her classically sweet gown was completed with a full bow placed perfectly at the back of the gown.


Georgia Blair Cobb

Georgia Blair Cobb is the daughter of Mr. James Michael Cobb and Ms. Kristi Hailey Cobb of Texarkana, Texas. She is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Roger and Linda Hailey of Atlanta, Texas, and Mr. and Mrs. Jimmy Cobb of Texarkana, Texas. Georgia is a sophomore at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, where she is majoring in Business Marketing with a minor in Sports Media. She is a member of the Nu Beta chapter of Chi Omega and the student recruitment team where she hosts players and their families who are being recruited to play football for the University of Alabama.  Georgia was a counselor at Camp Ozark in Mt. Ida, Arkansas, for 10 weeks and uses what she learned to continue to minister to young girls in Alabama. She fundraises for The Cure Starts Now Foundation and the Maggie Cobb Foundation which raises money for children fighting diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma, a rare brain cancer. Georgia was presented by her father, Mike Cobb, and escorted by her brother, Jackson Edward Cobb, a sophomore at Crowder College in Neosho, Missouri. She selected a stunning, timeless, specially designed Mikado ball gown by Justin Alexander for her presentation. A strapless, sweetheart neckline with couture seaming in the bodice and box pleats in the skirt gave the dress an elevated look. Pockets and classic covered buttons added an elegant finish. She selected “Georgia on My Mind” written in 1930 by Hoagy Carmichael and Stuart Gorrell and recorded that year by Hoagy Carmichael and later recorded by Ray Charles for her presentation song.


Cara Anne Court

Cara Anne Court is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Calvin Lance Court of Texarkana, Texas. She is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Wendell Shope of Texarkana, Arkansas, and Mr. and Mrs. Calvin Court of Texarkana, Texas.  Cara Anne is a sophomore at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, Arkansas, where she is majoring in Apparel Merchandising and Product Development in the Dale Bumpers College of Agriculture, Food and Life Sciences.  She is a member of the Arkansas Alpha chapter of Pi Beta Phi where she has had the privilege of volunteering with Champions Are Readers and The Miracle League as well as participating in the annual 5K Run for Literacy.  Cara Anne is a member of Vessel Church in Texarkana, Texas, where she has been a volunteer in the children’s ministry. She studied dance for 15 years at the Judith McCarty School of Dancing and continues her love of dance as an instructor at All That Dance Studio in Bentonville, Arkansas. She was presented by her father, Lance Court, and escorted by her brother, Connor Lance Court of Bentonville, Arkansas.  She selected “The Way You Look Tonight” by Jerome Kern and Dorothy Fields for her presentation song.  She chose a stunning classic ball gown featuring a sweetheart neckline with modern cuff detail, intricate floral beadwork on the back bodice, a pocketed full skirt of inverted box pleats and a cascade of elegant-covered buttons down the back. Her gown was specially designed by Justin Alexander.


Kathryn Ann Davis

Kathryn Ann Davis is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jay Davis of Texarkana, Texas. She is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Tye of Texarkana, Texas, and Mr. Jack Davis and the late Mrs. Susan Davis of Texarkana, Texas.  Kathryn is a sophomore at The University of Texas at Austin where she is majoring in Human Development and Family Science on the pre-health track in the College of Natural Sciences. She is a member of the Iota chapter of Chi Omega and is a member of Texas Healthy Habits where she teaches healthy living practices to children in the local Austin community. She attends The Austin Stone Church in Austin. ​“Here​ ​Comes​ ​the​ ​Sun,” ​a​ ​Beatles​ ​classic,​ ​was​ ​her​ ​presentation​ ​song as well as her sister, Lauren’s. She was escorted by Connor David Hornsby, a sophomore at Baylor University and the son of Mr. and Mrs. Troy Hornsby. She was presented in a gown from the private collection of Justin Alexander. The double crepe bodice featured a straight strapless neckline with pleating details at the waist. Soft layers of tulle defined the skirt and was completed with a narrow hem. A large whimsical bow added the finishing touch to her unique gown.


