Queen's College student, Blair Evans, was dubbed the best and brightest graduating senior female in The Bahamas by the Eta Psi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., after she captured the Most Outstanding Honoree award at the sorority's recent 36th annual Honours Day. Held at Government House, this year's Honours Day Programme was themed "Developing Global Leaders to Flourish in A Modern Bahamas".
Following the three-day event, which involved a general knowledge test, essay competition and leadership interview, Evans took home the top honor and a $5,000 scholarship tenable at the school of her choice. She had the highest overall combined score in all three areas of testing.
Evans' outstanding math results were tied with those of Gabrielle Moss, a student of Bishop Michael Eldon School in Grand Bahama. The girls shared the $400 cash prize associated with winning the Math and Science award.
Moss also laid claim to the Most Outstanding Family Island Student award, for which she received a $2,500 scholarship.
St. John's College Head Girl Camille Minns received the Leadership award, for which she received $250. The English award for the best penned essay went to Symone Hall of St. Augustine's College, who took home a new laptop. The Community Support award was given to C.R. Walker student, Beautisca King. Her family and friends had purchased the most advertisements in the honoree booklet.
While six awards and five cash scholarships were distributed during the recent ceremony, all of the 19 honorees who participated in the program were deemed winners in their own right for having been accepted into the Honours Day Programme, and, as a result, each received a medal presented by Governor General Sir Arthur Foulkes.
During her address, Dr. Adair Johnson White, author and AKA sorority member told the girls that it did not matter where they had come from and, if they are willing to get up and get over it, there is nothing they can not do.
Eta Psi Omega Chapter and AKA Sorority Inc. are examples of the impossible being achieved. 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, AKA Sorority Inc. broke barriers when it was formed in 1908 as the first sorority for women of color.
Eta Psi Omega President Alana Ingraham told the students that women could be the first and the finest, adding that wherever their paths take them, they should 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," said Ingraham.
Honours Day Committee Co-chairs Neutalya McDonald and D'Asante Beneby focused on this year's leadership aspect, helping the students to identify and foster the leaders within themselves, so that they could use their academic achievements to be leaders in other areas.
AKA sorority members live by the motto, "service to all mankind". One of the leadership highlights for the weekend allowed honorees to participate in a community service beach cleanup and tour at the Bahamas Clifton Heritage National Park.
Leading up to the Honours Day ceremony, Ingraham, McDonald and Beneby met with Minister of Education, Science and Technology Jerome Fitzgerald. Fitzgerald told the attendees that it was essential that organizations like AKA exist to inspire young ladies and future leaders in The Bahamas. He told them he was delighted that the organization continued to financially assist qualified females in pursuit of a college education and said he urged high schools and high school staff, specifically guidance counselors, to ensure that qualified students apply for the various scholarships available through programs like Honours Day. The scholarship and activities are funded solely through donations and chapter fundraisers. To support or to request more information on the AKA Honours Day Program, email etapsiomega.honoursday@gmail.com.
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