The FIRE Within - Sigma Gamma Rho

The FIRE Within
Youth Symposium
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By Soror Maxine Roberts
Sigma Week
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One week following the terrorist attack
at the Boston Marathon, Sorors, affiliates
and guests stormed the City of Boston.
Residents of the city proved to be
resilient and its citizens refused to let the
cowardly attack get in their way.
Community Service
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Conference (cont’d)
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Rhoer Round up
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MOD Walk
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Spa Day
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It is with that same spirit of resilience
that our Sigma Gamma Rho Sorors,
Philos and Rhoers arrived at the 71 st
Northeastern
Regional
Conference
ready to socialize, serve the community, Delta Kappa Sigma chapter members looking lovely!
L-R: (Top) Sorors Cynthia Smalls, Angelle Richardson,
and most importantly commit to the Fredia McKinnie. (Bottom) Sorors Maxine Roberts, Shanda
work of Sigma in efforts to move our Johnson, Shaleen Chapman.
region forward. Kudos to the Zeta Nu
Sigma chapter, our conference hosts. Michael Curry, President of NAACP
Boston; and Alex Meyer, 2012 Olympic
They did a fine job!
team member. Thursday night played
The weekend of events kicked off with host to the Golden Mic Comedy show,
our Public Meeting, where our guest which was a side splitting show
speakers
consisted
of
Grammy featuring none other than our very own,
nominated, hip hop icon, Soror Lana Soror Leighann Lord! (continued on page
4).
Moorer, otherwise known as MC Lyte;
Upcoming events/
DKS in Action
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Spotlight on DKS
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Graduates
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Editorial notes
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Delta Kappa Sigma Alumnae Chapter will celebrate its 40th Anniversary in 2014!
Wear colors and/or para on the 7th and 22nd –show your Sigma Spirit!
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The Fire Within: Newsletter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated, Delta Kappa Sigma Chapter—June 2013
Delta Kappa Sigma Alumnae Chapter of Sigma
Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated, held its 16th
Annual Sigma Youth Symposium on Saturday,
March 2, 2013, from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM, at
Washington Elementary School, Plainfield, NJ.
Program Chair, Soror Rozlyn Dreher and her
committee
worked
closely
with
school
administrators to tailor the program to the specific
needs of students in grades 3-5 and their parents.
The Healthy Choices Workshops: “Friends/Social
Media/ Relationships” helped children and their
parents
examine
social
interactions
and
communications.
DKS’s own Dr.
addresses parents.
Angelle
Richardson
Youth Symposium is traditionally held each March The Healthy Generations Workshops addressed
by alumnae chapters across the nation and financial literacy for both children and their parents.
internationally. The international theme is “H3: It’s
All About Me—Healthy Choices, Healthy Living, DKS Soror and doctoral student,
Ashley Green leads STEM Workshop
Healthy Generations”.
activities.
DKS Basileus Cherie
bringing greetings.
Washington
This year’s program featured a presentation by
Shana Marie Burnett-Carter—educator, school
administrator, and motivational speaker. A series of
concurrent workshops for parents and children
followed.
The Healthy Living Workshops, “The Life You Save
May Be Your Own” and “Healthy Living and
Exercise,” included discussion and advice on
healthy eating, lifestyles, and an exercise
demonstration.
Participants enjoy a rousing workout.
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Sigma Youth Symposium is a signature program of
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., that provides
young people with tools to help them cope with
challenges, such as improving self-esteem, and
making positive choices and decisions on a daily
basis, as well as exposure to higher education,
especially in the sciences. It is one of the strategies
employed by Sigma Gamma Rho’s Project
Reassurance, a program designed to proactively
address teen pregnancy and parenthood.
DKS Youth Symposium 2013. L-R: (Seated) Sorors Shaleen Chapman, Cherie
Washington, and Roz Dreher. (Standing) Sorors DeAnna Adams, Maxine
Roberts, Ashley Green, Fredia McKinnie, Jac Lyn Headlam, Cynthia Smalls,
Shanda Johnson, Michelle Geban, Donita Devance, Tracie Morrison, and
Angelle Richardson.
The Fire Within: Newsletter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated, Delta Kappa Sigma Chapter—June 2013
Sigma Youth Symposium marks the start of Sigma
Week—activities aimed at honoring our sisterhood
and pride in Sigma Gamma Rho. This year Delta
Kappa Sigma’s activities included Social Media
Day—a time to change statuses or post photos and
emblems on social media sites, and Para Day—Sorors
were encouraged to wear favorite paraphernalia, pins,
or colors. The week was capped off with our favorite
activity—getting together and having fun! Soror L - R: (Back) Sorors Washington, Morrison, Geban, Devance, Adams, and Green.
(Front) Sorors Dreher, Roberts, and Chapman.
Ashley Green graciously hosted a Potluck and Game
Night event at her home on the evening of Friday, food and drink, punctuated by fellowship,
March 8, 2013.
laughter, and fun, proved a winning combination for
all who attended. New memories were made and
phrases added to the lexicon that is uniquely DKS.
Hostess, Soror Ashley Green and
Mixologist, Soror Fredia McKinnie.
Thanks to Soror Michelle Geban and her committee
for creating the menu of Sigma Week activities.
