One day giggling little girls, next day off to college. That’s how it seems to me. In this issue of Soirée we included in our events section the Country Club of Little Rock’s 2009 Debutantes attending their presentation on Dec. 29. So many of these polished young women were once Arkansas Children’s Hospital Star ACHievers and American Heart Association Sweethearts. I know because I have had the privilege of taking photos at their events over the past eight years.
Many years ago a young mother told me her small daughters liked to look at Soirée because they knew so many of the people featured in the events section. I wasn’t surprised. I remember reading the Daily Times Herald in Forrest City as soon as I could read. Like most southern towns, Forrest City was social. It was fascinating, all the prenuptial parties, graduation parties, teas, brunches, luncheons, cocktails at the country club and cultural events.
Is it any wonder how many of us enjoy looking at people in the society pages? We learned it from childhood and it seems we have continued the tradition.
It’s true some people regard social events as fluff. But you know, most of the people I read about as a child had social obligations. Feeding the hungry, fluoridation, beautification, education and immunization are all things I knew about from reading the society pages.
Looking over all the events aimed at young women in this issue, from eighth grade through college, it won’t be long until we see many of them joining young professional groups to help nonprofits; and more will be joining the Junior League, tackling community issues with all their hearts.
Sure, some people will continue to make fun of traditions. Some think joining an organization is passé. Some things have changed over the years. But what has not changed is the desire to teach young women to take responsibility, to become leaders and to care for people all over the world.
Sentimentally yours,
Becki Moore
Publisher and Editor, Soirée