AKA Hosts Annual Scholarship and Seniors Appreciation Day
By Soror Sarah Williams –
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. was founded by Howard University Co-ed, Ethel Hedgeman, in 1908.
Hedgeman dreamed of creating a support network for women with like minds coming together for mutual uplift, and coalescing their talents and strengths for the benefit of others.
Together with eight other co-eds, Hedgeman crafted a design that not only fostered interaction, stimulation, and ethical growth among members, but also provided hope for the masses. From the core group of nine at Howard, AKA has grown into a force of more than 290,000 collegiate members and alumnae, constituting 1,007 chapters in 42 states, the District of Columbia, the US Virgin Islands, the Bahamas, Germany, Liberia, South Korea, Japan, Canada, South Africa, and the Middle East.
Gamma Gamma Omega presents to the public, every other year, The Beautillion. Young men from area middle and high schools are presented to society. During this program these young men tell of their hopes and dreams for their future. Because of their participation, funds are generated to offer scholarships each year.
On May 4, 2019 Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. hosted its annual Scholarship and Senior Appreciation Day. It was a day of hope and high expectations. The honorees were high school seniors from area high schools, and seniors from the undergraduate chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha at Western Carolina University.
Terry Bellamy, the chapter’s president, welcomed the seniors, their families and friends, and Gamma Gamma Omega members to this important event. Brenda Wilkerson, the graduate advisor for the undergraduate chapter at Western Carolina University, recognized the graduating seniors. A prayer was given by Vernell Woldu. Mary Harmon introduced guest speaker Starling Bernard Underwood, Esq. who gave the graduates excellent and useful advice on leaving home and going to college. Sylvia Clement and Phala Franks recognized the scholars by presenting each one with a plaque. Verita Woods acknowledged Jasmine Washington, an artist, who was there to share her exceptionally beautiful work. Terry Bellamy gave the closing remarks.
High School Graduating Seniors
Asheville High School: Sheila Perez, Ariahn Glass, Le Kuai, and Kaliq Moore
School of Inquiry and Life Science of Asheville: Zaria Bunn, Jaihlen Harper, Jordyn Singletary, Shawntel Smart, and Caleb Stewart
East Henderson High School: Malia Easler, Sierra Lindsey, and Kimberly Ventura-Acosta
Hendersonville High School: Aryana Norris
T.C. Roberson High School: Simone Tezzo
Kappa Alpha Chapter of AKA at Western Carolina University: Angel Allen, Danyel DeSousa, Kali Penn, Celeste Pierre-Louis, Bezawit Seyoum, Shayla Trent, and Carleen Turner
