Magnet senior LaNya Washington, an ambitious NC student with a remarkable Grade Point Average (GPA) of 4.1, stars as the vice president of Bridge the Gap and helps with a variety of community service projects at her local church. Among her other activities she participates in, one extracurricular she enjoys above all, her cotillion program, The Forever Pink Foundation, stands out. The cotillion offers not only a sisterhood to participants, but proper etiquette classes that they will take into adulthood. To practice proper etiquette, young women participate in cotillion programs where they hold a number of classes, tea etiquette classes, ballroom recitals and actual etiquette classes.
As time progresses, etiquette techniques continue to lose significance in modern-day society. Cotillions, not well recognizable countrywide, serve as a growing event around the United States. Cotillions serve as community events that vary in tradition and cultural background. Primarily popular in the American South, Cotillions strive to keep southern traditions alive..
“The cotillion has benefitted me by providing a sisterhood. There are so many girls there, and we have all grown so close to one another. Forever, you will have these relationships and connections amongst each other, and [we can] help one another in so many different ways, and, obviously, wearing the pretty white dress is a pro,” Washington said.
In hopes of reaching her goal of paying off tuition and bringing in additional participants, Washington decided the best way to spark people’s curiosity by carefully crafting sweet treats. The Forever Pink Foundation currently requires $3,000 to participate, and an additional $2,500 to add to the business’s scholarship fund, which showcases its need for monetary donations.
“Her cookies have a sweet and savory flavor to them. I think it’s a great way for her to raise money for her organization. She’s really sweet, friendly, and outgoing, and she always contributes to our group conversations and provides a lot to our table in class,” junior Allison Stancil said.
Washington’s treats consist of a variety of options for all sweet tooth enthusiasts to choose from. Her dessert options include cookies, tres leches and Rice Krispies. She also markets her dessert for a price of $3 for two treats of the consumer’s choice and uses social media to promote her treats to NC students.
In the future, Washington plans on applying to college for international business to major in entertainment law, earn her doctorate degree and open her own law firm. She takes an interest in entertainment law due to her fascination with media outlets and because she finds joy in helping others in the profession they love by representing them. Washington also plans to major in Spanish to keep up with the language and wield the advantages of her bilingualism.
To support her fundraiser, participants can visit The Forever Pink Foundation to leave a donation. The Chant wishes Washington the best of luck with her fundraiser!
