Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. - Six awards and five cash scholarships were distributed to the top female graduating seniors from across The Bahamas this past weekend, when the Eta Psi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc held its 36th annual Honours Day Programme under the theme “Developing Global Leaders to Flourish in A Modern Bahamas”. Honour’s Day Program is the signature programme of the Eta Psi Omega Chapter.
The official award ceremony was held at Government House on Sunday, April 6, following a three-day weekend of activities including: a college tour, welcome reception, career workshops, community service, a general knowledge test, an essay competition and a leadership interview. Students who received the highest scores in the tests and interviews went on to receive top prizes.
Blair Evans, of Queens College, won the Most Outstanding Honoree Award and received a $5,000 scholarship to be used at her school of choice. Blair had the highest overall combined score in all three areas of testing. Her outstanding results in math were tied with those of Gabrielle Moss of Bishop Michael Eldon School, Grand Bahama. Both girls will share the cash prize associated with winning the Math & Science Award. Gabrielle won Most Outstanding Family Island Student as well and received a cash scholarship of $2500. Evans was also a Bahamas Primary Student of the year honoree.
Camille Minns, Head Girl of St John’s College, received the cash prize for the Leadership Award. The English award for Best Essay and a laptop computer went to Symone Alexandria Hall of St Augustine’s College; while the Community Support Award given to the Student whose family and friend purchased the most advertisements in the honoree booklet went to Beautisca King of CR Walker High. Each of the 19 honorees were winners in their own right and as such, each received a medal presented by the Governor General Sir. Arthur Foulkes.
In her address at Sunday’s ceremony, guest speaker Dr Adair Johnson White, daughter of the late P Anthony White, author and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority member reminded the girls that “it doesn’t matter where you’ve come from, if you are willing to get up and get over it, there is nothing you cannot do.” Her words were well received by the students, parents and sorority members in attendance.
Eta Psi Omega Chapter and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc are both living examples of the impossible being made possible. Eta Psi Omega was the second chapter founded outside of America by four women in 1963 when forming chapters of that size had never been done. Similarly, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc broke barriers when it was formed in 1908 as the first sorority for women of color.
“Women can be the first and finest” is the message that Eta Psi Omega President Alana Ingraham wanted all of the young honorees to know “wherever your path takes you, she said “you must continue to flourish. Women are equally capable, equally talented and equally worthy to lead, and in a modern Bahamas we need you more than ever.”
The theme “Developing Global Leaders to Flourish in a Modern Bahamas” was the brainchild of co-chairs for the Honours Day Committee Neutalya McDonald and D’Asante Beneby. The co-chairs were particularly proud of the weekend’s events and extend their thanks to the schools, community, parents and businesses that supported the event.
According to McDonald: “Our focus this year was to introduce the leadership aspect of the program, helping the students identify but also foster the whole leader within themselves so that they may use their recognition in academics to be leaders in other areas.”
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority members live by the motto “service to all mankind”; hence, one of the leadership highlights for the weekend was allowing honorees to participate in a community service beach clean-up and tour at the Bahamas Clifton Heritage National Park.
Leading up to the Honours Day ceremony, the President of the chapter, Alana Ingraham, and chairpersons McDonald and D’Asante Beneby met with Education, Science and Technology Minister Jerome Fitzgerald. Fitzgerald said it is important and essential that organisations such as Alpha Kappa Alpha exist to inspire young ladies and future leaders in The Bahamas. He added that he is delighted that the organisation continues to financially assist qualified females in pursuit of a college education. He urged high schools, specifically guidance counselors, to ensure that qualified students apply for the various scholarships available through program like Honours Day. The scholarship and activities are funded solely through donations and chapter fundraisers. The chapter looks forward to support from the business community, sponsors and donors for 2015. To offer support or for more information, email etapsiomega.honoursday@gmail.com.
Cat Island Sailing Club. - The Cat Island Sailing Club recently confirmed the artists to appear at the Greatest Show on Earth – The 58th Annual Cat Island Regatta from August 1st to 4th - New Bight, Cat Island.
“In August it’s going down in New Bight, Cat Island,” according to President Pat Strachan. The Greatest Show On Earth Part 1 will feature some of the most talented artists in our country.
