2026 Debutante Application

2026 Debutante Application

The Arlington Foundation for Excellence in Education appreciates your interest in the 2026 Debutante Scholarship Program.

The process offers educational, personal, and leadership opportunities for young ladies. Activities consist of workshops, community service, etiquette training, and more! Participants learn to successfully transition into the next stage of their high school and college career before taking their bow and being presented to society.

Benefits received by selected participants include, but are not limited to:

● Opportunity for 1st Place, 2nd Place and 3rd Place General Scholarship Awards

●      Opportunity for Book Scholarship Awards

●      Opportunity for Peer-Voted and Special Recognition Awards

●      Debutante Handbook

●      Debutante T-Shirt

●      Gifts and Keepsakes

●      Educational, Leadership, and Personal Development Activities and Workshops

●      Mentor Relationships and Activities

●      Formal Dance Instruction

●      Headshot Photo

●      Event Digital & Printed Souvenir Journal

●      Mother/Daughter Tea Experience

●      Pearl Ceremony Experience

● Debutante Presentation

Requirements

The debutante orientation will be conducted to review the handbook, attire, expectations, advertisements, sponsorships, and calendar of activities. Prospective Debutantes must have submitted a completed application to attend. Parents/Parent Figures and Debutantes are required to participate in this session. The VIRTUAL Orientation will be held:

Saturday, May 16, 2026 1:30 p.m.

✔ Must be a high school senior of the class of 2027.

✔   A U.S. citizen or has been granted Permanent Residency by the United States.

✔ A natural-born female.

✔   Has never posed nude in film or print media.

✔   Is single, unmarried, has never been married and has never given birth.

✔ Must have a 2.75 cumulative grade point average on a 4.0 scale. (Transcript or letter from counselor is acceptable).

✔ Abide by the rules and regulations set forth by AFEE.

✔ Must submit a completed Debutante application.

✔ Must pay the non-refundable participation fee of $1000 ($1100 late fee).

✔ Have an adult father/father figure escort for the presentation and a high school male escort for the presentation (we recommend a close friend or family member).

✔ Respectfully follow the direction of AFEE Committee Members, staff/instructors/volunteers.

✔ Must agree to wear the ball gown selected by the Arlington Foundation for Excellence in Education and pay the costs associated with the ball gown.

✔ Must turn in a minimum of $2500 in combined advertisements/patrons and/or ticket sales to participate in the debutante presentation event

✔ Must turn in a minimum of $3000 in combined advertisements/patrons and/or ticket sales to obtain a book scholarship



REGULAR REGISTRATION APPLICATIONS ARE ACCEPTED FROM

Monday, March 23rd - Friday, May 1st

Participation Fee: $1000

LATE APPLICATIONS ARE ACCEPTED FROM

Saturday, May 2nd - Friday, May 15th

Participation Fee: $1100

All payments must be paid in full before the 2026 Debutante Orientation. The VIRTUAL program orientation date is: Saturday, May 16, 2026 1:30 p.m.

HOW TO PAY:

1. Use the payment option with this application Online (PayPal fees apply)

2. Mail certified funds to

The Arlington Foundation for Excellence in Education

P.O. Box 150301, Arlington, Texas 76015

3. Zelle Payment

When using Zelle to send funds, you are required to provide your name or the name of your debutante and the purpose of your payment. If this information is not provided, we have no way to contact you, and your unrecognized transaction will be considered a donation.
- The Recipient’s Email should be entered as Finance@arlingtoneducation.org. Copy and paste this if you can, to ensure no typos. Please make sure you have this entered correctly before sending funds.
- You must have a linked Bank Account. Before you can send money with Zelle, you will need to link your bank account to the app. Our account will not accept payment from liked debit cards, linked bank accounts only.
- Please double-check the accuracy of the information you provide when sending funds, including the recipient’s email address. Sending money to the wrong email address will result in the funds being transferred to the wrong person, and it may be challenging for you to recover these funds from your bank.
Items to submit with completed debutante application: www.arlingtoneducation.org
- Biography and current Photograph
- Two letters of recommendation from individuals outside the family (High School Counselor, Church member/pastor/leader, or Civic Organization, etc.)
- Photo and liability release signed by parent or guardian.
- Transcripts:
- Proof of grade point average – (Counselor must convert GPA to a weighted 4.0 scale) The Foundation will not convert GPA's on participants' behalf.
- Electronic submission - Must be uploaded from the school counselor’s or registrar’s district email to Scholarships@arlingtoneducation.org
- Mailed submission – Must be in a sealed envelope from the school counselor and mailed to the following address by May 1, 2026.
The Arlington Foundation for Excellence in Education

