From:TheBahamasWeekly.com

Grand Bahama
Sorority celebrates 25 years of service to the Grand Bahama
Jun 10, 2012 - 4:26:46 PM

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SORORITY CELEBRATES 25 YEARS: May 2012 marked the Silver Anniversary month for the members of Pi Upsilon Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, who proudly celebrated 25 years of service to the Grand Bahama community by initiating five members. FRONT ROW FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: Ms. Kerel Pinder, new initiate of Pi Upsilon Omega Chapter; Ms. Sharry Bain Arteaga, new initiate of Pi Upsilon Omega Chapter; Ms. Taccara Wright, new initiate of Pi Upsilon Omega Chapter; Ms. Jourdan Bowe, new initiate of Pi Upsilon Omega Chapter; Ms. Shekegra Thompson; new initiate of Pi Upsilon Omega Chapter. BACK ROW FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: Mrs. Tracey Stuart, member of Pi Upsilon Omega Chapter; Senator Tanisha Tynes, member of Pi Upsilon Omega Chapter; Mrs. Sharon Sawyer, Charter Member of Pi Upsilon Omega Chapter and Chapter Hostess; Mrs. Joyce Pinder, Chapter Charter Member and Membership Chair of Pi Upsilon Omega Chapter; Ms. Kimberley Miller, Chapter President of Pi Upsilon Omega Chapter; Mrs. Elaine Collie, Chapter Recording Secretary of Pi Upsilon Omega Chapter; Mrs. Shelley Rolle, Charter Member of Pi Upsilon Omega Chapter; Mrs. Danita Nixon, Chapter Treasurer of Pi Upsilon Omega Chapter; Ms. Eleanor Munroe, member of Pi Upsilon Omega Chapter and Mrs. Brenda Smith, Information Officer of Pi Upsilon Omega Chapter.

Freeport, Bahamas -  May 2012 marked the Silver Anniversary month for the members of Pi Upsilon Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, who proudly celebrated 25 years of service to the Grand Bahama community by initiating five members,” informs Mrs. Joyce Pinder, Chapter Charter Member and Membership Chair.

“Ms. Sharry Bain Arteaga, Social Worker; Ms. Jourdan Bowe, Certified Dietician; Ms. Kerel Pinder, Guidance Counselor; Ms. Shekegra Thompson, CPA and Ms. Taccara Wright, Attorney joined the proud members of the Sorority and pledged their commitment to be of service to all mankind,” relays Pinder.

The Sorority is well known in the Grand Bahama community for its leadership
development program, Twenty Pearls, an outreach for high school young ladies in grades 9 through 12, which was launched soon after the chapter was chartered in 1987. Through this program, the members have mentored hundreds of young ladies in education, career, social, civic and character development, and has awarded thousands of dollars in scholarships to its participants, many of whom have gone on to successful careers in education, law and medicine, to name a few. The Twenty Pearls have, in turn, donated cash and goods to many community service organizations to further their outreach to those in need.In the fall of 2011, the chapter launched a new leadership development program, Emerging Young Leaders. This program designed to develop the skills and talents of middle school girls in grades 6, 7 and 8 who have proven to posses the potential for becoming leaders within their local communities.

To date, the members of Pi Upsilon Omega have been busy promoting the Sorority’s international theme “Global Leadership Through Timeless Service.” They recently held a blood pressure screening at Sawyers Fresh Food Market where more than 100 persons were screened. Donations of blankets and other personal aids were made to the Kidney Center during Kidney Awareness month. The Social Services Domestic Violence Division also received donations of toiletries to assist families in emergency situations. Outreach was made to the public with flyers that gave a final reminder to register to vote. February is Heart Awareness Month the members created awareness of heart health for women by distributing red apples with accompanying information leaflets outside the Royal Bank of Canada. Green projects have included tree plantings at Hugh Campbell Primary School, Coral Road and The Mall Drive. In the summer of 2011, the members successfully partnered with several companies in the community to raise funds for Soles for Souls, a
shoe drive which resulted in more than one hundred students from the Lewis Yard and Freetown Primary Schools who received new school shoes for the fall term.

“Pi Upsilon Omega is devoted to continually uplifting the Grand Bahama community and the chapter is excited about its newest members who bring skills and talents that will further aid in advancing the rich legacy of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated,” concludes Chapter President Kimberley Miller.



About Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated: Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority is the oldest and first Greek-letter organization founded in 1908 by Black college educated women on the campus of Howard University in Washington, D.C. Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, it is one of the world’s leading service organizations. The Sorority’s mission to “serve all mankind”, is achieved through a comprehensive array of programs and advocacy initiatives. It is comprised of a nucleus of more than 260,000 women in 975 graduate and undergraduate chapters in the United States, Germany, Japan, Liberia, Canada, South Korea, Bermuda, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and three chapters in The Bahamas: Pi Upsilon Omega on Freeport, Grand Bahama Island, Eta Psi Omega and Tau Nu on Nassau, New Providence. Membership includes distinguished women who boast excellent academic records, proven leadership skills, and are involved in the global community through advocacy and service. Alpha Kappa Alpha has dedicated itself to improving the quality of life for citizens worldwide and promoting peace.

For more information, log on to www.aka1908.com.




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