There is a new debutante in town! 17-year-old Brianna Moss of St. Anne’s School was crowned Debutante of the Year 2019-2020, on Saturday April 27, 2019, at the Foundation’s Annual Ball. The math-whiz and future nurse was ecstatic to hear her name called as this year’s Debutante Winner.
“I had no idea that I would be crowned Debutante of the Year tonight”, Moss admitted. “So, when my name was called, I was very shocked but also very happy.”
Moss, who serves as Vice President of her school’s Key Club and is a member of Junior Achievement (JA), Interact Club and Student Christian Movement, could not stop thanking God for her latest title.
“She has more faith than the woman who touched Jesus’ garment”, Mrs. Maretta Moss admitted. “As Brianna kept speaking tonight’s win into existence, I kept asking God not to let her down.
Thus, in the moment that her name was called, I could not have been any more emotional, speechless and proud of her.”
Moss, whose long-term goal is to bring life into the world, has plans to enrol in college to pursue a degree either in nursing or biology.
All Dressed in White! Debutante of the Year Brianna Moss Arrives at Foundation’s Ball at the Meliá Hotel accompanied by her father Mr. Juan Moss.
However, at present, Moss, who prefers to be behind-the-scenes, enjoys volunteering with Hands for Hunger and Dorsett House, both organizations that assist with food distribution to the hungry in The Bahamas.
“At first, I was not one-hundred percent certain about wanting to join the Debutante programme,” Moss confesses, “but after watching my older sister’s friend join and complete the programme and wanting to get my face out there a little more, I knew that I would be a part of it.”
This year, the programme also provided a few “firsts”. The debutantes had the opportunity to plan a fun-day for themselves, in which they chose a movie night at Fusion Superplex’s IMAX Theatre.
In addition to this fun-filled evening, was also the programme’s first “Rubis Road Safety Essay Competition”, where the ladies were tasked with writing an essay in support of no texting and driving.
The competition saw third place $500 winner Cymphony Sands, second place $750 winner Shawna Smith, and first place $1500 winner Alexandria Rolle. Debutante Shiree Bain was also crowned winner of the programme’s Speech Competition.
Moss’ father first found it interesting to have his daughter be a part of the programme, but ultimately saw the value in it.
“At first I thought, ‘Oh, Lord, another thing to add to my to-do list’, but eventually I began to understand just why this programme was perfect for Brianna,” Mr. Juan Moss explained.
“She kept saying, ‘Daddy, I’m going to win; Daddy’ I’m going to win’, and even wrote her acceptance speech.
So, it goes without saying that I am beyond proud of Brianna’s determination, faith and win tonight.”
The Debutante Foundation aims to focus heavily on the father-daughter relationship and this year was no different.
The debutantes and their dads participated in a Fun-Run Walk and were also treated to a Tea Party with their moms, which was held at the St. Joseph Catholic Church Hall.
“My husband travels a lot and was unable to attend all of the events, so I stepped in on his behalf for a few of the activities”, Mrs. Moss explained. “But, my main role throughout was handling all the dropping off and picking up.”
Bahamas Debutante Foundation Founder, Mrs. Christina Johnson, was elated at this year’s turn out.
“I have said it before and I will say it again; I remain humbled and appreciative of the consistently growing membership and participation of all my Queens-in-Waiting.
There are some days where I feel like I may throw in the towel, but then I stop to think about what our young women and our country will be missing, and I do it all over again for them.
Thank you again to all the parents, my fellow committee members, and my girls for keeping the Foundation alive for over 20 years. We can only go up from here.”
If you are an incoming sixth or twelfth grade student who is interested in joining the Foundation in Fall 2019, check with your school’s Guidance Counsellor for an application form or contact Bahamas Debutante Foundation directly at debutantefoundation@yahoo.com to get started on a journey filled with fun, friendship and poise.
