Alpha Kappa Alpha Honours' Top Female Outstanding Student Cultivating A New Generation of Global Leaders
New Providence, The Bahamas, April 22nd 2013
On March 24th 2013, The Eta Psi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha honoured, twenty-eight of the nation’s best and brightest graduating female students throughout The Bahamas. March 21st – 24th 2013, the 35th Annual Honour’s Day sponsored by The Eta Psi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated was held and the winners were:
Miss Hannah Thompson, Honours Day 2013 Outstanding Student Award, Student of Queen’s College, recipient of $5,000 Scholarship
Miss Paytan Stubbs, Student of Abaco Central High and Miss Frederica Dames, Student of South Andros High School tied for Family Island Student Honouree 2013 Award
Miss Antonette June-Loon, Honours Day 2013 Essay Competition Winner, Student of Sir Jack Hayward High School, Grand Bahama
Miss Rose Mika Charles, Honours Day 2013 Community Service Excellence Award, Student of SC Bootle Highschool, Abaco.
"It's an honour for me to be named as the valedictorian and recipient of the scholarship. I am grateful for such an opportunity. Alpha Kappa Alpha not only awarded me for my high school accomplishments but invested in my future and for that I'm very thankful to the sorority and its members. I also thank the ladies for connecting me to twenty-seven other emerging leaders like myself and the facilitators that mentored and encouraged us all weekend," expressed winner Miss Hannah Thompson.
For over thirty (30) years the chapter has proudly awarded almost one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) in scholarships to the most outstanding high school female students in the Bahamas. This year’s award will be forwarded to the accredited institution of the Honouree’s choice.
The students also had the opportunity to participate in the 40-day community beautification program hosted by the Urban Renewal Center of Bain & Grants Town along with members of the sorority. Inspector Anthony Rolle, coordinator and the residents of the community applauded the young ladies for the willingness to assist in the project and congratulated them on their achievements as honourees.
The Honour’s Day Program is the signature program of the Eta Psi Omega Chapter and it is through determination and a commitment to service to all mankind, that this along with other service programs of the sorority has been implemented. This contribution and that of the many other service champions from each of the Greek fraternities and sororities on New Providence, continues to affect positive change in the local community and will undoubtedly leave behind a permanent legacy.
"Our focus this year was to get as much information about the program directly to the students and parents. This goes a long way in managing expectations and increasing the numbers that participate. Both parents and students had a lot of questions which goes to show that the chapter is headed in the right direction by disseminating information about the scholarship opportunity to the community," stated Honours' Day Chair Ms. Neutalya McDonald.
The activities also included a tour of local tertiary institutions, a courtesy call on the President of the College of The Bahamas, a welcome reception, a general knowledge test, an essay competition, a worship service at Holy Spirit Anglican Church and an awards luncheon. Leading up to the Honour's Day ceremony, honourees met with the Ministers for Youth, Sports and Culture and Education, Science and Technology. As the Eta Psi Omega Chapter celebrates fifty years (50) of service to The Bahamas, this Honour’s Day amalgamated the vision of Thelma McMillian and the true spirit of service and scholarship.
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 2014. For more information please contact us via emailetapsiomega.honoursday@gmail.com
2013 Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc, Eta Psi Omega Chapter Honourees
Camille Wright is an honor roll student at Anatol Rodgers High School. Through her hard work and determination she would one day like to be Pediatrician. She has received many accolades such as Principal List for 5 years, Deputy Head Girl of Anatol Rodgers High and Vice President of the Zeta Phi Beta Archonettes Programme. She is also a member of Key Club therefore she is no stranger to community service. Camille’s favourite quote is "You must be the change you wish to see in the world", Mahatma Gandhi.
Camyka “Cammy” Moore has the ambition of being a Hotel/Restaurant owner or manager, or other pursuits in the Culinary Arts. C.I. Gibson High School in New Providence is where she studies and serves as President of the school’s Student Christian Ministry. Camyka also volunteers at Potential Church. Mentored by Joye Ross, Camyka’s inspirational quote is that “If being beautiful in the eyes of the Creator, means being ugly in the eyes of the created… I choose God”. She is on the Honour Roll and has Leadership Certiicates for 2008 – 2010.
Carlene Etienne hails from Preston Albury High School in Rock Sound, Eleuthera, where her versatility is evident. Carlene is an active participant in several organizations including the School’s Key Club and the Multi-Purpose Junior Cooperative Society and the Fine Arts Club. Her academic talents have been showcased through her numerous awards including Best BJC Results in Preston Albury High and Most Outstanding awards in Accounts, Commerce and English Literature. She believes that “In life there are no limitations.”
Charese “Reesey” Kemp hails from Central Pines Estate in Abaco where she attends St. Francis de Sales Secondary School. Charese’s future plans are to be a Pharmacist. Meanwhile, she participates in the Interact Club (Rotary High School division) at her school. Charese’s acknowledges Ms. Mackey as her mentor in her pursuit of these endeavors.
No stranger to hard work and dedication, Chrislynn Rolle, aspires to be a gynecologist. She is an honor roll student and has already obtained seven BGCSE’s. In addition to her many accomplishment s she also serves her school Preston Albury, Rock Sound Eleuthera as Head Girl and Prefect. Her life’s philosophy is depicted through the statement, “An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.”
Clarenisha Neilly attends Mastering Yourself in New Providence. Clarenisha’s future plan is to become an Intensive Care Neonatal Nurse and her favorite saying is “If You Believe You Will Achieve.”
Davette Morley is completing her secondary level education at Windermere High School in Eleuthera. This daughter of two entrepreneurs hopes to be an Accountant. “Day” as she is affectionately called, feels that “Better late than never, but never late is better” are words to live by. She is involved in Girl Guides at Windermere High School and also teaches classes.
Demi Burrows attends NGM Major High School in Long Island where she has earned numerous awards and recognitions including Student Leader at Bahamas Youth Network, Best Speaker for Long Island in National Debate. She also participates on the Debate Team and is a prefect. Demi’s career ambition is to be a Pediatrician or Lab Technician. Her favorite quote: Nothing is impossible. The word itself says “I’m Possible”
Frederica Dames of Kemp’s Bay, Andros attends South Andros High School. She is an afterschool tutor and serves on the Local Government Junior Council. Frederica is mentored by Anatol Young and feels that Winners never quit, and quitters never win.
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Natishkah Johnson was selected as the honouree for St. Andrew’s School in New Providence where she is Head Girl as well as a member of the Interact Club and the St. Andrew’s School Choir. She volunteers with Project Read Bahamas, has received the Bronze Award in the Governor General Youth Award (GGYA) program and is currently working on the Silver award. Natishkah is a member of the Student Council Executive, National Society of High School Scholars and The Bahamas National Carifta Team Member in the 100m and 400m hurdles and has also been recognized at The Global Youth Leaders Conference in China.
Natishkah recognizes Mrs. Nivia Bodie as her mentor and quotes Marianne Williamson’s quote, “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure” as her inspiration.
Acklins Central High has selected Ashly Williams as their honouree. Ashly Williams is the Head Girl at Acklins Central High and is involved in numerous other activities. She has represented MICAL Constituence in the Ministry of Education Speech Competition and has earned an award as a speaker from the Ministry of Tourism. Ashly also participates in the Governor General Youth Award program and has gotten a distinction in the National Arts Festival.
Vanessa McBride was selected as the honouree for Anatol Rodgers High School in New Providence, where she has shown herself to be exemplary in academics, deportment and community service.
