Dallas Symphony Orchestra League Unveils 2026 Debutantes at 40th Annual Presentation Ball Announcement Weekend

The Dallas Symphony Orchestra League (DSOL) set the stage for an unforgettable season as they proudly introduced the 2026 debutantes during a week-long series of events, starting with the announcement of this year’s Debutantes at a party on May 15. Events continued with a Deb and Honor Guard Family dinner at the historic downtown El Fenix, a couture gown showcase hosted by Stanley Korshak at their luxurious Bridal Salon, and a gown presentation at Neiman Marcus Downtown. The series of events officially kicked off the season that will culminate in the much anticipated 40th Annual Presentation Ball, scheduled for February 21, 2026, at the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center. 

2026 Debutantes
Photo by Gittings

Presentation Ball Co-Chairs Maggie Kipp and Kristin Hallam, along with DSOL President Claire Catrino, orchestrated the week’s events. Claire is a former debutante who made her debut in 2011 and has been a part of the ball’s planning and organization since that time.  

Co-Chairs Maggie Kipp and Kristin Hallam with DSOL President Claire Catrino
Photo by Deborah Brown

“It is an honor to serve as President for the Dallas Symphony Orchestra League,” said Claire. “Our debutantes and their families will enjoy many wonderful events, make new friends and have one-of-a-kind experiences all while supporting the outstanding education and outreach programs of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra.  

Meredith Burkhart, Ryan Brown, Margaret Thompson, Ellie Browne, Olivia Zambrano, Elena Zeballos
Photo by Gittings

Kristin Hallam proudly announced that her in-laws, Fanchon and Howard Hallam, will serve as the Honorary Chairs. The Hallams have a longstanding and meaningful connection to the Dallas Symphony. Howard served for many years on the Board of Governors of the Dallas Symphony Association, including a term as Chairman.  Their leadership gift was pivotal in launching the Kim Noltemy Young Musicians program – one of the initiatives supported by the Ball – and they have generously endowed the DSO Co-Concertmaster Chair. 

The year will be one with many milestones reached: the DSOL will celebrate its 80th anniversary, the Presentation Ball is entering its 40th year, and the Dallas Symphony Orchestra will turn 125 years old.

The formal announcement of Debutantes by Master of Ceremonies Stan Gardner went flawlessly. Marena Gault and members of the Assembly, a group of former Debutantes, played a pivotal role behind the scenes coaching the Debutantes and Honor Guard for a smooth presentation.

Stella Grabham, Ashley Goldman, Gigi Enrico, Kate Eastin
Photo by Gittings

Notable attendees for the evening included Michelle Miller Burns, Ross Perot President and CEO of the DSO; Roger Gault, Chairman of the Board of Governors; Diane and Scott Sealy; The Honorable Clay and Ramsey Jenkins; and Denton Bricker.   

Also present was longtime League member Barbara Paschall Averitt who has been a dedicated and influential figure in the Presentation Ball since its inception in 1987. She has continuously contributed to the event, including serving as co-chair for the 2025 Presentation Ball. 

Introducing the 2026 Debutantes: Claire Francis Andrews, Madeline Grace Behrens, Claire Louise Bradshaw, Ryan EllaMarie Brown, Eleanor Baxter Browne, Meredith Lilly Burkhart, Catherine Sophia Cox, Larkin McKay Devening, Marbella Mora Duarte, Sophie Elizabeth Dybala, Kathryne Grace Eastin, Gisele MaryRose Enrico, Ashley Shannon Goldman, Stella Jane Grabham, MaKenna Loy Harvey, Elizabeth Ann Hautt, Jane Penny Hochman, Madeleine Christine Jenkins, Livia Grace Lange, Charlotte Bryant Lauten, Sue Sealy McGowin, Attales Grace Meyer, Elizabeth Catherine Nance, Madelyn Leigh Neuhoff, Carly Nicole Polka, Chloe Olivia Polka, Rachel Camille Rader, Sofia Marie Reyes, Marlo Elizabeth Rivas, Campbell Ann Schultz, Kathleen Brooks Searcy, Lindy Kate Smith, Sienna Alexis Stagen, Tessa Elizabeth Stephenson, Charlotte Spencer Stiles, Harper Catherine Tagg, Margaret Lee Thompson, Corinne Elizabeth Tinker, Georgia Bedell Williamson, Virginia Anne Wilson, Olivia Constance Zambrano, and Elena Catherine Zeballos.  

The presentation of these remarkable young women highlights the values and support instilled by their families and mentors. Their achievements and character are a testament to the collective effort of their loved ones, shaping them into the exemplary individuals they are today.

A Night of Grace and Giving: The 2025 DSOL Debutantes Shine Bright

In a show of elegance and holiday splendor, the 2025 Dallas Symphony Orchestra League debutantes took center stage at a cocktail reception and seated dinner on November 27, 2024, at the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center.

Guided by the gracious DSOL President Dixey Arterburn, the debutantes, their esteemed honor guards, and families were welcomed to this cherished tradition.

Kaylie Hudnall, Natalie Brooke Newton, Harper Knight, Grace Morrison
Photo by Gittings

The evening unfolded under the expert direction of Presentation Ball Co-Chairs Ginger Sager and Barbara Averitt, who introduced Stan Gardner as emcee. With his hallmark charm, Stan presented each of the 44 debutantes who gracefully took the stage and was joined by an honor guard escort for the presentation. Each young woman received a thoughtful gift from Eiseman Jewels NorthPark. The presentation was followed by a seated dinner.