Meredith McKenzie Green

Meredith McKenzie Green is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Al Green of Texarkana, Texas. She is the granddaughter of Ms. Alice Jewell and the late Mr. Paul Jewell of Texarkana, Arkansas, and the late Col. and Mrs. Al Green, Sr. of San Antonio, Texas. Meredith is a sophomore at the University of Georgia in Athens, Georgia, where she is majoring in Nutritional Sciences in the College of Family and Consumer Sciences.  She is a member of the Mu Beta chapter of Chi Omega. She is a member of First Baptist Church Texarkana and attends Watkinsville First Baptist Church in Athens, Georgia, where she is leading a weekly Bible study for young girls. Meredith was presented by her father, Al Green, and escorted by Bryson Harris, a sophomore at Stephen F. Austin University and the son of Mr. and Mrs. Ty Harris of Texarkana, Texas.  She has always loved dance and selected “Tiny Dancer” by Elton John for her presentation song. She selected a one-of-a-kind Allure ball gown featuring a modern natural waist complemented by a rhinestone belt, a sweetheart neckline with a satin, fitted ruched bodice, and sleeveless design. It had vertical, tiered organza ruffles on the skirt defined with horsehair trim at the edge complemented with a tulle underlay. It had covered buttons down the back to complete the design.


Rachel Anne Hemphill

Rachel Anne Hemphill is the daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Hayden Hemphill of Texarkana, Texas. She is the granddaughter of Dr. and Mrs. Tom Parker of McKinney, Texas, Anna Parker of Texarkana, Texas, and Mr. Hilton Hemphill and the late Mrs. Carolyn Hemphill of Dallas, Texas. Rachel is a sophomore at Baylor University in  Waco, Texas, where she is majoring in marketing in the Baylor Hankamer School of Business. She is a member of the Theta Kappa chapter of Chi Omega and volunteers at Mission Waco’s after school program as a mentor to underprivileged students. She is a member of First Baptist Church Texarkana and attends Highland Church in Waco, Texas, where she leads a small group in the children’s ministry on Wednesday  nights. Rachel was presented by her father, Hayden Hemphill, and escorted by her brother, Caleb Truman Hemphill, a junior at Baylor University. She selected “Princess Diaries Waltz” by John  Debney. She selected a luxe satin ball gown from the  private collection of Justin Alexander for her presentation. A strapless notch neckline with an illusion tulle insert complemented the  dropped waist and V-back of the bodice. Her gown was finished with pockets, box pleats, and covered buttons to create a modern take on this traditional style.


Anna Grace Elizabethe Jones

Anna Grace Elizabethe Jones is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Geoff Jones of Texarkana, Arkansas. She is the granddaughter of Mrs. Thomas Aycock of Texarkana, Arkansas, and the late Mr. Thomas Aycock and the late Honorable and Mrs. Guy Jones of Texarkana, Texas. Anna Grace is a sophomore at The University of Texas in Austin where she is completing a double major in Business Honors and Finance in the Canfield Business Honors Program within the McCombs School of Business. She is a member of the Theta Zeta chapter of Delta Delta Delta and works with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital to raise money for children undergoing cancer treatment. Additionally, she is a member of Phi Gamma Nu, a business fraternity that promotes professionalism, philanthropy, and community within its members and serves on the recruitment and social committees. Anna Grace is a member of First Baptist Church Texarkana and attends The Austin Stone Church in Austin,Texas. She plans to spend the summer abroad in Barcelona, Spain, studying International Marketing. She was presented by her father, Geoff Jones, and escorted by her brother, Grayson Jones. She selected “My Wish” by Rascal Flatts for her presentation song. Her father once told her if he could write her a song, it would be this one. She was presented in a satin ball gown from the Pearl Bridal Collection by Sherri Hill. The bodice featured a straight strapless neckline, princess seams, and a defined waist. Her stunning gown was completed with a full skirt and elegant buttons that extended down the back.


