2025-2026 Eminence Application

2025 - 2026 Eminence Gala Electronic Application
Eminence Program Contact
- Email: Eminence.OCACDST@gmail.com
Risk Management and General Chapter Contacts
- Risk Management Coordinator
  - Email: RiskManagement.OCAC@gmail.com
- Kristian Jenkins, Chapter President
  - Email: President.OCAC@gmail.com

ABOUT THE EMINENCE GALA

The Eminence Gala is a youth development program sponsored by the Orange County (FL) Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and a signature program, raising thousands of dollars to benefit Central Florida students. High school juniors and seniors partake in activities designed to enhance their academic, social, cultural, and civic awareness. The program is designed as a rite of passage experience and culminates with a formal presentation of these outstanding youths to society.

Since March 2006, our chapter has been pleased to offer the Eminence Gala as a premiere social event in the Central Florida community supporting our community service and educational programs.

During the Gala, special recognition and incentives are awarded to the top three revenue-generating Debutantes or Distinguished Gentlemen. Each participant will receive fifty-percent of the proceeds collected. Highlights of the event include the presentation of the formally attired debutantes and distinguished gentlemen to society and their long-awaited signature dance of the evening.

This time-honored tradition is more than just a coming out ceremony. An exacting regime of community service and personal improvement precedes the night of elegance. The ladies and gentlemen who express a desire to participate and who are subsequently accepted participate in a number of events such as an etiquette training, personal development workshops, and various other topics. As a demonstration of commitment to social responsibility – honorees will plan and implement a community service project before beginning their dance instruction and final preparations for their societal debut. The Eminence Gala is a dazzling evening of fine dining, dancing, and socializing with the Debutantes, Distinguished Gentlemen, and dignitaries – filling the observer’s eye with beauty and pride!

We take pleasure in providing this program to the Central Florida community and we hope you enjoy the journey!
ELIGIBILITY AND REQUIREMENTS
Eminence Risk Management Session: Sunday, August 17, 2025.

Participant Eligibility: Applicants must be high school juniors and seniors that reside in Orange and Osceola counties, and are in the graduating class of 2026 or 2027.

Application Requirements:
- A completed and signed application.
  An autobiographical essay (minimum 200 words). Tell us about yourself, your interests, goals, favorite quotation and why you want to be selected as a Debutante or Distinguished Gentleman.
- A copy of an official transcript (preference given to those with a 2.0/4.0 GPA or higher).
- One letter of recommendation from a school official (such as an administrator, teacher or counselor).
- One letter of recommendation from a person NOT associated with your school and who is NOT a family member (acceptable entities include: any community organization, employer, clergy member).
- Participation Fees: A $250.00 non-refundable deposit is required. The deposit is used to offset costs for workshops, activities, picture for souvenir journal, Eminence shirt, formal photo package and social events. Final payment is due by November 1, 2025.
Participant Acknowledgment *
Parent Acknowledgment*

ADVERTISEMENT & INCENTIVE INFORMATION
Additional instructions regarding the solicitation of advertisements for support will be provided at a later date. However, here is a brief overview of how the process works:

Participants are strongly urged to sell a minimum of $2,000.00 in advertisements for the souvenir booklet. The invitation scale is based on the amount of ads sold.

Support Opportunities:
- Event Sponsorship (see Eminence Committee member for more details)
  - Platinum Sponsor = $5,000.00
  - Gold Sponsor = $3,000.00
  - Silver Sponsor = $1,500.00
  - Bronze Sponsor = $1,000.00
  - Copper Sponsor = $500.00
  - Crimson Sponsor = $250.00
  - Cream Sponsor = $100.00
- Each Eminence participant will receive 1 free ticket to the Gala.
  The number of additional free tickets you receive to the Eminence Gala will be based on the amount of revenue you generate excluding sponsorship tiers of Copper or higher. For example:
  - $500.00 - $999.00 = 1 Ticket
  - $1,000.00 - $1499.00 = 2 Tickets
  - $1,500.00 - $2,999.00 = 4 Tickets
  - $3,000.00 - $4,900.00 = 6 Tickets
  - $5,000.00 and above = 10 Tickets
- Each participant will receive 50% of funds collected. A portion of the money raised by each participant will contribute to the incentive program. The incentive will be issued as a one-time distribution directly to the student.
Participant Acknowledgment *
Parent Acknowledgement *

Eminence Expectations and Obligations
Participant Acknowledgment *
Parent Acknowledgment *

Youth Participant Information
Participant Name*

First NameLast Name
Participant Phone Number *
Please enter a valid phone number.Format: (000) 000-0000.
Participant Email *
example@example.com
Participant Address*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code
FemaleMalePrefer not to say
Participant Date of Birth *

MonthDayYear
Date
Participant Age*
Participant Ethnicity *
T-shirt size (Adult sizes)*

