Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

Theta Pi Omega Chapter's

14th

Pink & Green Fantasy Ball

Saturday, April 9, 2016
THE MERION
Cinnaminson, New Jersey

El-Rhonda Williams Alston, Esq.

Mrs. Glynis Spencer
Cotillion Committee Co-Chairmen
Ms. Melanie L. Burney
President

2015-2016 COTILLION
HANDBOOK
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
19082015

107 Years of Service

Theta Pi Omega Chapter

Serving Burlington, Camden & Gloucester Counties in

Southern New Jersey

El-Rhonda Williams Alston, Esq.

Mrs. Glynis Spencer
Cotillion Committee Co-Chairmen
Ms. Melanie L. Burney
President

NOTES

WELCOME
September 2015
Dear Cotillion 2016 Participants:
We are pleased that you have chosen to participate in the
2016 Cotillion sponsored by Theta Pi Omega Chapter of Alpha
Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. We know that you will find Cotillion
2016 to be an inspiring, enlightening, and most of all, fun,
experience. Additionally, you will meet new friends and gain selfconfidence with every rehearsal and workshop as you prepare for
your formal introduction to society.
This handbook sets forth the expectations, policies and
procedures that you must adhere to during your participation in
Cotillion 2016. It is our contract with you. The handbook also
outlines your responsibilities and obligations and the consequences
for failing to meet them. We expect you to read it and use it as a
reference from the day you receive it through the day of the
Cotillion. If you have any questions regarding the contents of this
handbook, please ask your Cotillion Co-Chairmen. Also, please
feel free to communicate concerns you have about any aspect of
the Cotillion throughout this process.
Throughout this journey, we ask for your time, attention
and dedication. In return, we promise you an experience that you
will remember for the rest of your life.
Sincerely,
El-Rhonda Williams Alston, Esq.
Co-Chairman, Cotillion 2016
Mrs. Glynis Spencer
Co-Chairman, Cotillion 2016
Ms. Melanie L. Burney
President
Page 2

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FOR THE GOOD OF THE

ORDER

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Parent/Guardian Mission Statement

There is a clear expectation that all Debutantes, Junior Debutantes and
Escorts will perform all tasks and projects with honor and integrity with the
support of parents, family, sponsors, the Cotillion Committee and the
community. The Cotillion experience will require your son or daughter to
think, process, organize and create his or her own ideas.

Introduction

Guidelines for Sponsors

Goals of the Cotillion

Debutante Standards

Each parent is asked to model courtesy and respect.

Important Contacts for Cotillion 2016

13

Each parent is asked to read and understand the requirements and

deadlines as it pertains to academics, rehearsal attendance, ads, tickets,
gown/attire requirements, Memory Books, community service, cultural
activities, talent show and workshops.

Debutante Responsibilities

14

Debutante Attendance Rubric

11

Throughout this process, he/she will gain knowledge, self-respect, and

ownership in the work that he/she performs. These qualities will provide a
solid foundation for life skills, impacting people positively throughout
his/her life.

Parent/Guardian Honor Code

Each parent is asked to support the integrity of the Cotillion and

support the imposition of penalties if violations of rules occur.

Unacceptable Attire

16

Each parent is asked to remember his or her support is an integral part of

the Cotillion process and that his or her support is vital to the success
of the participant.

Key Activities

17

Each parent is asked to maintain an open and honest line of

communication with members of the Cotillion Committee.

Awards

18

Each parent is asked to use proper channels of communication, starting

with the Sponsor, the Subcommittee chair, the Debutante, the Junior
Debutante, or Escort Co-Chairmen, and then the Cotillion Co-Chairmen.

Junior Debutante Standards

19

Junior Debutante Responsibilities

20

Escort Standards, Responsibilities & Attire

21

For the Good of the Order

22

Each parent is asked to pay all fees and money associated with the
Cotillion in accordance with the stated deadlines. Should a check be
return for insufficient funds, it must be replaced with a certified check
or money order. A gross violation may result in point reductions for
your debutante.

The most important part of this process is YOU. However, you cannot and are
not expected to do this alone. Sponsors and members of the Cotillion
Committee will work with you from the beginning to the end. If at any time you
have a concern about the Cotillion, please do not hesitate to contact your
sponsor or subcommittee chairman. We are here to ensure that your Cotillion
experience is one you will never forget.