Caroline Claire Joyce

Caroline Claire Joyce is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Gene Joyce of Texarkana, Texas. She is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Gary Mayo of Texarkana, Texas, and Dr. and Mrs. Gene Joyce of Texarkana, Texas. Caroline is a sophomore at Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee, where she is majoring in Music Therapy in the Belmont School of Music. She is a board member of Belmont’s Chapter of United Sound where she volunteers to provide musical performance experiences to students with disabilities through peer mentorship. She continues to pursue her love of music and helping others through teaching lessons and holding camps for children. She is also an active member of University Catholic where she leads a weekly Bible study, serves as a praise and worship leader, and volunteers for various activities, retreats, and programs throughout the church. Caroline is a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Texarkana, Texas, and attends The Cathedral of the Incarnation in Nashville, Tennessee. She plans to spend her summer abroad studying Music Therapy and History in Athens, Greece, and directing music camp upon her return. She was presented by her father, Gene Joyce, and escorted by Caedmon Kyles, a sophomore at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and the son of Mr. and Mrs. Clint Kyles. She selected “Moon River,” composed by Henry Mancini for her presentation song, to which her two cousins, Mary Katherine Wyly and Morgan Elizabeth Sanders, also debuted. Caroline was presented in a design from the private collection of Allure Bridals.  A sweetheart neckline with pleated off the shoulder sleeves defined her gown.  A unique knotted belt with pearl and rhinestone beading sat at the natural waist adding an elegant touch.  Classic covered buttons extended down the back as the finishing touch.


Olivia Rose Lower

Olivia Rose Lower is the daughter of Mr. Hal and Dr. Kristi Lower of Texarkana, Texas. She is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Richard Bock and the late Mr. Donald Francis of Irving, Texas, and the late Mr. and Mrs. Harold Lower of Texarkana, Texas. Olivia is a sophomore at Baylor University in Waco, Texas, where she is majoring in Accounting in the Hankamer School of Business. She is a member of the Epsilon Upsilon chapter of the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority. She is also a member of the social events committee as well as the recruitment committee. Olivia is involved in Student Mobilization, a Christian ministry organization on campus. She attends The Woodlands United Methodist Church in The Woodlands, Texas, and Harris Creek Baptist Church in Waco, Texas. She will be spending her summer abroad studying Christian heritage and marketing in London, England. Olivia was presented by her father, Hal Lower, and escorted by Jackson Cheney, a sophomore accounting major at the University of Mississippi and the son of Mr. and Mrs. David Cheney of Texarkana, Texas. She selected “Your Song” by Elton John as her presentation song because it has a special meaning to her father. Olivia chose a design by the Sincerity collection of Justin Alexander. Her Mikado ball gown featured a beaded plunging neckline and thin straps. The defined waistline extended into a box pleated full skirt with pockets. The open back complemented her look


Gracie Ann McDougal

Gracie Ann McDougal is the daughter of the late Mr. Philip McDougal and the late Mrs. Holly McDougal. She is the granddaughter of the late Mr. Gary McDougal and Ms. Phyllis McDougal of Texarkana, Texas, as well as Mr. Randy Harville and Ms. Linda Williams of Texarkana, Texas. Gracie is a sophomore at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro, Arkansas, where she is majoring in Health Promotion with an emphasis in Community Health Education and a minor in psychology as a member of the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences. She is an active member of the Omicron Zeta chapter of the Chi Omega Fraternity. She enjoys working part-time at The Apple Group Incorporated, a nonprofit organization that provides a suite of proven resources and training to equip educators, therapists, and parents to teach the science of reading to children with dyslexia. Gracie is a member of Unity Baptist Church in Texarkana, Texas, where she has attended since she was an infant. She was presented by her uncle, Greg Capps, and escorted by her cousin, McDougal Capps, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Greg Capps, all of Texarkana, Texas. She selected “What a Wonderful World” by Bob Thiele and George David Weiss, for her presentation song, a piece that reminds her of all the joys in life. Gracie was presented in a design by Madison James for Allure. Her Mikado ball gown was defined by a sculptural, pleated bodice with a strapless, asymmetrical neckline. The full skirt featured offset pleating at the waist, while the back of her gown had unique open seams and classic covered buttons to complete the look.


