The Debutante Ball is a special debut for young girls who have reached the age of maturity and adulthood, to come out into society in a debut for family and friends.

Senior Demauria Benard recently entered the 53rd group of Debutantes of the Sacramento AKA’s, October 22. Benard’s grandmother was the one who introduced the ball to her, telling Benard that it was her senior year and she should apply.

“The Debutante ball is your debut, it’s your debut into society. It’s almost like a Quinceanera.” Benard said.

The ball was Benard’s way to show she is growing up and becoming a young women. According to Benard, she had to go dress shopping and there was extensive preparation that went into hosting the ball.

“This ball meant to me that I am more than just a student, I actually am growing up into a young woman and I am going to be leaving home soon,” Benard said. “It’s like my first real step.”

Debutante balls have been around for centuries, originating from the United Kingdom for young girls to showcase themselves as young adults. A tradition that is still prominent in the south.

Benard stepped out of her comfort zone and learned new life experiences along with long time memories.

“It was a really fun experience because I got to hangout with my mom more,” Benard said. “It really hit my comfort zone because I don’t like public speaking and I had to do a lot of that.”

Benard explained to friends and family what her event was about and what it meant to her. Benard’s close friend and senior Barry Lewis was excited for Bernard.

“Demauria talked to me about the ball, I thought it was really cool. She seemed really excited,” Lewis said. “I was really excited for her. It just shows that she is growing up and it’s a great thing for her.”

Haley O’Briant another close friend to Benard said Benard was thrilled to be doing this event, and she is happy she went forward with it.

“I think it was an amazing event for her to be apart of,” O’Briant said. “ It was able to open up her personality and it allowed her to become more comfortable with public speaking.”

Benard is happy to have her friends and family support her on her journey, “I was excited the whole time, except for the night of, I got super nervous” Benard said. “But after it was done and over with I was relieved and happy to have all my family and friends there. It was just a really nice experience to know that I’m cared for.”

According to Benard, she’lll be looking back on this experience for years to come.