P.O. Box 150301, Arlington, Texas 76015
- Participants, their mothers, and/or fathers are required to attend selected training seminars, activities, and dance rehearsals.
- 1st place, 2nd place, and 3rd place General Scholarship Awards are granted to top winners based on a competitive point system that includes event and activity participation, advertisement/patron/ticket sales, community service, and other established requirements.
- Book Scholarship Awards are granted to participants who turn in a minimum of $3000 in combined advertisements/patrons/ticket sales.
- Competition begins May 17, 2026, and ends October 18, 2026.
Scholarship Debutante Presentation

is scheduled for:

Saturday, November 7, 2026

DEBUTANTE CONTACT INFORMATION

Angela Richard

Vice President - Scholarship

Scholarships@arlingtoneducation.org

817.366.3669

The Arlington Foundation for Excellence in Education

Scholarship website:

www.arlingtoneducation.org

Address:

The Arlington Foundation for Excellence in Education

Attn: Debutante Scholarship Program

P.O. Box 150301, Arlington, Texas 76015
IMPORTANT: MAKE SURE YOU HAVE THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTS AVAILABLE FOR UPLOAD BEFORE STARTING.
- BIO
- FULL COLOR HEAD SHOT (NO SELFIE)
- 2 LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION
Name*

First NameLast Name
Email*
example@example.com
Phone Number*

Area CodePhone Number
Address*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code
High School:*
High School District:
ISD
Classification in the Fall of 2026*
Cum GPA (4.0 scale):*

2026 DEBUTANTE APPLICATION
Favorite Color*
Favorite Snacks*
T-Shirt Size Unisex*
T-Shirt Size Women's Fitted*
Dietary Restrictions*
Tell us something interesting about you.*
State your talent(s)*
(Dancing, singing, acting, poetry, writing, etc.) Please elaborate!
PARENT/GUARDIAN INFORMATION
Mother's Name*

First NameLast Name
Mother's Cell Phone Number*

Area CodePhone Number
Mother's Email*
example@example.com
Father's Name*

First NameLast Name
Father's Cell Phone Number*

Area CodePhone Number
Father's Email*
example@example.com

BIOGRAPHY

Provide details about your involvement in school, community service, and extracurricular activities. Include all awards, and any positions held: This bio should be well written as it will serve as your bio on your fundraising page that will be seen publicly. Please be thorough and have it proofread.

For written bio upload, please include the following:
- Full name
- Participation in school clubs, sports, band, etc. (school extracurricular activities)
- Extracurricular activities outside of school
- Favorite memories from high school
- Favorite subjects
- Your goals for this program
- College and career plans for the future
- The quote that you live by
- Thank you to family and friends for their support
Upload Biography*

Browse Files

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Who told you about our program?*
Why do you want to participate*
What are your expectations for the program overall, mentors, committee, etc.?*
Head shot Photo: Upload a full color head shot. (No Selfies)*

Browse Files

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Honors & Awards*
School Activities:*
Community Service:*
Hobbies:*
Church/Religious Organization:*

COLLEGE & CAREER ASPIRATIONS

Where do you plan to pursue your higher education? What are your career aspirations?
College/University*
Major/Minor*
Career*

In 100 words or less,

If life were a fairy tale, which character would you be? Why?
Response ...*

ONLINE & SOCIAL MEDIA PRESENCE

Is your personal likeness depicted on the internet or a social media page(s)? If so, please list names used online or social media sites. (Type N/A in the fields that do not apply)
INSTAGRAM*
Type N/A in fields that do not apply
FACEBOOK*
Type N/A in fields that do not apply
SNAPCHAT*
Type N/A in fields that do not apply
YOUTUBE*
Type N/A in fields that do not apply
TWITTER*
Type N/A in fields that do not apply
TIK TOK*
Type N/A in fields that do not apply
WEB SITE | LANDING PAGE*
Type N/A in fields that do not apply

EMPLOYMENT

Do you have a job? If so, provide the company, title and list your work schedule below: (Type N/A in fields if not applicable)
Do you have a job?*
COMPANY NAME:
JOB TITLE:
SCHEDULE:

LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION

Upload two letters of recommendation from individuals outside the family such as a High School Counselor or Civic Organization Member.
LOR 1*