Enjoy the journey!

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Page 3

ESCORT STANDARDS,
RESPONSIBILITIES & ATTIRE

INTRODUCTION

Each Escort must meet the following standards as designated by the

Cotillion Committee.
Must be of good moral character .

This handbook is designed to provide guidelines and to outline

the goals of the Cotillion. It will also explain the roles of the
sponsors and responsibilities of participants in preparation for
the Cotillion.
A Debutante Ball is an elaborate formal affair, where a young
lady makes her formal entrance into society.

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Theta Pi Omega Chapter

welcomes your participation in our Cotillion. You will have an
opportunity to meet young people over the next nine months
during special activities and projects we have planned for you.
The members of Theta Pi Omega are committed to making this
a noteworthy event and a rewarding experience for you and
your family.

Must maintain a C+ average or above.

Must be recommended by a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha
Sorority, Inc., Theta Pi Omega Chapter.
Must be a junior or senior in high school or a freshman in college.
Must be single, have no children and never have been married.
Must adhere to all of the rules and guidelines of the Cotillion. Any
violation of these rules will result in dismissal from the Cotillion.
Cotillion 2016 participants are expected to be discreet and maintain a
sense of privacy when it comes to their personal affairs and their display
of certain physical attributes. Therefore, the Cotillion Committee reserves
the right to terminate the participation of an Escort who is found engaging
in any of the following activities: using profanity or sexually explicit
languageverbally, in print or electronically; posting or sharing graphic
or revealing pictures on any social networking site, including but not
limited to Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat; or engaging in any
behavior that is deemed unbecoming of a gentleman.

ESCORT RESPONSIBILITIES
Must attend rehearsals as scheduled.

Must pay rental fee for tuxedo chosen by the choreographer.

Must pay for Cotillion tickets by set deadlines.
Must adhere to the attire requirements as designated by the Cotillion
Committee.
Must participate in educational and cultural activities.
Each Escort must negotiate (cash) his scholarship check within 90
days.
Failure to do so may result in the forfeiture of the scholarship
money. New checks will not be issued for lost or misplaced checks.
All monies turned into the Cotillion Committee are Non-Refundable
(i.e., registration fee, payments for ads in the journal, tickets, cultural
activity and the Cotillion and other activities).
Failure to meet these responsibilities may result in reduced monetary
awards.
Page 21

JUNIOR DEBUTANTE
RESPONSIBILITIES

GUIDELINES FOR
SPONSORS

Each Junior Debutante must pay a non-refundable

registration fee by the designated deadline.

Each Junior Debutante must meet ALL deadlines.

Each Junior Debutante must participate in educational and
cultural activities.

Each Junior Debutante must attend all rehearsals as

scheduled.

Each Junior Debutante must sell the required number of

tickets and pages for the ad journal. Non-compliance may
result in forfeiture of Debutante eligibility and/or a
reduction in her scholarship award.

All ads must be submitted camera-ready, along with the

appropriate payment, by the deadline.

Each Junior Debutantes parent or guardian must report all

monies due by the established deadlines to the designated

financial committee members.

Each Junior Debutantes parent or guardian must pay for

attire and accessories selected by the Junior Debutante
Committee.

All monies turned into the Cotillion Committee are NonRefundable (i.e., registration fee, payments for ads in the
journal, tickets, cultural activity and the Cotillion and other
activities).

Each Debutante must negotiate (cash) her scholarship

check within 90 days. Failure to do so may result in the
forfeiture of the scholarship money. New checks will not
be issued for lost or misplaced checks.
Page 20

Each sponsor may sponsor only one Debutante.