Phoebe Blaise Robertson

Phoebe Blaise Robertson is the daughter of Monica Robertson and Mr. and Mrs. Matt Robertson of Texarkana, Texas. She is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ben Myers of Brinkley, Arkansas, and Mr. and Mrs. Cliff Robertson of Texarkana,Texas. Phoebe attends the University of Mississippi in Oxford, Mississippi, where she is a sophomore majoring in Biology. Phoebe is actively involved in the American Medical Students Association as well as the American Medical Women’s Association and has been named to the Dean’s List.  Additionally, Phoebe is a member of the Tri Beta National Biological Honor Society, Associated Student Body Connect, American Red Cross Club, and the Baptist Student Union. She is a member of the Alpha Psi Chapter of Delta Gamma where she serves on the foundation committee. Phoebe is involved in various philanthropy activities such as RebelTHON and Big Event. Here, the Greek community joins with the Oxford community to bring awareness and assistance to Service for Sight, an organization that aids the visually-impaired and blind. Phoebe was elected president of the Ole Miss Running Club and organizes runs, training, and group races for the university. Phoebe spent the past summer interning with gastroenterologist, Dr. Michael Paolucci, at Wadley Regional Medical Center. Phoebe was presented by her father, Matt Robertson, and escorted by her brother, Stone Robertson, a junior at Pleasant Grove High School. She selected “Girls Like You” by Adam Levine for her presentation song. Phoebe chose a classic diamond-white ball gown designed by Essense of Australia. The gown was made of peau de soie, featuring a décolletage sweetheart neckline forming off the shoulder and surrounding the shoulders. The gown had a natural waist with an accent of a petite peau de soie sash, adorned in crystals and pearls. The full ball gown skirt of diamond-white peau de soie had covered buttons extending the back bodice to the hem.


Olivia Grace Rochelle

Olivia Grace Rochelle is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Rochelle of Texarkana, Texas.  She is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Hawkins of Texarkana, Texas, and Mr. and Mrs. Jim Rochelle of Texarkana, Texas. Olivia is a sophomore at Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas, where she is majoring in Nutritional Science on a Pre-Medical track. She is a member of the Lambda Zeta chapter of Alpha Delta Pi.  She is a peer note taker for a disabled student in the Scientific Principles of Nutrition Program. She is also a member of the Texas A&M Pre-Medical Society, a student-led organization designed to inspire, empower, and create connections for A&M students pursuing medical school. Olivia is a member of Williams Memorial United Methodist Church and attends Breakaway Ministries in College Station. She was presented by her father, Jerry Rochelle, and escorted by Andrew Prince LeGrand V, a sophomore at the University of Central Arkansas and the son of Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Prince LeGrand IV of Texarkana, Texas. She selected “Moon River” composed by Johnny Mercer and Henry Mancini for her presentation song. She selected an elegant Justin Alexander satin ball gown designed with a straight neckline and accented with horizontal seaming that complemented the box pleated skirt. Her gown was detailed with pockets, a satin hem, and buttons down the back, creating an uncomplicated and elevated look.


Jenna Kathryn Williamson

Jenna Kathryn Williamson is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George Tullis of Texarkana, Texas, and Mr. and Mrs. Charles Williamson of Longview, Texas. She is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Farquhar of Texarkana, Texas, and Mr. and Mrs. James Williamson of Palestine, Texas. Jenna is a sophomore at The University of Texas in Austin, Texas, where she is majoring in Government in The University of Texas College of Liberal Arts. She is a member of the Iota Chapter of Chi Omega and volunteers by preparing classroom discussion notes for physically challenged students. She also volunteers at the Texas State Capitol and worked in Governor Greg Abbott’s Communications Office this past summer. She attends First Baptist Church Texarkana and will be spending the summer in Barcelona, Spain, studying and completing an internship with a legal group preparing case work. Jenna was presented by her stepfather, George Tullis, and escorted by her brother, Jay Williamson, a senior at The University of Texas in Austin. She selected “All I Ask of You” by Andrew Lloyd Weber from ‘Phantom of the Opera.” Jenna chose a fun and trendy sweetheart ball gown by designer Justin Alexander. Her organza gown featured a sweetheart neckline created with pleating that was met with a cummerbund at the natural waist. Tiers throughout the skirt were accented with trim at the hem to complete the silhouette.