Honorary Chairs Shirley and Bill McIntyre were unable to attend. Nikki Beneke was the event chair.

Caroline Petrikas, Grace Hoverman, Julia Montgomery, Ava Tribolet
Photo by Gittings

The evening was the start of the Thanksgiving holiday weekend which included a mixer for the debs and honor guard, as well as a Bow Boot Camp for the debs.

During the Christmas Holidays, the debs will return for another busy schedule of parties and bow practice. All the many events will culminate with the 39th Presentation Ball which will be held on February 15, 2025.

Families with rich DSOL traditions added a layer of legacy to the event, including second debutantes from the Cy Barcus, Joel Ciarochi, Garner Newton, Julian Potter, and Taylor Stone families. Meanwhile, the Patrick Tribolet family celebrated their third daughter's debut, a testament to the timelessness of this grand occasion.

Esteemed guests included Linda Burk and John Gilmore, Katherine and Key Coker, Janie and David Condon, and Jennifer and Todd Olson, among others.   

The 2025 Debutantes are:

Brooke Barcus, Brooke Makenna Barnes Lauren Brown, Alexa Grabow, Abby Carlisle, Sara Cashion, Sara Cavey, Olivia Barber, Elle Chavis, Rebecca Ciarochi, Olivia Coker, Isabelle Eggart, Annabel Everitt, Finley Galvin, Eliana Lourdes Garcia, Sophie Goelzer, Elizabeth Goelzer, Camille Gravel, Katherine Hess, Grace Hoverman,  Sydney Hoyl, Madeleine Hubach, Kaylie Hudnall, Harper Knight,  Ella-Rose Levy, Lily Lynch, Ivy Mazzucchi, Julia Montgomery, Grace Cathryn Morrison, Natalie  Brooke Newton,  Anne Blanche Peacock,  Ava Perpall, Caroline Petrikas, Ellie Porray, Vivian Potter, Alexandra Sargis, Grace Schlafer, Hannah Jackson, Maddy Grace Sporl, Mary Stone, Ava Tribolet, Natalie Van Arsdale, Samantha Ward, and Annabeth Winn.

The Presentation Ball, which was first held in 1987, is the largest fundraiser for the DSOL. This annual celebration, dreamed of by visionary Tincy Miller, has become a cornerstone of the DSOL's mission.

Elle Chavis, Samantha Ward, Annabel Everitt, Ellie Porray
Photo by Gittings

Since its inception in 1946, the Dallas Symphony Orchestra League has embraced the mission to support the Dallas Symphony Orchestra through service, education, and fundraising, contributing over $23 million to outreach and education programs.

Natalie Van Arsdale, Brooke Makenna Barnes, Finley Galvin, Rebecca Ciarochi, Ava Perpall
Photo by Gittings

In the grand symphony of philanthropy and tradition, the 2025 DSOL Presentation Ball will be a celebration of legacy, elegance, and the enduring spirit of giving.

DSOL Debutantes Participate in Divot Stomp at Annual Honor Guard Polo Cup

 The Dallas Symphony Orchestra League Debutantes and Honor Guard proudly partnered with the Prestonwood Polo Club for an evening of polo matches, dinner and drinks and halftime activities. 

Prestonwood Polo Honor Guard Cup

The annual Honor Guard Polo Cup was held at the Prestonwood Polo Club in Oak Point on June 24. The Debutantes, Honor Guard, and their families viewed the polo games from the pavilion, with many wearing their best derby hats. 

Catherine Hunt, Ellie Jones and Emmanuelle LeVoyer

The Debutantes participated in the traditional divot stomp. Divot stomping is a long-standing tradition where spectators converge on the field to stomp down the turf that has been torn up by the ponies' hooves. Attendees gathered on the field for a glass of Champagne, photo opportunities with players and horses, and meet club owner, Vaughn Miller.

Claire Wooley, Finley Nelson, Elizabeth Madison and Megan Underwood

Miller is the son of Tincy Miller who founded the Presentation Ball in 1987. He was among the first group of Honor Guards in the inaugural year. His family continues the tradition of support for the Presentation Ball. Daughter Gigi made her debut this year and sons Vance Miller, III and Vaughn Miller, Jr. served as Honor Guards. The Presentation Ball is the largest fundraiser for the DSOL and over $15 million has been raised for the Dallas Symphony Orchestra through the annual event.

Samantha Sullivan and Bronwyn Cordiak

“We are so grateful to Dena and Vaughn Miller, Vaughn Miller, Jr., Vance and Gigi for their incredible Prestonwood Polo Club venue,“ said Presentation Ball chair Kristin Cordiak. “The Honor Guard Polo Cup evening was exciting with the horses, players, champagne divot stomp - all fabulous fun!!”

The evening was one of the season events for the debutantes which culminate with the 38th Presentation Ball, to be held on February 10, 2024. 

Vance Miller

“This Presentation Season is filled with fun events like The Polo Cup, and we have the added focus of bringing music education to our community through the DSO Education and Outreach Programs,” said DSOL President Nancy Labadie. “Keep watching for what is up next for this amazing group of young women.

Polo Match

Founded in 1946, the DSOL's mission is to support the Dallas Symphony Orchestra through service, education and fundraising activities. Since 1998 the League has contributed over $22 million in support of the Dallas Symphony Association’s Community Outreach and Education programs, which help bring the wonder of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra to thousands of youths and adults in the Dallas Metroplex.

Photos by James French