Each sponsor must attend the parent/sponsor workshop as
noted on the activity calendar.
Each sponsor must attend the Mother & Daughter Luncheon &
Tea, at which time she will become acquainted with her
Debutante and exchange contact information and preferred
time/mode of communication.
Each sponsor is expected to attend at least two rehearsals each
month.
Each sponsor must sign the attendance book, which will be
available at each rehearsal.
Each sponsor is expected to encourage and support her Debutante in the various activities for which she is responsible such
as the talent show, memory book, and community service and
ad journal commitments. It is crucial that Debutantes strictly
adhere to all deadlines and criteria.
Each sponsor must attend the dress rehearsal.
Each sponsor must be present the day of the Debutante Ball for
the culmination of the happy, productive, sponsor/Debutante
relationship.
Participants, parents, or guardians are to notify the chair of the
Sponsor Committee if their sponsor is not fulfilling her
responsibilities.

Page 5

JUNIOR DEBUTANTE
STANDARDS

GOALS OF THE COTILLION

The Cotillion Committee developed the following
goals, which complement the service programs of
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
GOAL 1 Select Outstanding Debutantes
The Cotillion Committee will solicit young
ladies who demonstrate high ethical
standards, good scholarship, and strong
moral values and lady-like character for the
purpose of introducing them to society.

Each Junior Debutante must meet the following standards

as designated by the Cotillion Committee. Any violation of
these rules will result in dismissal from the Cotillion. NO
EXCEPTIONS WILL BE MADE
Each Junior Debutante:

Must be of good moral character with a sense of responsibility.

Must maintain a C+ average or above.

Must be recommended by a member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha

Sorority, Inc.

GOAL 2 Provide Positive Role Models

Must be a freshman or sophomore in high school.

The members of Theta Pi Omega Chapter

will serve as positive role models to set
examples for the Debutantes and assist in
developing their leadership potential.

Must be single, have no children and never have been married.

GOAL 3 Present Educational

Opportunities
The Cotillion seeks to identify and support
young ladies who will be introduced to
educational opportunities at colleges
through mentoring relationships with Alpha
Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. women
GOAL 4 Identify Scholarship Awards
The Cotillion Committee will assist the
Debutantes in pursuing higher education
scholarship awards.
Page 6

Must not become pregnant at any time from selection to

presentation. (In the event of a pregnancy, a Junior
Debutante will be dismissed from participating in the
Cotillion and any of its activities.)
Must adhere to all of the rules and guidelines of the Cotillion.
Any violation of these rules will result in dismissal from the
Cotillion.
Cotillion 2016 participants are expected to be discreet and
maintain a sense of privacy when it comes to their personal
affairs and their display of certain physical attributes. Therefore,
the Cotillion Committee reserves the right to terminate the
participation of a Junior Debutante who is found engaging in
any of the following activities: using profanity or sexually
explicit languageverbally, in print or electronically; posting or
sharing graphic or revealing pictures on any social networking
site, including but not limited to Facebook, Twitter, Instagram
and Snapchat; or engaging in any behavior that is deemed
Page 19
unbecoming of a lady.

CRITERIA FOR SCHOLARSHIPS

SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS

The Debutantes scoring the highest number of points will receive one of
the top four awards as follows: 1st - Miss Pink & Green Fantasy,
2nd -Miss Pink Fantasy, 3rd - Miss Green Fantasy, 4th
Miss Fantasy.
MISS CONGENIALITY

The Debutantes class shall select the recipient of this award. The
recipient shall be selected based on her congenial attitude, personality,
and cooperation during the preparation for the Debutante Ball. This
award does not count towards scholarships.

ACADEMIC
ACHIEVEMENT

MISS COMMUNITY SERVICE

The award for this category is presented to the Debutante who has
rendered exceptional volunteer service to the community. The evaluation
is based upon the service project log sheet, self-assessment and
supervisors written evaluation.
MISS TALENTED

This award is presented to the Debutante who has demonstrated special

talent in drama, music, and other fine arts through her showmanship,
originality, appropriate costume and performance.

ADHERENCE TO
GUIDELINES &
REQUIREMENTS

MISS CREATIVITY

This award is presented to the Debutante who has submitted the most
attractive, creative, and original Memory Book. It must include a
narrative and should include information and photographs of the
Debutante and her family, school community, church and athletic
activities, special projects and other selected items.
MISS SCHOLARLY

This award is presented to the Debutante who has the highest grade point
average. Other qualities considered are leadership abilities, personal
characteristics, good character traits and good citizenship.