Youth Academic Information
School Name*
County*
Grade Level*
Grade Point Average*
Future College/University or Career Plan*
School Involvement*
List all of your school clubs, organizations, special honors, awards, and leadership positions that relates to school.
Church Involvement *
List all of your church clubs, organizations, special honors, awards and leadership positions that relates to church.(Include the name of your church)
Special Talents and Hobbies*
Attach a copy of your most recent report card *

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Attach a copy of your unofficial transcripts *

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Biographical Essay or Video *

Tell us about yourself, your interests, goals, favorite quotation and why you want to be selected as a Debutante or Distinguished Gentlemen.
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Personal Recommendation (1) Please attach an electronically signed letter of recommendation from a teacher or counselor.*

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Personal Recommendation (2) Please attach an electronically signed letter of recommendation from a church, a community organization or employer. *

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Applicant Picture

Please upload a recent picture. The picture will help us get to know and identify the participants prior to our first session. It is important to us that we know each participant by name and face early in the program.
File Upload*

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Affirmation Statements:

Participant: I affirm all statements made in this application are accurate.
Participant Signature *

Parent/Legal Guardian Information
Parent Name *

First NameLast Name
Phone Number*
Please enter a valid phone number.Format: (000) 000-0000.
Email*
example@example.com
Parent Name

First NameLast Name
Phone Number
Please enter a valid phone number.Format: (000) 000-0000.
Email
example@example.com
Parent/Guardian Affirmation Statement

If selected, I hereby give permission to the Orange County (FL) Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated for my child to participate in the Eminence Gala (including planned activities). I understand that it will be my financial responsibility to provide the fees necessary to cover the cost of participation for my child. This includes, but is not limited to, the $250 non-refundable deposit; the cost of the Gala attire; and the costs associated with meeting and activity events and travel to-and from- meetings.
Parental/Guardian Affirmation Signature of Agreement *
Relationship to Child*
Date*

MonthDayYear
Date

Risk Management Forms

Waiver Release

I as Parent/Guardian, on behalf of the participant do hereby release, waive, discharge, covenant not to sue and agree to hold harmless Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated (“DST”), its officers, National Executive Board, employees, members, local Chapters, representatives, agents, affiliates, and assigns (collectively “Releases”), from any and all claims, demands, and actions of any and every kind directly or indirectly arising out of, or relating in any respect to Participant Minor Child’s participation in the Eminence Program. My waiver and release of all claims, demands, actions, and liability shall include without limitation, any injury, illness, death, property damage or loss to the Participant Minor Child which may be caused by any act, or failure to act, by the Releases, unless such injury, illness, death, property damage or loss is a direct result of the willful misconduct of any Releases. I understand that, without limitation of the foregoing, neither Delta, nor the Program, shall be liable and each is hereby released from all claims that may arise from loss or damage to the Participant Minor Child’s personal property.
The below signature certifies that you have reviewed and understand the above policy*

Photograph, Media, and Video Authorization
I/We, as parent or legal guardian(s) of the participant, give permission for the Orange County (FL) Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated (the “Chapter”) to publish on the Internet or media still photographs or moving images (“Images”), taken of my child while in the Eminence Program, without payment or any consideration and without notifying me in advance.I/We also give permission for the Chapter to highlight my child’s achievements and activities in efforts to promote the youth initiative program through newspapers, radio, TV, the web, DVDs, displays, brochures, and other types of media without payment or any consideration and without notifying me.

I/We understand and agree that these Images will become the property of the Chapter, which shall have complete ownership of the Images. I hereby irrevocably authorized the Chapter to publish or distribute these Images for the purpose of publicizing the Chapter’s programs, including the Eminence Program or for any other lawful purpose. In addition, I waive any right to inspect or approve the finished product wherein my child’s likeness appears. Additionally, I waive any rights to royalties or other compensation arising out of or related to the use of the Images.

I/We hereby hold harmless and release and forever discharge the Chapter and any of its officers and members; Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated; its officers; National Executive Board; employees; members; representatives; agents; and assigns from any and all claims, costs, suits, actions, judgments, and expenses which my child, his/her heirs, representatives, executors, administrators, or any other persons acting on his/her behalf have or may have by reason of the use of the Images. This release specifically includes, without limitation, a complete release and discharge of any liability by virtue of any editing, distortion, alteration, or optical illusion, whether intentional or otherwise, that may occur or be produced in the taking of or editing of said Images, unless it can be shown that such was maliciously caused, produced and published solely for the purpose of subjecting my child to conspicuous ridicule, scandal, reproach, scorn and indignity.