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LOR 2*

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APPLICATION CONTENT

I certify to the best of my knowledge that the information provided on this application is true.
Applicant's Signature*
Date*

MonthDayYear
Date
Parent's / Guardian's Signature*
Date*

MonthDayYear
Date

CONSENT TO PARTICIPATE AND LIABILITY RELEASE
Name*

First NameLast Name
I, (print parent/guardia's name here)*

First NameLast Name
, for myself and on behalf of my child,
(Print debutante name)*

First NameLast Name
(Debutante name), hereby agree to and accept the requirements and criteria outlined in the 2026 Debutante process, and hereby give permission for my child, to participate in the 2026 Debutante Program and the 2026 Scholarship Ball and Debutante Presentation (the “Event”) sponsored by The Arlington Foundation for Excellence in Education, (“AFEE”). I hereby irrevocably and unconditionally release, discharge, and waive any and all claims or causes of action of any nature now or hereafter existing, whether known or unknown against AFEE, their agents, employees, officers, members, volunteers, or representatives from any and all responsibility for any injuries or damage sustained by myself or my child arising from any act or omission, negligent or otherwise, of AFEE, their agents, employees, officers, members, volunteers or representatives or in connection with the Event. Furthermore, I hereby irrevocably and unconditionally release, discharge, and waive any and all claims against AFEE from any and all financial costs and/or responsibilities related to the cost of the gown. In case any one or more of the provisions contained in this Agreement shall, for any reason, be held to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable in any respect, such invalidity, illegality, or unenforceability shall not affect any other provisions thereof and this Agreement shall be construed as if such invalid, illegal, or unenforceable provision had never been contained herein.
Parent's / Guardian's Signature*
Date*

MonthDayYear
Date

Liability and Release Waiver
I, (print parent/guardia's name here)*

First NameLast Name
, am the parent or legal guardian of the minor indicated herein. By affixing my signature below, I hereby agree to adhere to the Arlington Foundation for Excellence in Education Covid19 precautions for all participants.
(Print debutante name)*

First NameLast Name
By my participation in any debutante activity or production presented by the Arlington Foundation for Excellence in Education ("Event"), I agree, understand, and acknowledge the risks of the possibility of contracting or spreading Coronavirus (“COVID19”). For purposes of this release, “participation” includes meetings, rehearsal, any activities in preparation for an Event that occurs, and all live runs of any Event. I agree to adhere to all applicable state and federal laws, orders that have the effect of law in the State of Texas, guidelines set forth by the Centers for Disease Control for participants during the Event, and guidelines set forth by The Arlington Foundation for Excellence in Education, including but not limited to, wearing of face coverings, temperature checks, social distancing requirements and a negative COVID19 test for any in person Event upon request. I hereby release The Arlington Foundation for Excellence in Education, its board members, officers, agents, directors, representatives and volunteers from any and all liability and waive any rights to bring a claim against The Arlington Foundation for Excellence in Education, its members, officers, agents, directors, representatives or volunteers, in the event, I, or my invited guests, including anyone assisting me individually or providing individual services to me during the in-person event, contracts COVID-19 resulting from my participation in the Event. I hereby acknowledge and consent to allow The Arlington Foundation for Excellence in Education to screen my body temperature prior to the start of my participation in any Event. I further acknowledge that the temperature screening is being conducted to protect the health and safety of myself, fellow participants, and The Arlington Foundation for Excellence in Education staff and representatives. If I refuse to consent to temperature screening, I understand that I will be unable to participate in any Event. I further hereby agree to indemnify and hold harmless The Arlington Foundation for Excellence in Education, its members, officers, agents, directors, representatives, or volunteers from any and all claims of third parties for loss or damages of any kind resulting from my participation in any Event.
Parent's / Guardian's Signature*
Date

MonthDayYear
Date

Standard of Conduct for all Participants
All participants in the Arlington Foundation for Excellence in Education Debutante Program, including Debutantes, Escorts and Parents or Parent Figures, are expected to conduct themselves in a professional and courteous manner at all times while interacting with Foundation members and with each other, and shall refrain from communicating in a way that is disrespectful, demeaning, intimidating or harassing.

Any violation of this standard of conduct will be communicated to the parents of the associated Debutante in writing. Violations of this standard of conduct may result in disciplinary actions at the sole discretion of the Foundation. Those disciplinary actions may include the deduction of scoring points and/or dismissal from the AFEE Debutante Program. No refunds will be made in the event of dismissal from the Debutante Program.
Debutante Signature*
Parent Signature*
Minimum Participation

I understand that participants must raise a minimum of $2500 to be presented.