ACTIVITIES &
PARTICIPATION

MISS 100 PERCENT

The Debutante Committee will select the recipient of this incentive

award. The criterion includes: attendance, meeting deadlines,
cooperation, and participation in activities.
Total possible points for each activity associated with the Cotillion are
as follows:
Attendance
Community Service
Talent Show
Memory Book
Academics
Ad Journal Workshop
Advertisements

50 points
50 points
50 points
50 points
50 points
25 points
20 points

Page 18

ATTENDANCE

Page 7

KEY ACTIVITIES

DEBUTANTE STANDARDS
Each Debutante must meet the following standards as
designated by the Cotillion Committee. Any violation
of these rules will result in dismissal from the
Cotillion. NO EXCEPTIONS WILL BE MADE.
Each Debutante:
Must be of good moral character.
Must maintain a C+ average or above.
Must be recommended by a member of Alpha Kappa
Alpha Sorority, Inc., Theta Pi Omega Chapter.

Must be a junior or senior in high school.

ORIENTATION WORKSHOP
MOTHER & DAUGHTER LUNCHEON & TEA
AD JOURNAL WORKSHOP
PUBLIC SPEAKING WORKSHOP
COLLEGE PREP WORKSHOP

Must be single, have no children and never have been

married.

Must not become pregnant at any time from selection to

presentation. (In the event of a pregnancy, the Debutante
will be dismissed from participating in the Cotillion and
any of its activities.)

Must adhere to all of the rules and guidelines of the

Cotillion. Any violation of these rules will result in
dismissal from the Cotillion

Cotillion 2016 participants are expected to be discreet and

maintain a sense of privacy when it comes to their
personal affairs and their display of certain physical
attributes. Therefore, the Cotillion Committee reserves the
right to terminate the participation of a Debutante who is
found engaging in any of the following activities: using
profanity or sexually explicit languageverbally, in print
or electronically; posting or sharing graphic or revealing
pictures on any social networking site, including but not
limited to Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat; or
engaging in any behavior that is deemed unbecoming of a
lady.
Page 8

CULTURAL ACTIVITY
COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECT
COTILLION WORKSHOPS
TALENT SHOW
ETIQUETTE WORKSHOP
HUMAN TRAFFICKING WORKSHOP
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND HEALTHY
RELATIONSHIPS WORKSHOP

DEBUTANT BALL *
*Each debutante is required to participate in the Debutant Ball.
Failing to do so will forfeit their right to be considered for any of
the Scholarship titles (Ms. Pink, Ms. Green, etc.)
Page 17

PROHIBITED/INAPPROPRIATE
ATTIRE

DEBUTANTE
RESPONSIBILITIES

Midriffs

Each Debutante must pay a non-refundable registration

fee by the designated deadline.

Sneakers, Tennis Shoes

Each Debutante must meet ALL deadlines.

Any boots (e.g., Timberland,

Uggs, sport boots, etc.)

Each Debutante must attend all Debutante activities.

Head wraps, do-rags, etc.

Baggy, loose-fitting, or sagging

pants

Each Debutante must attend all scheduled rehearsals.

Each Debutante must sell the required number of Cotillion
tickets and pages for the ad journal.

All ads must be submitted camera-ready, along with the

appropriate payment, by the deadline.

Each Debutantes parent or guardian must report all

monies due by the deadline dates to the designated
financial committee members.

Exercise attire including yoga

pants

Each Debutante must have her formal evening attire

approved by the Debutante committee.

Tank Tops

Jeans or Jean Skirts

Micro, Mini, or Pencil Skirts

All monies turned into the Cotillion Committee are NonRefundable (i.e., registration fee, payments for ads in the
journal, tickets, cultural activity and the Cotillion and other
activities).

Each Debutante must negotiate (cash) her scholarship

check within 90 days. Failure to do so may result in the
forfeiture of the scholarship money. New checks will not
be issued for lost or misplaced checks.

