Jenaye Burrows is crowned Alpha Kappa Alpha 2014 Fashionetta Queen and receives the highest scholarship award. Award presented by 20 Pearls Chapter President Stephanie Martin Morley and 20 Pearls Chairperson Ms. Kerel Pinder and Co Chair person Jourdan Bowe

Freeport, Bahamas - Pi Upsilon Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. celebrated the 26th anniversary of their signature program Twenty Pearls, “A Salute to Excellence” at the Regency Theatre during April of this year.

For the last twenty six (26) years, the ladies of Pi Upsilon Omega Chapter have hosted the Twenty Pearls program, a character developmental program that involves young ladies in the ninth, tenth, eleventh and twelfth grades that possess high scholastic and moral standards at six of our local high schools on the island.

The culminating exercise this year was in the form of a Fashionetta; an event that allowed the young women to showcase their talents and beautiful evening gowns while being officially presented to society. The evening began with an opening dance choreographed by local dancer, Meghan Stuart. The ladies then proceeded to introduce themselves to the audience. After the introductions they displayed their talents to the audience in the form of songs, dance, drama, musical instruments and a selection on the piano.

The final segment showcased the beautiful cocktail dresses and evening gowns of all of the pearls. The co-hosts of the evening Mrs. Joycelyn Pinder and Mr. Ravanno Ferguson did an excellent job in engaging the audience in an exciting evening.

20 Pearls 10th Grade Pearls along with Chapter President Stephanie Martin Morley, Vice President, Senator Tanisha Tynes, 20 Pearls Co Chair Jourdan Bowe and 20 Pearls Chairperson Kerel Pinder

At the conclusion of the evening, pearls from each grade level were rewarded for their outstanding involvement with the program over the past year. The young ladies were educated on various topics throughout the year. Their participation in weekly meetings, attendance and involvement in community service, fundraisers, special events and leadership seminars determined to a great extent which of the young ladies were rewarded at the end of the evening.

The sorority was able to give over $7,500.00 dollars in scholarships to the winners of the evening. The ninth grade Most Outstanding Pearl was awarded to Nichana Miller of Sister Mary Patricia High School, Honorable Mention went to Lakeisa, of Bishop Michael Eldon High School, The tenth Grade Most Outstanding Pearl was awarded to Ronnecia Saunders and Honorable mention went to Brittnei Rolle, both students of Bishop Michael Eldon High School. The eleventh grade Most Outstanding Pearl was awarded to Dava Major, Honorable mention went to Clevanche Lightbourne and Versace Nicholls, all students of Grand Bahama Catholic High School. The ultimate award is reserved for the senior pearls in the program. The senior pearl that won the ultimate title of Twenty Pearls Fashionetta Queen 2014 was Jenaye Burrows and her 1st runner up was Gabrielle Moss, both students of Bishop Michael Eldon High School.

Young Ladies entering the 9th Grade that hold a G.P.A. of 3.0 and higher should contact their school's Guidance Counselor or email kerelpinder@gmail.com for more information about entering the program next year.

20 Pearls 10th Grade Pearls along with Chapter President Stephanie Martin Morley, Vice President, Senator Tanisha Tynes, 20 Pearls Co Chair Jourdan Bowe and 20 Pearls Chairperson Kerel Pinder

20 Pearls Senior Pearls and Fashionetta Queen Jenaye Burrows (center)

20 Pearls ninth Grade Pearls along with Chapter President Stephanie Martin Morley, Vice President, Senator Tanisha Tynes, 20 Pearls Co Chair Jourdan Bowe and 20 Pearls Chairperson Kerel Pinder