The Delta GEMS (Growing and Empowering Myself Successfully) mentoring program of Patrick Henry High School, sponsored by the Roanoke Alumnae Chapter, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., was proud to present Ms. Trina Murphy, aunt of missing teenager Alexis Murphy, at a recent program. Also present were members of the newly formed Patrick Henry High chapter of Help Save The Next Girl, a national non-profit organization formed in memory of Morgan Dana Harrington, a 20-year old Virginia Tech student who was abducted and murdered in 2009. The organization seeks to sensitize young women and girls to predatory danger.
Ms. Murphy spoke passionately about the need for teenage girls and boys to always be aware of their surroundings and not to trust anyone they do not know well. She pleaded with the students to always travel in pairs or groups and to carefully guard their personal information which can be found on social media. The students eagerly listened to these important words of safety and responded with a barrage of serious questions. Ms. Murphy spoke ardently about the deep pain caused by the person accused of abducting and most likely killing Alexis. She also revealed several disturbing facts about the evidence against the accused abductor produced in court proceedings.
The Delta GEMS mentoring program has been in existence in area high schools for approximately 10 years. The goal of GEMS is to provide programs and activities that sharpen and enhance the skills of young women. The GEMS objectives promote academic success, proper goal setting, volunteerism and good decision making.
The Patrick Henry GEMS program is coordinated by Deltas Rachel Wheaton, Terri Wheaton and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. President Diane Jones.