Visible Tattoos
Page 16

Page 9

DEBUTANTE RESPONSIBLITIES
ATTENDANCE
Debutantes are required to attend all activities and rehearsals as outlined
in the activity schedule. The success of the Cotillion depends upon the full
cooperation and commitment of all participants. Full attendance points
(two points/meeting date) will be awarded to participants who arrive in a
timely manner (no later than fifteen minutes after the start of the activity),
partial attendance points (one point/meeting date) will be awarded for late
arrival (30 minutes after the start of the activity) and zero points will be
awarded for an arrival more than 30 minutes after the start of the activity
and for unexcused absences. Debutantes must sign the attendance sheet
upon arrival and stay for the duration of the activity to ensure they
receive their attendance points. Rehearsals will begin promptly at 3:00
P.M. and end
at approximately 5:00 P.M. unless otherwise indicated.
Sign-in sheets will be available at the start of the activity.
In the event that a Debutante is unable to attend an activity or
rehearsal, she must notify one of the Debutante committee chairs.
Failure to attend a scheduled activity will result in the Debutante not
being awarded attendance credit for the missed activity.
COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECT
Each Debutante must complete at least 32 hours of community service
within the designated timeframe. Additionally, each Debutante will be
responsible for submitting a written report about her service project. The
Debutante committee prior to the start of the project must approve all
community service projects. It is recommended that Debutantes complete
a minimum of two hours of service per week for 16 week. The written
report documenting the project must contain three parts 1.) The
service project log sheet, 2.) a type written, double spaced project
description including a self-assessment and 3.) a written evaluation
from the service project supervisor. The supervisor must sign the
service project log and written evaluation. An impartial panel not
affiliated with the Cotillion will judge the written community service
project reports.

Page 10

Page 10

COTILLION ATTIRE

Debutantes are required to wear full flowing skirt/dresses (no

pants) that mimic the flow of a ball gown, and dress heels to all
rehearsals and cotillion-related activities unless otherwise instructed
by the Debutante Committee.
DEBUTANTE COTILLION ATTIRE
Gowns must be a white full-length formal. Gowns may have long
or short sleeves. Sleeveless, strapless, halter gowns or gowns with
spaghetti straps are not permitted. Gowns must be one-piece. No
shawls, drapes, stoles or jackets of any kind are permitted. In addition,
trains and cutout exposing backs and stomachs are not permitted.
Gowns should flare at the waist and should be hemmed appropriately
to allow ease in dancing and curtsying. Required white gloves must be
coordinated with the sleeve length of the gown. White shoes with heels
are required (no mules) and white or nude hosiery. Simple
jewelry is recommendedpearls
are
preferred. Conservative
m a k e -up and hairstyles are recommended. No crowns, tiaras or
headpieces are permitted. The Debutante Committee must approve all
attire. A photo may be presented in order for the committee to view the
proposed dress. Debutantes must get approval prior to purchasing or
making a gown.
JUNIOR DEBUTANTE REHEARSAL ATTIRE
Junior Debutantes are required to wear full flowing skirt/dresses
(no pants) and dress heels to all rehearsals and cotillion-related
activities unless otherwise instructed by the Junior Debutante
Committee.
JUNIOR DEBUTANTE COTILLION ATTIRE
All Junior Debutantes are required to wear evening gowns, shoes, and
accessories selected by the Junior Debutante Committee.
The gown may be custom made or purchased as designated by the
committee.
ESCORT REHEARSAL ATTIRE
Escorts are required to wear dress or business attire and dress shoes to
all rehearsals and cotillion-related activities unless otherwise
instructed by the Escort Committee. Dress shirts and ties are
preferred. Dress khakis and sweaters are permitted.
Page 15

DEBUTANTE RESPONSIBLITIES

AD JOURNAL WORKSHOP
Each Debutante is required to attend the mandatory Ad Journal
Workshop. Debutantes are required to submit at least eight (8)
pages of advertisements for the journal as noted in the activity
calendar. Failure to adhere to the ad journal requirement will result
in reduced monetary awards. Obtain ads from friends, family,
teachers, and business associates. Invite them to share in this
exciting journey and show their support for you by purchasing an ad
in the souvenir journal. Guidelines and forms will be distributed at
the mandatory workshop. The Ad Journal Committee must approve
all ads.

DEBUTANTE ATTENDANCE
RUBRIC
The total possible points associated with your attendance are 50 points. It
includes 21 dance rehearsals and 8 special workshops for which your
attendance is mandatory.
REHEARSALS
2

0.5

The journal provides a visually lasting memory of the Cotillion and

thus will be treasured for many years to come. It is important that to
adhere to all deadline requirements to ensure that a quality product
is in place for the Cotillion.

