Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Beta Eta Omega Chapter Presents Elegant 46th Annual Ebony Jewels & Gems Cotillion

Someone once said, “You are capable of achieving greatness beyond measure.”  The ladies of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Beta Eta Omega chapter attest this same potential is limitless for the 2026 Ebony Jewels & Gems Cotillion participants.

Since 1981, Beta Eta Omega Chapter has held its signature scholarship fundraising event, the Ebony Jewels & Gems Cotillion. It is a premier event recognizing the outstanding accomplishments of graduating seniors in the greater Dayton area. Preparation includes a five-month process where participants engaged in character building workshops, leadership development, and cultural enrichment activities. The culminating event is an elegant Cotillion Ball which spotlights the participants and the awarding of scholarships to eligible graduating seniors.

Beta Eta Omega Chapter hosted its 46^th Annual Ebony Jewels & Gems Cotillion on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at the Dayton Convention Center. The theme was, “Soar Beyond the Horizon Where Dreams Take Flight”. The theme represents what it means for the participants to pursue their highest potential and boldest aspirations, living with courage and purpose, daring to explore the unknown, and continuously rising above challenges to make their deepest ambitions a reality.

The Toastmistress was Ms. Lori Ward, a dedicated member of Beta Eta Omega chapter and former superintendent of Dayton Public Schools. The Toastmaster was Mr. Caleb Michael, co-anchor WDTN 2NEWS Today. The guests enjoyed a beautiful promenade of the Jewels and Gems, choreographed by Taylor Jackson, showcasing grace, confidence and poise. A highlight of the evening was the presentation of scholarships totaling $38,500 to 19 participants in recognition of their academic excellence, leadership, and community service.

The outstanding 2026 Ebony Jewels and Gems were: Gem Jason Barclay, Jr. (West Carrollton), Jewel Jiada Conley (Stivers), Gem Nykosi Cummings (Trotwood Madison), Gem Isaiah  Cunningham (West Carrollton/MVCTC), Jewel Anyia Curtiss (DECA), Jewel Brejuan Evans-Yates (Liberty), Gem Tobias Garrison (Alter), Jewel Gabrielle Goosby (West Carrollton), Jewel Indigo Hall (Ponitz CTC), Jewel Myah Howard (Trotwood Madison), Jewel Lauren Howell (Kettering Fairmont), Jewel Anne Iradukunda (Chaminade Julienne), Jewel Jordan Jamerson (DECA), Jewel Brazil Jenkins (Northmont), Jewel Zion Juniel (Chaminade Julienne), Jewel Kha’Mya Little (Chaminade Julienne), Gem Cade Matthews (Northmont/MVCTC), Jewel Shapri McBride (Dunbar), Gem William McMillian (Miami Valley School), Jewel Keyshae Morgan (DECA), Jewel Chase Morrow (Miami Valley School), Jewel Samiya Nelloms (Chaminade Julienne), Jewel Naemah Nzeruem (Miami Valley School), Jewel Shanelle Price (Spring Valley Academy), Jewel Daniya Smith (DECA), Jewel Jae’Lynn Taylor (DECA), Jewel Shia Thomas (Northmont), Jewel Tianna Turner (Chaminade Julienne), Gem Kingston Tyler (Meadowdale), and Jewel Alana Wright (Miami Valley School).

A total of $38,500 was awarded in scholarships. The scholarship recipients were Jewel Anyia Curtiss - $1,100, Jewel Brazil Jenkins - $1,300, Gem Isaiah Cunningham - $1,400, Jewel Alana Wright - $1,500, Jewel Daniya Smith - $1,600, Gem William McMillian - $1,700, Jewel Kha’Mya Little - $1,700, Jewel Chase Morrow - $1,700, Jewel Lauren Howell - $1,800, Jewel Tianna Turner -$1,800, and Jewel Indigo Hall - $1,800.

New Scholarship - Distinguished Gems Scholarship: Gem Cade Matthews - $2,000 and Gem Kingston Tyler - $2,500, Lillian Moore-Moyer Scholarship – Jewel Keyshae Morgan - $2,500, Judy R. Hall Scholarship – Jewel Shia Thomas - $2,500, Jewel Naemah Nzeruem - $2,800, Jewel Zion Juniel -$2,800, Jewel Shanelle Price - $3,000, Jewel Shanelle Price - $3,000.

Congeniality Awards: Mr. Congeniality - Gem Kingston Tyler. Miss Congeniality - Jewel Zion Juniel. Top Sales Awards: First place - Jewel Myah Howard, Second place - Jewel Shia Thomas, Third place - Jewel Gabrielle Goosby.

New Award: Darlene E. Wright Perseverance Award, in honor and memory of Beta Eta Omega member Ms. Darlene E. Wright – Jewel Brejuan Evans-Yates and Jewel Gabrielle Goosby.

To date over 1280 high school seniors have participated in the Ebony Jewels and Gems Cotillion. More than $783,000 has been awarded in scholarships.

Congratulations to all Cotillion participants and parents. Congratulations to the Ebony Jewels and Gems Cotillion Co-Chairpersons Ms. Tonita Davis, Ms. Gail Forest, and Ms. Stephanie Norwood, committee members, and all ladies of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated Beta Eta Omega Chapter. Acknowledgement of thanks are extended to the Al-Ka-Pals Youth Organization, Clint Campbell – Double “C” Productions, Dayton Wedding Photographers, Furst Florist, Linwood Men’s Specialty Shoppe, Gregory’s Tuxedos, and Peak Visions. Expressions of gratitude are extended to everyone who supported the indelible Ebony Jewels and Gems Cotillion.