The Roanoke Alumnae Chapter Delta Sigma Theta celebrated May Week in grand fashion May 16 – 22. With the theme, “Inspiring a Legacy of Excellence,” the chapter recognized and honored members of the community who made an impact in each of the chapter’s Five Point Programmatic Thrust at the May Week Luncheon held Saturday, May 21 at the Holiday Inn, Ordway Drive.
The “Community Supporter Honorees” and the committees they supported were: Economic Development Ms. Valerie Rasheed Dale, Regional Vice President in Primerica Financial services and financial advisor for Delta’s Sister to Sister Workshop; Educational Development – Dr. Lloyd Hackley, PH.D, retired college administrator, renown speaker, owner of Lloyd Hackley Associates, co-owner of Little Champions Daycare and Delta EMBODI advocate; International Awareness – Mr. Robert Hopson, Men’s Cook-Off chef, Sister Cities and Water Well supporter; Physical & Mental Health Development – Dr. Anthony Wells, PH.D, licensed clinical psychologist and volunteer presenter for Men’s Health and Political & Social Action Awareness – Mr. Patrick Curtis, the youngest awardee, business and funeral service student who volunteers as an HIV/AIDS Prevention activist.
Among those in attendance at the luncheon was Kroger Lakeside general manager Mr. Todd Bess. Other special guests include members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority with over 50 years of service: Marian Chappelle, Altha Dowe and Carmen Evans Sutton, 54 years; Brenda DeBose, 55 years; Doris Jordan, 56 years; Margaret Thompson, 58 years; Reba Cannaday, 62 years; Elaine Adams and Althea Polk, 63 years; Florine Whirley, 64 years; Charlotte Dunston, 65 years; Inez Booker, 67 years; Inez Smith-Hanley, 69 years and Laverne Fuller-Prunty, 74 years. Their service has been outstanding and well appreciated.
Since 1920, members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. across the country have celebrated a week in May designed to recognize the academic achievement of youth as well as the achievements of the chapter during the year. This year, the May Week Committee planned sisterly activities for the members from Monday to Thursday.
On Friday night, the Educational Development Committee held the annual “Celebration of Youth” at Lucy Addison Middle School. Each of the Delta sponsored educational programs held in Roanoke City and Roanoke County recognized their youth participants and their parents. Scholarship recipients and Jabberwock participants were also recognized. The hard working Education Committee is proud to mentor the following programs: Delta Academy at Addison, William Byrd and Breckinridge MS; Delta GEMS at William Fleming & Patrick Henry HS in Roanoke City and at William Byrd High School in Roanoke County. In addition, there is the EMBODI (Empowering Males program for males at Woodrow Wilson MS.
The May Week culminating activity was held on Sunday where sorority members, scholarship recipients and parents were recognized at Sweet Union Baptist Church. A delightful reception was held following the service.
The members of the May Week Committee are grateful to all who helped Deltas continue the legacy of serving the community and to those who participated in all of the events. Gloria Randolph-King and Bonnie Pritchett were May Week co-chairs and Diane Jones is chapter president.
