A Night To Last a Life Time: Deb of The Year
For many, their debutante ball is not just another social event on the calendar but an evening symbolising their debut into womanhood.
The St Colman’s Catholic School Debutante of the Year is a tradition that has been alive and well for more than 30 years. Held in October, it allows for any girl who has made her debut earlier that year to attend and celebrate once again.
White dresses are fitted, dance lessons get underway and nerves set in as the girls begin the countdown to the debutante ball season.
Kacee Bromham
“My partner and I, along with the other couples, attended rehearsals for about two months in the lead-up,” says Kacee Bromham, the winner of last year’s Debutante of the Year.
“In that time we learnt a boy dance, a girl dance, a couples dance and how the presentations would work. Finally, on October 21, the night arrived and it was even better than I could’ve ever imagined.”
Parents and guardians are also welcome to partake in the event.
“I really loved dancing with my dad because I could see how proud and happy he was,” Kacee says.
Not only was Kacee awarded the title of ‘Deb of the Year’ but she was able to utilise her memorable experience to expand her horizons.
“I’m currently on Rotary Exchange in Denmark and I’m using my newly found confidence daily to converse with people from all over the world,” she says.
Jenna Power
For Jenna Power, who was named ‘Girls’ Choice’ last year, her title was not the priority of the night.
“I felt honoured that the girls even considered me for Girls’ Choice,” she says.
“To me it was special because the evening was already beautiful. The prize was just an added bonus making my deb even more memorable.”
Kelsey Heuir, who also participated in last year’s event, decided to continue the tradition her family has upheld.
“My sister, my mum and my aunties have all made their debut and enjoyed their experience,” she says.
“I believe that the tradition should continue as it’s an excellent opportunity for the debutantes and their partners to showcase such a wonderful evening to their friends, family and the public. It also builds confidence as you are presented to a large audience and dance in front of them, which can take some people out of their comfort zones.”
Kelsey Heuir
The first Debutante Ball for 2018 is the St Colman’s Parish Debutante Ball to be held in May and mostly including Year 12 girls from Home Hill State High school making their first debut into society. Other balls throughout the year include the Singers Debutante Ball, the Burdekin Catholic High School Debutante Ball, and St Colman’s Catholic School Debutante of the Year.
Deb of the Year is a unique event as it not only combines all schools in the area, but the winner is granted the honour of participating in the Harvest Festival Parade and taking on other ceremonial duties throughout the year across the shire. Other prizes are donated by local businesses to ladies who place in Runner-up, Girls’ Choice and Judges’ Special Mention.
The magical evening will be held at the Home Hill Memorial Hall and is expected to draw in a crowd of over 500 people.
The St. Colman’s Deb of the Year Ball is a 30 plus year tradition held to choose the Burdekin’s ‘Deb of the Year’ based on the presentation and decorum of the young ladies who made their Deb throughout 2018.
For more information contact:
St Colman’s School P & F Committee runs the
Deb of the Year Ball
www.scshh.catholic.edu.au
St Colman’s Parish Debutante Ball
www.tsv.catholic.org.au/st-colman-s-parish-home-hill/
Burdekin Catholic High School Deb Ball
www.bchs.catholic.edu.au
The Burdekin Singers Deb Ball
https://www.facebook.com/BurdekinSingers/