Alicea Thompson was crowned Miss Fashionetta and Emerson Frazier was crowned Miss AKA Pearl at the 2015 Fashionetta Scholarship Ball held Sat., Nov. 5, at the Ramada Inn near downtown Topeka. . in Topeka on
Thompson, a Senior at Topeka High School, is the daughter of Jeff and Myisha Thompson. Miss Fashionetta is the participant who raises the most money during the six-month development program. The money raised is a scholarship the participants can use to fund their post-secondary education.
In addition to her Fashionetta Scholarship, Thompson received additional financial awards for earning the Kathleen Rainbow Earhart Award, presented to the participant who sells the most tickets to the ball. She also received an extra financial award and recognition as Miss Community Service, for more than 75 hours of service in the community.
Frazier, a Junior at Washburn Rural, is the daughter of Rev. Carl & Linessa Frazier. To eliminate any insider’s advantage, Pearls who are daughters or granddaughters of local AKAs compete in a separate category for the title of Miss AKA Pearl. In addition to her scholarship for this top honor, Frazier received additional financial recognition for being the Junior participant with the highest GPA and the highest score on the ACT College Entrance Exam.
There were eight Pearls, as the Fashionetta contestants are referred to, in this year’s scholarship program sponsored by the members of the Alpha Iota Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. During the six-month developmental program, the Pearls participate in numerous program include an ACT workshop, writing workshop, etiquette training and community service projects. In addition, the Pearls hold their own fundraising projects, sell ads in the souvenir book and tickets to the Scholarship Ball, all in an effort to raise scholarship funds to continue their higher education.
The scholarship Ball, which begins with a formal dinner, included both a talent and essay showcase, and the Pearls, along with their escorts, in a formal dance. The evening also included a presentation, “ A Tribute to the HBCU” by the 2015 Emerging Young Leaders, a group of young men and women in the AKA’s developmental program.
Other Pearls receiving recognition at the Scholarship Ball were:
Miss Talent, Lydia Kearse
Miss Senior GPA, T’Keya Williamson
Miss Senior ACT, T’Keya Williamson
Miss Congeniality, Andrea Tyree