Book Scholarship Awards are granted to participants who turn in a minimum of $3000.00 in combined advertisements/fundraisers/patrons/ticket sales.
Parent Signature*
PHOTO RELEASE FORM
I, (print parent/guardia's name here.)*

First NameLast Name
, am the parent or legal guardian of the minor indicated herein. By affixing my signature below, I hereby grant permission to the Arlington Foundation for Excellence in Education to use the name and likeness of my daughter,
(Print debutante name)*

First NameLast Name
(hereinafter “minor”), for any and all of its publications, including website entries, without payment or any other consideration.

I hereby irrevocably authorize the Arlington Foundation for Excellence in Education, to edit, alter, copy, exhibit, publish or distribute publications featuring the name and likeness of the minor for purposes of publicizing the Arlington Foundation for Excellence in Education, programs and scholarships, or for any other lawful purpose. Arlington Foundation for Excellence in Education, shall not use the name and/or likeness of the minor in any derogatory or demeaning manner. In addition, I hereby waive the right to inspect or approve the finished product, including written or electronic copy, wherein such likeness of the minor appears. Additionally, I waive any right to royalties or other compensation arising or related to the use of the name and/or likeness of the minor.

Further, I hereby hold harmless and release and forever discharge the Arlington Foundation for Excellence in Education from any and all claims, demands, and causes of action which I, my heirs, representatives, executors, administrators, or any other persons acting on my behalf, on behalf of my estate, or on behalf of the minor, have or may have by reason of this authorization.

By my signature below, I acknowledge that I have read this release and fully understand the contents, meaning, and impact of this release. A fully executed faxed or scanned copy of this release shall be acceptable.
Parent's / Guardian's Signature*
Date*

MonthDayYear
Date

PARTICIPATION FEE PAYMENT
Pay PalCertified FundsPayment Plan (After you submit this application, please click on the option on the next page for more information.)Zelle Payment
Payments for participation can be made now via PayPal or Zelle or later by mailing certified funds.

May 1, 2026 (Last date for early registration)

Participation Fee:

$1000 ($1036.67 with PayPal Fees)

May 2, 2026 - May 15, 2026 (Late fee applied)

Participation Fee: $1100 ($1140.29 with PayPal Fees)

Please take note of the following important information regarding the debutante program:

Early applications for the debutante program are accepted until May 1, 2026. The participation fee during this period is $1000. Late applications are accepted from May 2, 2026 until May 15, 2026. However, a late fee of $100 will be applied. The last day to accept payments is May 15, 2026. If you begin making payments before May 1st but do not complete it by that date, you will be charged the late fee of $100. For example, if you pay $300 on April 4 and $200 on April 12, but do not pay the remaining balance by May 1st, you will be responsible for paying $600 instead of the original $500 that you would have paid if you had completed your payment before May 1, 2026.

PAYMENTS ARE NONREFUNDABLE!
If you choose Pay Pal, enter the amount with Pay Pal fees included in the box below. You will be redirected to Pay Pal AFTER you hit "submit" at the end of the application.

Certified Funds should be postmarked by May 1, 2026, for early registration and postmarked by May 15, 2026, for late registration.

When using Zelle to send funds, you are REQUIRED to provide your name/Debutante's name and the purpose of your payment. If this information is not provided, we have no way to reach back out to you and your unrecognized transaction will be considered a DONATION.

The Recipient’s Email should be entered as Finance@arlingtoneducation.org. Copy and paste this if you can, to ensure no typos. Please make sure you have this entered correctly before sending funds

You must have a linked Bank Account. Before you can send money with Zelle, you will need to link your bank account to the app. Our account will not accept payment from linked debit cards, linked bank accounts only.

Please double-check the accuracy of the information you provide when sending funds, including the recipient’s email address. Sending money to the wrong email address will result in the funds being transferred to the wrong person, and it may be challenging for you to recover these funds from your bank.
STOP... Only put the dollar amount in the box below if you are paying the full participation fee via this application.
2026 Debutante Payment (Enter your participation fee including applicable Pay Pal fees in the box below)

prevnext( X )
USDEnter $ participation Fee
Should be Empty:

Liability and Release Waiver

Standard of Conduct for all Participants

STOP... Only put the dollar amount in the box below if you are paying the full participation fee via this application.