The Silhouettes of Criterion, a distinguished civic club dedicated to empowering young women to achieve their educational aspirations, is gearing up to celebrate the 25th Annual Cotillion Ball. This year’s event promises to be a special one, with four remarkable young ladies set to make their debut in the Debutante Court.

The Debutante Court comprises Breniya Shaw, a student from Tavares High School; Amiyah Copeland, representing Mount Dora High; Alana Seward and Janiyah Chambliss, both hailing from Eustis High School. These bright young women have been diligently preparing for their presentation at the upcoming Cotillion Ball.

(From left to right: Breniya Shaw, Tavares High School, Amiyah Copeland, Mount Dora High, Alana Seward and Janiyah Chambliss of Eustis High School.)

The Silhouettes of Criterion Club, established in 1954, is a nonprofit charitable organization in Lake County. Comprising 15 extraordinary educators and professional women, the club is devoted to serving families and the local community. Their mission revolves around promoting the personal, professional, and civic development of young ladies through workshops and events, while fostering scholarship, achievement, self-confidence, grace, and good citizenship.

The club places immense importance on education, as evidenced by their commitment to providing monetary scholarships to deserving students. “When you educate a man, you educate an individual. When you educate a woman, you educate a generation,”

(Members of the Silhouettes of Criterion.)

In the run-up to their 25th Annual Cotillion Ball on February 3rd, 2024, the Silhouettes of Criterion have been diligently working to ensure its continued success. The theme for this year’s ball is “Reflections of Beauty & Grace,” a reflection of the club’s mission to empower and educate young women.

During a recent interview, Alana Seward, a member of the Debutante Court from Eustis High School, shared her enthusiasm for being part of this esteemed group. She highlighted the transformative experience the program offers young women, guiding them toward womanhood and self-empowerment. “It’s showing a young woman that she can be who she wants to be,” Alana explained. She also expressed her joy in contributing to the community by helping raise funds for local charities, a significant aspect of the Silhouettes of Criterion’s activities.

(Alana Seward is a basketball player for Eustis High School and has decided to committ to Husson University in Maine.)

Over the past 35 years, the Silhouettes of Criterion have presented more than 150 debutantes to society, while providing over $150,000 in scholarships to deserving students. Their enduring commitment to their community and the education of young women is a testament to the club’s enduring mission and the legacy they continue to build.

As the 25th edition of the Annual Debutante program approaches, there is an air of anticipation and excitement for the future of this remarkable initiative. The Silhouettes of Criterion are poised to continue their invaluable work in shaping the lives of young women, ensuring they have the opportunities to achieve their dreams and aspirations.