Debutante Service Project

 

Overview

The Debutante Service Project requires documentation, action and demonstration.  It is an independent learning experience that should be both positive and challenging, as well as representative of a debutante's best work.  It must be approved by the Cotillion Service Committee and should be discussed with family and/or advisor(s).  No project should be started without committee approval. 

 

Proposal

Each debutante is required to complete a Service Project Proposal Form that outlines goals and provides descriptive details of the project.  It requires an explanation of why the project was chosen and a prediction of how it will benefit the community. Proposal due dates for the next debutante class will be provided in early 2022.

 

Contract

Each debutante is required to complete a Service Project Contract which is to be signed by the debutante, their parent/guardian and their advisor.  Contract due dates for the next debutante class will be provided in early 2022.

 

Activity Log Sheets

During the completion of the service project, debutantes are required to document a minimum of 30-hours dedicated to working on the project (at least 20-hours must reflect the action portion of the project). No amount of time dedicated to the project is too small.  Remember, all project activities should be documented. Examples of activity log entries include but are not limited to the following (phone calls, research, meaningful project dialogue, agency visits, etc.).

 

Project

The completion of the Debutante Service Project is a requirement.  Each debutante agrees to complete the project in accordance with the requirements specified above.  Service project deadlines for the next debutante class will be provided in early 2022.

 

Things to consider when choosing a Service Project

• Can I meet mandatory schedules and deadlines, as well as fulfill academic responsibilities and extra-curricular obligations?

 

• What issues do I feel strongly about?

 

• What service could I provide that may benefit others?

 

• What product or activity could I create to meet the needs of my community?

 

• Will my project challenge me?

 

• Will I be able to find resources for my project choice?

 

• Will I have problems with transportation?

 

Suggested projects include but are not limited to:

 

• Volunteering at a service agency

 

• Organizing an environmental improvement project/community improvement

 

• Coaching a sports team for younger children

 

• Leading a church youth group and creating a unique activity for the group

 

• Developing and/or teaching a course (senior technology class, youth cooking class, etc.)

 

• Organizing a major public event

 

 

Presentation

Each debutante is responsible for preparing an oral presentation of her project and presenting it to a panel of community members. Oral presentations should be accompanied by a PowerPoint or a self-produced video. The presentation will be held by appointment during the month of August 2022.

 

PowerPoint Presentation

This is an audio-visual slide show (approximately 3-5 minutes in length) that consists of a minimum of 10 slides and containing information that summarizes the service experience. It must be presented in an original and interesting manner. The presentation must include a title indicating its subject matter and slides that display information pertaining to the topic and project implementation.  At the time of the presentation, debutantes will be expected to discuss the slides and answer any questions from panelists.

  

(OR)

 

Self-Produced Video

A 3-7 minute original and interesting video can be chosen that includes the following elements: a title indicating its subject matter, an opening sequence, information based on the materials you researched, graphics with voiceover or music and/or excerpts from an outside tape, a closing sequence and credits.  At the time of the presentation, debutantes will be expected to show and discuss the video and answer any questions from panelists.

 

Evaluation

The panel of community members will complete a formal assessment for each presentation and the average will make-up the final presentation score. A rubric for the presentation will be provided to debutantes.