I/we hereby certify that I/we are the parents/guardians of the participant, authorized legally to give this consent, and do hereby give my/our consent without reservation to the foregoing on behalf of my/our child.
The below signature certifies that you have reviewed and understand the above policy*

Youth Code of Conduct
- I will respect all participants (other youth and adult volunteers) by not using foul, hurtful or obscene language or engaging in physical violence, bullying (including cyber-bullying) or other aggressive behaviors that threaten the safety of others.
- I will respect the property rights of others. This means do not damage or deface the building or property within the building where chapter activities are held; do not damage or take the personal property of any other participant or volunteer; and do not use Delta’s name or any symbol or logo (Delta’s intellectual property) on any clothing, books, bags, or other items.
- I will return supplies to their proper place after using them.
- I will clean up all work areas properly.
- I will listen carefully to directions and when someone else is talking.
- I will respect designated quiet areas, such as homework/reading area.
- I will stay within the program’s designated areas within the building. I will cooperate and participate in organized activities.
- I will assume full responsibility for all personal belongings. Please leave valuables at home.
- I will not bring any weapons, cigarettes/drugs, alcohol, or anything illegal to any activity at any time.
- I understand that my attendance will be monitored and more than two (2) unexcused absences may result in me being dropped from the program and may also prohibit me from being able to participate on any field trips. In the event I must miss an event, I will contact the committee chair at least 24 hours ahead of the activity.
- I understand that my attitude and behavior are central to the success of this activity sponsored by the Orange County (FL) Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Therefore, for the good of this activity as well as for myself and my fellow group members, I agree to abide by the statements above.
Sanctions for Violating Code of Conduct Bad Language/Abusive Teasing and Related Acts:
- 1st Time: Verbal warning, parent or guardian notified from this point forward
- 2nd Time: Loss of privileges
- 3rd Time: 1-week suspension from program
- Next occurrence youth is removed from the program.
Physical Violence and Other Misconduct:
- 1st Time: Removal from situation, loss of privileges, guardian notified from this point forward.
- Next occurrence youth is removed from the program.
Illegal Substances or Dangerous Weapons
- 1st Time: Youth is removed from the program. If a youth is in possession of an illegal substance or dangerous weapon, the police will be notified as well.
Student Partipant:The below signature certifies that you have reviewed and understand the above policy*
Parent: The below signature certifies that you have reviewed, understand, and agree the above policy.*

Youth Pick-Up Authorization

I authorize the persons listed below to pick-up my child from the Eminence Program. For my child’s safety, I understand that all authorized persons on the list below will be asked to show photo identification before my child is released to them; therefore I will notify all authorized persons of this requirement so that they will have photo identification with them when they arrive to pick-up my child. (Please include names of either parents or guardians on list below).
Name*

First NameLast Name
Phone Number*
Please enter a valid phone number.Format: (000) 000-0000.
Relationship to the participant*
Name

First NameLast Name
Phone Number
Please enter a valid phone number.Format: (000) 000-0000.
Relationship to the participant
Name

First NameLast Name
Phone Number
Please enter a valid phone number.Format: (000) 000-0000.
Relationship to the participant
I verify that I have read and agree to the Student Pick-Up policies described above and authorize the Orange County (FL) Alumnae Chapter to release my child to the persons listed above. I also agree to notify the Chapter in writing of any changes to the above list of authorized persons. *

Parent Waiver and Permission to Transport Youth
I give permission for my child/charge (“child”) to be transported in a motor vehicle driven by the individual identified to an event at the specified location on the date indicated. I understand that my child is expected to follow all applicable laws regarding riding in a motor vehicle and is expected to follow the directions provided by the driver.

I have read, understand, and discussed with my child that:(1) They will be traveling in a motor vehicle driven by an adult and they are to wear their safety-belt while traveling;(2) They are expected to respect the vehicles they ride in, and the person they travel with during the trip;(3) Riding in a motor vehicle may result in personal injuries or death from wrecks, collisions or acts by riders, other drivers, or objects; and(4) They are to remain in their seats and not be disruptive to the driver of the vehicle.

I recognize that by participating in this activity, as with any activity involving motor vehicle transportation, my child may risk personal injury or permanent loss. I hereby attest and verify that I have been advised of the potential risks, that I have full knowledge of the risks involved in this activity, and that I assume any expenses that may be incurred in the event of an accident, illness, or other incapacity, regardless of whether I have authorized such expenses.

As a condition for the transportation received, I, for myself, my child, my executors and assigns, further agree to release and forever discharge Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated and the Orange County (FL) Alumnae Chapter from any claim that I might have myself or that I could bring on my child’s behalf with regard to any damages, demands or actions whatsoever, including those based on negligence, in any manner arising out of this transportation. I have read this entire waiver and permission form, fully understand it, and agree to be legally bound by its terms.
The below signature certifies that you have reviewed and understand the above policy*

Off-Site Permission
I/We, as parent(s) or legal guardian(s) of the participant, give permission for my/our child to participate in the Eminence Program’s activities taking place off site.

