The 19th Biennial Cotillion Program
Theta Pi Omega’s Biennial Cotillion Program is an academic, social, and cultural experience for young women and men. Established in the Spring of 1989 by Mrs. Clara Airall and her daughter, Zoila Airall, the program has enriched the lives of hundreds of participants throughout Southern New Jersey. With the exception of 2022, the Cotillion Program has been held biennially since its inception.
Throughout the program, Debutantes (female high school juniors and seniors), participate in various educational, civic, and extracurricular programs designed to enhance their academic development, community engagement, self-confidence, and social interactions. At the completion of the Cotillion journey, the Debutantes, together with Junior Debutantes (female high school freshmen and sophomores) and Escorts (male high school students), are presented to their loved ones and community in a Debutante Ball.
Theta Pi Omega Chapter’s Cotillion has awarded thousands of dollars to deserving young adults in scholarship money and book awards. We are proud of the Cotillion’s legacy in positively impacting the lives of young adults throughout our community and beyond.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Information Session
There will be a Cotillion Information Session for young ladies and men and their parents/guardians on Sunday, April 13, 2025, at 2:00 pm at Rowan University, Engineering Hall, Auditorium. Please register at: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScQ2L1URferynG-SnwV-7TyPR29mjsqV2hxvHHDiXwxVUHJCg/viewform?usp=sharing
The attire is business casual.
Things to Consider
Participation in the 19th Biennial Debutante Cotillion Program—as a Debutante, Junior Debutante, or Escort—requires commitment, discipline, and dedication. While the program demands hard work, it also offers meaningful rewards, including scholarship opportunities for participants who successfully meet all program requirements.
General Expectations for All Participants:
Must attend the 19th Biennial Debutante Cotillion on Saturday, April 11, 2026.
Attend all scheduled rehearsals (held on Sunday afternoons, beginning September 2025).
Participate in workshops, weekly rehearsals, and other required activities.
Be of good moral character and demonstrate a strong sense of responsibility.
Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5
Upon acceptance, pay the required Program Fee. See the debutante, junior debutante, or escort application for more information.
Meet all program deadlines (e.g., ticket sales, ad journal submissions/payments, and assigned tasks). Note: Each participant will be required to sell Ad Journal pages and tickets to the Cotillion Ball. Cost per ticket TBD.
Fully engage in activities specific to your category (Debutante, Junior Debutante, or Escort).
Purchase and wear attire approved by the Cotillion Committee. Note: Each debutante will be responsible for the purchase of a cotillion ball gown as per established guidelines and approved by the Debutante Co-Chairmen.
Orientation Session
There will be a Cotillion Orientation Session for debutantes, junior debutantes, escorts, parents, and sponsors on Saturday, September 6, 2025. The session will include detailed orientation sessions and a comprehensive program overview for all participants. An Ad Journal Workshop will also be included.
More Information To Be Announced.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Come learn more about the Biennial Cotillion Program. This session will share more details about program involvement and will answer all questions.
Sunday, April 13, 2025
Rowan University, Engineering Hall, Auditorium
2:00-4:00 PM
Information Session
See Below
Application Due Dates
Debutante and Junior Debutante
applications are due May 3, 2025 by 11:59 pm.
Escort applications are due on
May 24, 2025 by 11:59 pm.
Program Fee Due Dates
See Below
Debutante and Junior Debutante fees are due May 24, by 11:59 pm.
Escort program fees are due on
June 14, 2025 by 11:59 pm.
Debutantes and Junior Debutantes and mother/mother figure are requested to join us for this special event.
Sunday, September 14, 2025
2:00 - 5:00 PM
Mother Daughter Tea
Debutantes, junior debutantes, and escorts, are requested to attend as scheduled.
Sundays, Starting September 21, 2025
2:00-5:00 PM
Weekly Rehearsals Begin
You are cordially invited to join our Debutantes, Junior Debutantes, and Escorts at the19th Biennial Cotillion Ball.
Saturday, April 11, 2026
Cotillion Ball
Debutantes, Junior Debutantes, Escorts, and one guardian are invited to attend the Cotillion Orientation Session—an exciting kickoff to the season’s journey.
Saturday, September 6, 2025
12:00 - 3:15 PM
Orientation Session
“To my mind we should all be too busy for petty things, too big for smallness, too intelligent not to see what happens when we stoop to them”
-Ethel Hedgeman Lyle
Editor: Cotillion Committee
PREVIOUS EVENTS
Orientation for All Participants
Sunday April 16, 2023
Come learn more about the Biennial Cotillion Program. This session will share more details about program involvement and will answer all questions.