Amid the opulence of the Omni William Penn's grand ballroom, with its holiday lights, garlands and crystal chandeliers, the Jack and Jill of America Inc. Pittsburgh Chapter held its biennial Presentation Ball on Dec. 27, introducing to the community 14 poised and talented young men and women who have excelled in academics, community service and athletics. Established in 1944, the Pittsburgh Chapter has been holding the event since 1982. Proceeds from this year's ball will benefit the August Wilson Center for African American Culture and The Jack and Jill Foundation.

Welcoming those in attendance was chapter president Marcia Roque, and Presentation Ball co-chairs Carlotta Burgess and Karla Byrd offered opening remarks. Dr. Edmund Effort and his wife, Elaine Effort of KQV, served as grand marshals, reading the impressive biographies of the presentees, who were escorted by their proud parents to the strains of Pachelbel's Canon in D, performed by the David Sinclair String Quartet.

Resplendent in white gowns and white tuxedoes, the 2008 presentees were: Brett M. Allen, son of Blenda and Daryle Allen; Alonzo J. Anderson Jr., son of Dana and Alonzo Anderson Sr.; William B. Burgess, son of the Rev. Ricky and Carlotta K. Burgess; Catherine T. Byrd, daughter of Karla and Oliver Byrd; Charlotte A. Clark, daughter of Lynne and John Clark; Jettie B. Fields, daughter of Sylvia and Fred Fields; Cicely H. Kaikai, daughter of Edwina and Sidney Kaikai; Derek L. Kelly, son of Dr. Derek and Adrianne Kelly; Renee C. Motley, daughter of Darlene and David Motley; Joseph L. Patrick, son of Dr. Gregory and Judith Patrick; Lauren R. Thomas, daughter of Michael and Marsha Thomas; Helena L. Vasser, daughter of Martha and Theodore Vasser III; Joseph D. Williams, son of Darryl and Joseph Williams; and Caleb T. Wilson, son of Roslynne and E. Clair Wilson.