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Local
Gamma Theta Omega Chapter Of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated Recognized As ‘Diamond Chapter’
The Gamma Theta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incor- porated was recognized as a “Diamond Chapter” in honor of 75 years of scholar- ship, service, and sisterhood in the Tampa Bay commu- nity. The recognition took place at the inaugural “Car- olyn House Stewart Dia- mond/Gold/ Silver Chapter Anniversary Celebration and Reception” during the 62nd South Atlantic Regional Conference, held in Orlando, April 16, 2015.
Gamma Theta Omega is the home of Mrs. Carolyn House Stewart, Esq., who served in many leadership roles in Alpha Kappa Alpha before assuming the highest office as the 28th Interna- tional President of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incor- porated. Mrs. Stewart is a former shareholder in the law firm of MacFarlane, Fer- guson & McMullen and
served five years as a mem- ber of the Florida Board of Bar Examiners. She is the CEO of Stewart Consulting Group, Incorporated, which specializes in management consulting for diversity, in- clusion and cultural compe- tency, leadership training and grant compliance.
Gamma Theta Omega was the second graduate chapter to be chartered in Florida, on December 7, 1940. The Chapter was com- posed of residents of Tampa, Clearwater, and Bradenton. The nine charter members were: Edith Bennett, Blanche Curtis, Vivian Henry, Bernice Miller, Estelle Miles, Margaret Blake Roach, Elfa Ruffin, Dorothy Thompson, and Elouise Walker.
Gamma Theta Omega's primary focus has been "ser- vice", giving countless com- munity service hours and donations to worthy causes
From left to right: Mrs. Sharon Brown Harriott, South Atlantic Regional Director; Mrs. Carolyn House-Stewart, Esq., 28th International President; Ms. Deborah Barnes, 1st Vice President, Gamma Theta Omega Chapter; Mrs. Dorothy Buckhanan Wilson, International President of Alpha Kappa Alpha Soror- ity, Incorporated.
Longtime WFLA News Anchor Retiring
throughout the years. The Chapter has also cultivated a legacy of promoting higher education though mentoring programs like ASCEND (this is the 2014-2018 Inter- national signature youth en- richment program for Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incor- porated); Precious Pearls for high school girls, Emerging Young Leaders for middle school girls, educational fo- rums, college tours and the Chapter’s signature event, the Miss Teenage Tampa Scholarship Pageant.
Through the Pageant, Gamma Theta Omega has awarded over 400 scholar- ships to outstanding high school students, since 1967. Gamma Theta Omega was the first African-Ameri- can Greek-letter organization
in Hillsborough County to form a partnership, via the Adopt- A-Precinct program with the Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elec- tions, allowing chapter mem- bers to receive training to work in the polling precincts.
The Chapter is active with the Tampa's Black Heritage Festival Committee, the Mar- tin Luther King, Jr. Parade, Relay for Life and they sup- port various charities.
Gamma Theta Omega is proud to celebrate 75 years of service. There will be an en- tire weekend of celebration activities December 4 - 6, 2015. The highlight of the weekend will be the Dia- mond Jubilee Luncheon Gala on December 5, 2015, 11 a. m. at the Tampa Marriott
Waterside Hotel, 700 South Florida Avenue, Tampa. The Anniversary theme is "A Di- amond Jubilee -Scholar- ship, Service and Sisterhood.”
Leadership for the An- niversary celebration in- cludes Ms. Deidre Jones, Chairman, Mrs. Donna Cason, Co-Chairman, Mrs. Justina Cox, Co-Chairman, Mrs. Marsha Lewis Brown, Honorary Chair- man and Mrs. Carolyn House Stewart, Esq., Hon- orary Chairman. Ms. Donna Douglas is the President of Gamma Theta Omega Chapter.
For further information about the chapter and the Di- amond Jubilee Celebration, please visit the chapter’s website at www.akagto.com.
In 1977, Gayle Sierens was 22-years-old, and fresh out of Florida State Univer- sity. She had been a cheer- leader and volleyball player, and a member of the swim team a Tampa Catholic High School, and went by the nick- name, “Froggy.”
Sierens began her career at WFLA-TV Channel 8 38 years ago, and now she’s preparing to retire. Her last day on the 5 p.m. and 6 p. m. slots will be Wednesday, and a salute to her career will be done at 6 p.m. in a half-hour special.
Sierens spent her first 9 years at the station covering sports, and the remaining 29 years anchoring the news
GAYLE SIERENS
desk.
Sierens said she plans to
take a European vacation cruise with her husband, Michael Martin, then play more golf and lavish love on her dogs.
Community News
Eastern Heights Neighborhood Association And Crime Watch
The Eastern Heights Neighborhood Association and Crime Watch, Samuel Mobley, Sr. President, will be holding their general meeting on May 21st, 6:30 p. m. at 4363 East Osborne Avenue.
The guest speaker for this meeting will be Ms. Mellissa Debrine, Life Path Hospice Community Relations.
Ms. Debrine will speak on the topic, “When Life Happens – Hospice Is There.”
Always a family and friends event, please plan to attend. Re- freshments will be served.
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