the helen j. ragsdale/YVONNE HOUSTON
education scholarship
We ae writing to announce that the Cotillion Education Scholarship, presented to Delta Sigma Theta Soroity, Incorporated has been renamed the Helen Ragsdale/Yvonne Houston Education Scholarship.
This scholarship honors two deceased members—Helen Ragsdale and Yvonne Houston—who were inducted into Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., in 1983 through the newly piloted Membership Intake Program. As part of their initiation, the twelve line sisters (Angela Parks Boyd, Virginia Cobbs, Velma Covington, Bettye Givens, Yvonne Houston, Lorene James, Linda Lollis, Edwina Moten, Helen Ragsdale, Betty Sapp, Jacqueline Tyson and Janet Watson) proposed a public service project that was ultimately modified into the cultural enrichment and scholarship program we know today – The Cotillion.
The first Cotillion Program was presented in April 1986 and continues to this day. The 1983 line sisters mourn the loss of Soror Ragsdale and Houston and establish this scholarship in their memory.
We are happy to announce that the Houston Family has agreed to include Soror Yvonne Houston as an honoree, joining Soror Ragsdale, who has been honored since 2022.
Our goal is to raise $2,500 for each honoree, presenting a total of $5,000 in education scholarships to eligible Cotillion Participants.
We look forward to honoring both Sorors Ragsdale and Houston through this effort. Please let me know if you have any questions about this change.
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Thank you for your support of this important initiative.
Recipients of the Helen J. Ragsdale and Houston Education Scholarship must have demonstrated an interest in making a difference in the lives of others, especially young people, and have accomplished the following: ​​
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Shown that they have registered in their chosen field and at their specified Participated in and completed all Cotillion Program College or University;
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Provided a statement as to why they want to be an educator, community/civic leader, a children's advocate, social worker or related area of study.
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Involved in community volunteer activity
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Have a 3.0 GPA
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