Bright Futures, Bold Moves – 13 Outstanding Graduates Shine at the 74th Annual Cotillion

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DWN
June 13, 2025
10
 minute read
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Bright Futures, Bold Moves – 13 Outstanding Graduates Shine at the 74th Annual Cotillion

By
DWN
5 min read
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The ballroom of the Westin Hotel exuded pride, elegance, and promise as thirteen exceptional young women were honored at the 74th Annual Debutante Cotillion, hosted by the Owl Club of Denver, on June 7, 2025. This year’s theme, “Celebrating a Legacy of Excellence,” beautifully captured the evening’s spirit as family, friends, and mentors came together to support and uplift a new generation of changemakers.

Each debutante was a beacon of academic strength, leadership, and purpose. Their achievements were as inspiring as their dreams, from student government to varsity sports and robotics to the performing arts. As each young woman was formally introduced to the audience, she demonstrated poise and a powerful display of courtesy and grace—a reflection of deep tradition and her confident future.

In a heartfelt nod to legacy, three of this year’s debutantes followed in the footsteps of their mothers—Nile Hudson, Jaylen Tyler, and Alexis Weddington—each of whom was once an Owl Club Debutante herself. Additionally, Robynn Pigford carries forward a family connection with her late uncle, Carl Pigford, who has been a proud member of the Owl Club.

Thanks to the Owl Club Scholarship Committee, several debutantes were also awarded educational scholarships to help bring those dreams to life.

Meet the 2025 Class of Owl Club of Denver Debutantes

Emori Evely Meme Cortez

Graduate of East High School

Daughter of Kristy Walker and Desi Cortez · Escorted by True Scott

A vibrant student-leader involved in cheerleading, softball, speech & debate, and student council. Emori will attend the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa. She was also selected as a recipient of an Owl Club Scholarship, supporting her continued academic excellence.

Asha Patrice Gidden

Graduate of Overland High School

Daughter of Monica Badgett and Doran Brock · Escorted by Zachary Kelsey

Known for her wide-ranging talents in performing arts, athletics, and student mentorship, Asha will pursue her studies at Regis Jesuit University.

Imani-Eshe Grimes

Graduate of DSST: Montview High School

Daughter of Aaron Dion Grimes and Brittany Sheffield · Escorted by Omari Smith

Award-winning cheerleader, academic high-achiever, and community mentor Imani plans to study Biology at Tuskegee University to become a nurse. She was honored with an Owl Club Scholarship for educational purposes.

Nile Hudson

Graduate of DSST: Elevate Northeast High School

Daughter of Jermaine Hudson and Natalie Lewis · Escorted by James Smith

An accomplished student body president, athlete, and healthcare advocate. Nile will study Public Health at the University of Colorado Boulder (CU Boulder).

Aleah Parker Kelta

Graduate of Vista Peak Preparatory

Daughter of Amanda Parker Lane and Jerimah Lane

Escorted by Dimitri Bartley

Aleah earned three honorary cords for excellence in the arts pathway and overall high school performance while serving as president of the Fashion and Design Industry Club and a Link Crew leader. She will attend Colorado State University.

Charissa Temwani Mhango

Graduate of Mullen High School

Daughter of Mbanyane Mhango and Phyllis Agyin

Escorted by Yawaka Mhango

State-champion Mock Trial captain, Yearbook Editor-in-Chief, and Honor Society president Charissa will study Biochemistry at the University of Notre Dame. She was also awarded an Owl Club Scholarship, supporting her academic journey.

Nya Moseley

Graduate of East High School

Daughter of Yancy and Chandra Moseley

Escorted by Jordan Cothran.

As a civil rights advocate and student-athlete, Nya will attend Howard University, majoring in political science.

Lydia Paulos

Graduate of DSST: Montview High School

Daughter of Paulos Bekele and Meseret Kidane

Escorted by Fabian Morris

Focused on engineering, leadership, and youth advocacy, Lydia will continue her academic path at Seattle University.

Robynn Elise Pigford

Graduate of Regis Jesuit High School

Daughter of Robert Edward and Stacee Michelle Pigford II

Escorted by Anthony Pigford

A competitive swimmer and global volunteer, Robynn will attend the University of Denver to pursue a career in Radiology. She is also a proud Owl Club Scholarship recipient.

Aaliyah Nevaeh Richardson

Graduate of East High School

Daughter of Byron Richardson and Jennifer Shreck · Escorted by Suray Thomas

Congressional Art Award winner and creative visionary. Aaliyah will study Architecture Design Studies at Howard University.

Tia Cherise Sipple

Graduate of Rangeview High School

Daughter of Randolph and Tracie Sipple

Escorted by King Transou.

All-American dancer and leader Tia earned a $54,000 scholarship to AMDA in Los Angeles, where she will study advanced dance.

Jaylen Si’erra Tyler

Graduate of East High School

Daughter of Candice Malone

Escorted by Juan Shivers

As a trailblazer in girls’ flag football, academic standout, and community volunteer, Jaylen will attend Louisiana State University (LSU) to study Mechanical Engineering. She was also named an Owl Club Scholarship recipient.

Alexis Marley Weddington

Graduate of Robert F. Smith STEAM Academy

Daughter of Myles and Brionn Weddington

Escorted by Jason Delancy, Jr.

Alexis, an athlete and youth advocate who dreams of healing her community, will study Sports Medicine at South Carolina State College. She was awarded an Owl Club Scholarship to support her educational journey.

These young women didn’t just take a deep curtesy—they took bold steps toward their futures. With scholarships, school spirit, and ambition, the Class of 2025 debutantes have shown they are ready to advance the legacy of excellence.

Owl Club Prepares for 75th Anniversary, Calls on Former Debutantes to Return

With its 74th Annual Debutante Cotillion in the books, the Owl Club of Denver focuses on a historic milestone: its 75th Anniversary Cotillion, set for 2026. In anticipation of this landmark event, the organization is calling all former debutantes to reconnect and participate in what promises to be a powerful intergenerational celebration of legacy and leadership.

“This is more than just an anniversary—it’s a chance to honor the women who helped shape the Owl Club’s rich tradition over the past seven decades,” said a club spokesperson. “We want every former debutante, from every era, to have the opportunity to be in the room.”

The club is compiling a database of past participants and encourages former debutantes, their families, or friends to reach out. For more information or to get involved in the 75th Anniversary celebration, visit theowlclubofdenverinc.com.

LA/DWN

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