The arrival of debutante is prompt and she

has signed in no later than 15 minutes after
the start of the activity
The arrival of debutante is between 15-30
minutes after the start of the activity or she is
unable to stay for the duration of the activity
The debutante arrives or leaves more than 30
minutes after the start or end of an activity or
she has an excused absence. *
The debutant failed to attend or properly
notify the Debutante committee chairs

TOTAL Rehearsal points = 42

TALENT SHOW

WORKSHOPS

Each Debutante is required to participate in the talent show. The

Cotillion choreographer and designed committee member will assist
Debutantes in preparing a presentation for the show. Each
Debutante will be required to identify the type of talent she intends
to perform and the props or materials that she will need. Judges
who are not affiliated with the Cotillion will determine talent show
winners. The criteria to be used by the judges will be shared prior to
the talent show. Winners will be announced at the Debutante ball. It
should be noted that talent show practices could be held before or
after cotillion rehearsals.

0.5

The arrival of debutante is prompt and she

has signed in up to15 minutes after the start
of the activity
The debutante arrives or leaves more than 15
minutes after the start or end of an activity or
she has an excused absence. *
The arrival of debutante is grossly after the
start of the activity or she has an unexcused
absence. **

TOTAL Workshop points= 8

* Debutantes must provide a written notice more than 48 hours in
advance in order to be considered an excused absence.
Note: Debutantes taking the SAT/ACT on the day of the College Fair
Workshop arriving after their test will be eligible for one (1) point.
Those who are unable to attend will not receive any points/credit.
Page 14

Page 11

COTILLION 2016
IMPORTANT CONTACTS

DEBUTANTE
RESPONSIBILITIES
MEMORY BOOKS
Memory Books should contain narratives, photographs of special
occasions. Photographs should be accompanied by a typewritten
caption explaining the significance of the photograph. Memory
books should be more than a picture book but rather a reflection of
the Debutantes personality and should provide a capsule view of
her life. The book must include a 35-page profile, which should
be typed and double-spaced. The profile may include places the
Debutante has traveled, fondest home memories, school and work
experiences, honors and awards, special friends and family, and
other cherished things in her life. The book may also include
information about her cotillion experiences, honors and awards.
Compiling this book is an opportunity for Debutantes to be as
creative and thoughtful as they can be. However, it is important
that the book contains narratives that are typed, neatly displayed
and without any grammatical errors. The Miss Creativity Award
will be presented to the individual who submits a book with
emphasis on quality rather than quantity. The book will be
evaluated on content, creativity, neatness, organization, and
presentation. A panel will judge the memory books that are
unaffiliated with the Cotillion. All books will be on display at the
Cotillion.

ACADEMICS
Academics are of the utmost importance throughout the
Debutantes participation in the Cotillion. Debutantes are required
to maintain at least a C plus average. Report cards must be
presented in a timely manner at the end of each marking period to
ensure adherence to this requirement.

Cotillion website:
http:// thetapiomegaakacotillion2016.weebly.com
Cotillion email address:
TPOCotillion@gmail.com
(Managed by Cotillion Committee Co-chairmen)
Cotillion Committee Chairmen:
El-Rhonda Williams Alston, Esq.
ewaesq@gmail.com
(609) 332.0915
Mrs. Glynis Spencer
firstladyunion@aol.com
(609) 610.7557
Debutante Committee Chairmen:
Mrs. Aquanetta Dickens
dickens.aquanetta@epa.gov
(856) 725.7287
Ms. Felicia Hopson
fdhopson@comcast.net
(609)792.4751
Junior Debutante Committee Chairmen:
Mrs. Minretta McFadden minnielb@comcast.net
Mrs. Susette Sabio Jones ssabiojones@comcast.net
Escort Committee Chairmen:
Mrs. Nikki Wright nik3jc@hotmail.com
Ms. Juanita Byrd juanitabyrd@msn.com
Theta Pi Omega Chapter President:
Ms. Melanie Burney -- mlburney@aol.com

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