Page 13 - Florida Sentinel 12-11-15 Edition

FLORIDA SENTINEL FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2015
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Sorority Awards Scholarships During 75th Anniversary Luncheon
First-generation col- lege student to benefit from partnership scholar- ship.
Gamma Theta Omega Chap- ter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Soror- ity, Inc. (AKA) enters an historic partnership with Regions Bank to award a scholarship to a Hillsborough County student interested in a career in finan- cial services in recognition of the local international service organization’s 75th Anniversary.
The organization was
founded on the campus of Howard University in 1908 as the first Greek letter sorority by college educated women of African descent.
The local Gamma Theta Omega Chapter was the second chapter chartered in Florida in 1940 by seven Black educators in Tampa. This chapter has been at the forefront of educa- tional, social and political change that improved the human condition and provided the foundation for broad oppor- tunities. It has impacted the lives of many local individuals and organizations through a myriad of service-based initia- tives addressing education, health, the family, arts, eco- nomics and leadership develop- ment.
On Wednesday and Thurs- day (December 2 and 3) the Hillsborough County Commis- sion and the Tampa City Coun-
cil recognized the local chapter for its 75 years of service.
At the 75th Anniversary Dia- mond Jubilee Celebration on Saturday, December 5, 2015, at the Marriott Waterside, more than $30,000 was awarded in scholarships to high school stu- dents. Regions Bank is partner- ing with the Chapter as Platinum sponsor to award the newly established First Genera- tion Banking Scholarship to a first-generation college student who is interested in pursuing careers in financial services.
“The goal of this scholarship fund is to connect more stu- dents with opportunities to build on their education and take the next step toward a suc- cessful career,” said Marty Lanahan, West Florida Area President for Regions Bank. “Throughout the Tampa Bay area and beyond, there are countless students who have
unlimited potential. These spe- cial students need an opportu- nity to succeed. Regions is proud to work with the Gamma Theta Omega Chapter to sup- port this scholarship that is making higher education more attainable for more students in our area.”
Gamma Theta Omega Chap- ter has a rich history of support- ing education and awarding scholarships since the first scholarship was presented in 1941 during a program held at the historic St. Paul A.M.E. Church. Millions of scholarship dollars have been awarded from proceeds of its signature Miss Teenage Tampa of Alpha Kappa Alpha Pageant for 40 years.
Time, talent and funding from the members have sup- ported awarding college schol- arships, tutorial and mentoring programs, health and wellness
initiatives, voter registration, donations of food and clothing, support of the arts and cultural awareness, economic empower- ment and financial literacy, communication beautification projects, support of Veterans and the underserved the com- munity.
Through the years the chap- ter has forged strong commu- nity partnerships and collaborated with Hillsborough Community College, University of South Florida, University of Tampa, Metropolitan Min- istries, Trinity Café, West Tampa and Ybor City Boys and Girls Club, The Children’s Home, Hillsborough County Schools and other civic organi- zations. The sorority’s motto is Service to All Mankind.
The president of the chapter is Ms. Donna Douglas. (Photographs by Ricky Roberts)
Cameron Padgett, a senior at Jefferson High School, received a scholarship in the amount of $7,500. He is shown with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Nolan (Shelia) Padgett, center, and officials of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.: Marsha Lewis Brown, Carolyn House Stewart, Deidre Jones, Luncheon Chairperson; Donna Douglas, President, Gamma Theta Omega Chapter; Dorothy Buckhanan Wilson, International President, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.; and Sharon Brown Harriott, South Atlantic Regional Director.
Alyshia Baker received a check in the amount of $5,500.00 from Regions Bank. She’s the first recipient of the check from a partnership with the Gamma Theta Omega Chapter and Regions Bank. She’s accompanied by her parents.
The 2016 “Miss Teenage Tampa, Phyllisty Walters received a check in the amount of $5,000.
Brian Tran was presented a check in the amount of $2,500.00.
Danielle Long, shown with her parent, center, accepted a check from the sorority in the amount of $2,500.00.
The sorority presented Deann Roberts a scholarship in the amount of $1,000.00.