I/We understand that transportation to and from these activities will be provided by the parent/legal guardian, authorized person(s), or by the Chapter.

I/We understand that the field trips are part of the program and if I choose to not have my/our child participate in one or more off-site activities, I/we must make other care arrangements for my child during the times of that field trip activity.

I/We assume all risks and hazards of loss or injury of any kind that may arise in connection with such trips, except for gross negligence or intentional infliction of harm by the Eminence Program, its officers, agents or employees.

I/We do hereby agree to release and hold harmless Eminence Program/Orange County (FL) Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc, its officers, National Executive Board, employees, members, representatives, agents and assigns from any and all claims, costs, suits, actions, judgments, and expenses for any damage, loss, or injury to my child or damage to my child’s property arising from my child’s participation in field trips, other than damage, loss, or injury that results from gross negligence or intentional infliction of harm by the Eminence Program/Orange County (FL) Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, its officers, National Executive Board, employees, members, representatives, agents and assigns.
The below signature certifies that you have reviewed and understand the above policy*

Emergency Contact Form
If for any reason the parent(s)/legal guardian(s) cannot be reached, please contact the following person(s) whom I/we hereby authorize to seek emergency medical or surgical care for my/our child.

In the event that the Program is unable to reach any of the individuals named below promptly by phone.

I/we authorize the Program to seek and secure any emergency medical or surgical care for my/our child.

I/We will be responsible for any and all expenses incurred and authorize the medical facility at which treatment is rendered to release all necessary information to my/our insurance company.
Name*

First NameLast Name
Phone Number*
Please enter a valid phone number.Format: (000) 000-0000.
Email
example@example.com
Address

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code
Please affirm the Emergency Contact Statement.*

Parental Permission for Administration of Prescription Medication
- I/We hereby give permission for my child to take the prescribed medicine(s) at the youth initiatives program as ordered by his/her physician identified above.I/We understand that it is my/our Child’s responsibility to report to an Adult Supervisor at the appropriate time for the Administration of the medication.I/We further understand that it is my/our responsibility to furnish this medication and any authorized refills.
- I/We further understand that Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated (“DST”), its officers, National Executive Board, employees, members, local Chapters, representatives, agents, affiliates, assigns, the Eminence Program, its agents, and/or any employee who administers any drug to my/our child, in accordance with written instructions from the prescriber, shall not be liable for damages as a result of an adverse drug reaction or any other injury suffered by my/our child due to the administration or failure to provide the drug.
- The youth initiatives program reserves the right to refrain from administering medication if in the judgment of the Eminence Program, or other authorized Program officer, agent, or employee the circumstances do not warrantmedication administration.
- I/We understand that the medication must be brought to the youth initiatives program by me/us in the original appropriately labeled container.
- If I/we cannot bring the medication to the youth initiatives program, I/we will call the youth initiatives program to inform them that my/our child will be bringing it, indicating the amount of medication in the container.
The below signature certifies that you have reviewed and understand the above policy*

Other Procedures
A link to the following procedures have been added for your review. A copy may be requested at any time from the Committee Chair of the Youth Program.
- Procedures for Prescription and Over-the-Counter Medication http://bit.ly/DST-Youth-Medication-Administration
- Confidentiality Policy http://bit.ly/DST-Youth-Confidentiality-Policy
- Internet Use Policy http://bit.ly/DST-Youth-Internet-Policy
- Sign In/Sign Out Policy http://bit.ly/DST-Youth-Sign-In-Out-Policy
The below signature certifies that you have reviewed and understand the above forms*

Payment Information

Please select the option below for payment
All payments must be received by November 1, 2025.

Make all checks payable to Orange County Alumnae Chapter DST.

Mail payments to:

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc.
Orange County Alumnae Chapter
P.O. Box 608593
Orlando, FL 32860
PayPal (Application Fee $250 + $9.55 PayPal Fee)Check ($250 mailed to the chapter)
Should be Empty:

2025 - 2026 Eminence Gala Electronic Application

Eminence Program Contact

Risk Management and General Chapter Contacts

ELIGIBILITY AND REQUIREMENTS

ADVERTISEMENT & INCENTIVE INFORMATION

Eminence Expectations and Obligations

Youth Participant Information

Youth Academic Information

Applicant Picture

Affirmation Statements:

Parent/Legal Guardian Information

Parent/Guardian Affirmation Statement

Risk Management Forms

Waiver Release

Photograph, Media, and Video Authorization

Youth Code of Conduct

Youth Pick-Up Authorization

Parent Waiver and Permission to Transport Youth

Off-Site Permission

Emergency Contact Form

Medical Information and Treatment Authorization

Parental Permission for Administration of Prescription Medication

Other Procedures

Payment Information