WS Chronicle

Winston-Salem Chapter of Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc. and Top Teens of America presented an Evening of Elegance Scholarship Gala at the Village Inn Hotel and Event Center in Clemmons on March 14. 

Every year the organization looks forward to highlighting their Top Teens (mostly juniors and seniors), along with their escorts, for their accomplishments throughout the year. The event celebrates their accolades and their endeavors to raise money to continue their studies at institutions of higher education. 

The scholarship gala kicked off with a formal dance performed by Teens and escorts: Teen Trinity Barr/Teen Joshua McCravey, Teen Aria Bryson/Teen Omari Bolden, Teen Arniza Clark/Teen Ryann Stephens, Teen Aaliyah Foskey/Escort Jordan Timmons, Teen Jordynn Foster/Teen Najashi Belcher, Teen Jaiden Jamison/Teen Gregory Gordon III, Teen Kya Rowdy/Teen Jamarre Cook, Teen LaShayla Stephens/Teen Issac Stephens, Teen Chloe Tucker/Teen Maurice Cager and Teen Jhanee Welch/Teen Jaden Baldwin.

The highlight of the gala was the comedic performance of the guest speaker Shedrick Garrett aka Shed G. Shed G addressed the audience as a whole, but focused mainly on the teens by providing “real-life” scenarios of what they may encounter once they graduate from high school. He encouraged the teens to always do their best and never take anything or anyone for granted. He spoke and joked about his appreciation of  “hand-me-down clothes from his sister,” as well as his deep roots from growing up in the church, both of which experiences made him grow to be the man he is today. 

Shed G is a well renowned comedian, actor and radio personality known mainly for his clean faith-based comedy. His comedic style not only captivated the gala audience, it also provided a well-received message to the teens. Shed G gained notoriety for working alongside Tyler Perry and has opened up for many acts, such as Kevin Hart, Dave Chappelle, and many other music artists. He has traveled all over the world and now resides in Dallas, Texas. “When I met him, I immediately thought – I need him to speak to our teens! I asked and he accepted. Top Ladies and Top Teens are eternally grateful to have him here,” said Lady Barbara Stowe, Winston-Salem Top Ladies chapter president.  

Every year Top Ladies, Top Teens, and resources throughout the community come together to make the scholarship gala a success. We would like to acknowledge the following: W-S Chapter TLOD, Lords and Parents, TTA Ambassadors, master of ceremony, Ambassador Matthew Parker, John Wait (Mayor of Clemmons), Lady Adrienne Boner (National Area IV director), Lady Barbara Stowe (W-S chapter president), Lady Joycelyn Summey (scholarship chair), Lady Donna Price (scholarship co-chair), Lady Yuvongala Howell (2nd vice president), Ambassador Christopher Hinton, Ambassador Sommer Stephens, and Ambassador Kyndal Dodd, Mrs. Gail Couthen (soloist), Lady Sharon Debnam (TTA advisor), Lady Joyce Leak (public relations chair), Lady LaTrenda Boyd-Gordon (TTA co-advisor), Lady Annie Lassiter (TTA co-advisor), Lady Patsy Squire (sergeant-at-arms), Lady Theressa Stephens (director of operations), Teen Jordynn Foster (TTA president), Lady Chantea Carpenter (treasurer), Lady Sebrina Anderson (financial secretary), Montinique Cager (photographer), Patrick Smith (musician/DJ), Monica & Jerome Johnson (teens dance instructors) Daisy A Day (floral),  Lana Schlotfeldt & staff (Village Inn) and Sponsors: Hanesbrand, Douthit Funeral Service, Blings Names and Badges, Menz Fashion, Ambassador Steve Stowe II, Lady Adrienne Boner’s, Area IV director, Vision Embroidery, and Black Business, Inc.

Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc.’s top priority is to provide service to youth while working through collaborative community partnerships, to enhance the status of women, enrich the lives of senior citizens, and promote community beautification.