“On Saturday, August 1, DMac and Qpid will bring the house down. On Sunday night, Geno D and Veronica Bishop will close out this exciting show.
“In addition, some of the best sailing sloops confirmed are Who Dat, Red Stripe, Good News, Southern Cross, Ed Sky, Cobra, Eudeva, Passion, Heatcliff, Jacob’s Ladder, Ms Kitty, Witty K and Dream Girls.
Cycling Club Bahamas. - Upcoming Events:
Saturday, April 26th – Grand Bahama-Pollo Tropical 5th annual ‘Ride for Charity’. This year, the Beacon School has been selected as the recipient of the proceeds from the event. Participants ride from four locations on the island; elite cyclists will ride from McLean’s Town, intermediate from High Rock and beginners from Balao Circle - all to convene at Pollo Tropical for the award ceremony and fun day. For more details, contact Cleopatra Russell at 351-6320 or email rideforcharityfpo@gmail.com.
Sunday, April 13 - Road Race 5, 42 miles, start/finish at Oasis Restaurant on Adelaide Road, Nassau, starting at 7:20am. Contact Barron Musgrove @425-1057 or call or text email: npcyclingassociation2013@gmail.com.
June 7 - Pineapple Man Triathlon in Eleuthera.
July 6th - Independence Road Race-Nassau.
September 13 - Give a Child a Ride - bike ride in Nassau.
September 20, 2014 - The Potcakeman Tri http://www.baarkbahamas.com/potcakeman-2014-triathlon/.
October 2014 – UWC Tri, Nassau (TBC).
November 1, 2014 - Conchman Tri-Taino Beach, Grand Bahama.
Morning rides west - Goodman’s Bay, West Bay Street – 20-mile ride route: Headed west to Lyford Cay and return, one-hour duration. All-level cyclists welcome – (cyclists are invited to join in anywhere along the route). Contact Shantell the day before: shorelinecargo@gmail.com.
Afternoon rides west - Tuesdays and Thursdays, leaving 5:30pm sharp - parking lot next to Lyford Cay Gas Station. 18 or 24 miles depending if you do second loop. This is an advanced cyclist’s ride. The pace will range from 20+ mph
Morning ride east - Wednesday’s leaving 5:30am sharp - Harbour Bay Shopping Centre, 26-mile ride route: East to east end, west on Prince Charles to Marathon Mall to East/West Highway, to Milo Butler Hwy, north to six-leg roundabout to JFK to Baha Mar roundabout to Baha Mar, head east on West Bay St. to Harbour Bay. One-hour duration - advanced-level cyclists, the pace will range from 20+mph (advanced cyclists are invited to join in anywhere along the route).
Afternoon rides east - Tuesday & Thursday, leaving 6pm & 6:30pm sharp - Super Value, Winton, 1-1.5 hour duration (until nearly dark), all-level cyclists welcome. Please have lights attached to your bike.
Weekend rides - Saturday, leaving 6am sharp from Harbour Bay Shopping Centre in front of First Caribbean Bank, 30 miles. In order to complete this ride, it is recommended that you have done some recent cycling! PI bridges optional at the beginning/end. The pace will range from 18mph–20+mph, two to three-hour duration.
Sunday - leaving 6am sharp from Harbour Bay Shopping Centre in front of First Caribbean Bank 40-50 miles. This ride is not recommended if you have not cycled recently or first timers! PI bridges optional at the end! The pace will range from 18mph–20+mph, 3-3.5 hour duration (intermediate & advanced cyclists are invited to join in anywhere along the route).
We will ride in light rain. The ride will be cancelled in medium to heavy rain or lightening.
Like us on facebook at Enjoy! Cycling Club Bahamas.
Rotary Club of East Nassau. - The Rotary Club of East Nassau was out in force last weekend to complete its painting project at The Ranfurly Home for Children.This is just the latest project undertaken at the home by the club. Last year, a donation of $10,000 was made to Ranfurly’s new roof campaign.
Comments
Use the comment form below to begin a discussion about this content.
Sign in to comment
Or login with:
OpenID