In true DKS spirit, the very opportunity to be in each
other’s company proved to be the perfect denouement
to our week. Although a snow shower earlier in the
day gave some pause, in the end the draw of good
On February 13, 2013, in recognition of our National
theme, “H3: It’s All About Me—Healthy Choices, Healthy
Living, Healthy Generations,” and, in honor of George
Washington Carver, an African American scientist,
inventor and educator, DKS made a donation of healthy
snack items to the Interfaith Hospitality Network, just
in time for Valentine’s Day. Soror Tracie Morrison
conveyed the gift on behalf of DKS.
The Interfaith Hospitality Network Afterschool
program was selected because of the significant work
the program is doing to reduce the effects of
homelessness on children by providing academic
tutoring, enrichment activities and healthy living
education.
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Soror Dreher confabs with our lone male guest,
Benji, who fit right in with the spirit of the night.
DKS members provided a variety of food items:
jars of peanut butter, jelly, crackers and bread.
A note accompanying the donation expressed
our collective sentiments that the items would,
”. . . provide the energy
and sustenance that your
students need to reach
their academic and future
goals.”
Soror Tracie Morrison:
DKS Beacon of Light,
Thanks to Soror Morrison for contributing to this
article.
The Fire Within: Newsletter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated, Delta Kappa Sigma Chapter—June 2013
Northeast Regional Conference
(Continued from cover)
On Friday, we had our first plenary session. The
keynote speaker was Soror Moorer. She spoke to the
body about her initiative, Hip Hop Sisters, a movement
to empower women through positive images in hip
hop, entertainment and the corporate world. This was
followed by an exciting step show/exhibition and the
undergrad/grad mixers.
Mission accomplished: Our delegation prepares to head home. L - R: Sorors
Angelle Richardson, Shaleen Chapman, and Cynthia Smalls.
After a night of partying until the morning, those who
As we departed and returned to our respective
were brave and/or rested participated in an
homes, the excitement of the weekend remained with
exuberating Saturday Morning Zumba Party for
us as highlights from the weekend were rehashed on
Babies. And then it was time to work.
Facebook and other social media. Next year we will
Our plenary session began at 9:00 a.m. I don’t think do this all over again in Philadelphia, PA. Can’t
anyone knew what was in store for the day as we wait!
worked from Saturday through approximately 2:45
a.m. Sunday morning. Whew! The Spirit of Sigma
Spearheaded by Soror Shaleen Chapman, DKS held
definitely was with us to help get us through.
its first Rhoer Club
Round Up and
Information
Meeting on Sunday,
April 21, 2013. The
Rhoer Club is an
affiliate of Sigma
Gamma Rho
Sorority, and is
Making our presence known, DKS members share a moment with our open to young women between the ages of 12 and
International representatives. L - R: International 1st Grand Anti-Basileus Soror
Deborah Catchings-Smith, DKS’s Sorors Shanda Johnson and Fredia McKinnie, 18.
and International Grand Basileus, Soror Bonita Herring.
We then came together on Sunday morning to honor
those who moved on to Omega Rho. I must say, this
was my first time attending this ceremony and it was
such a beautiful event. I definitely plan to attend in
the future.
That was followed by a soul stirring Prayer Breakfast.
Those who attended would agree that we were
definitely blessed.
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Former Rhoer and DKS Soror Ashley Green hosted
the meeting at her home. Basileus Cherie
Washington was on hand to greet young ladies
interested in membership. Sorors Shanda Johnson,
DeAnna Adams, and Donita Devance were also
present to answer questions and meet the young
ladies. A second informational session is tentatively
scheduled for July 14, 2013, in New Brunswick. Look
out for further details.
The Fire Within: Newsletter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated, Delta Kappa Sigma Chapter—June 2013
The annual March of Dimes: March for Babies was held
on Sunday, April 28, 2013. Rallying in Johnson Park to
participate
in
the
Middlesex
County
event,
representatives from Delta Kappa Sigma Alumnae
Chapter, along with other local chapters, family and
friends, took the opportunity to raise funds for a worthy
cause, bond, get some exercise and enjoy a beautiful
Spring day.
DKS members, friends and family enjoying a Sunday morning walk in the park.
L - R: Sorors Adams, Headlam, N. Johnson, McGruff, Sorors Morrison &
Dreher.
Smiles as bright as the sun. L - R: Sorors Dreher, N. Green, Morrison, & A.
Green.
DKS held its 2nd annual Spa Day on
Saturday, May 11, 2013, at the
Hilton Homewood Suites in
Cranford, New Jersey. Relaxation
was the order of the day as guests
were treated to a variety of spa
services that included Swedish or
Pretty Poodles in Action: L - R: Sorors N.Johnson, J.
Headlam, F. McKinnie, M. Roberts, and S. Johnson.
The Morning Crew: L - R, (Front) Sorors M.
Roberts, A. Richardson, T. Morrison, S. Chapman,
C. Washington; (Back) Just One Touch
Owner/Operator, Robert Ballott.
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The satisfied countenance of each and
As lovely as a fresh-faced Soror Roberts is in this every guest was enough to assure us
photo, she was made even more stunning under the that the event was an unmitigated
deft hand of Soror Green during a makeup
success! The Chapter is indebted to
demonstration at the 2013 Spa Day Event.
our
Basileus,
Soror
Cherie
deep-tissue massage, reflexology, Washington for her leadership in
hot stone therapy and facials. organizing and executing this event.
Light refreshments, door prizes, If you missed it, you missed a treat!
raffles, and vendors rounded out
the day’s activities.
The Fire Within: Newsletter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated, Delta Kappa Sigma Chapter—June 2013
Book Scholarships: The Scholarship Committee will make its recommendations for 2013 Book
Scholarship Awards in coming weeks. The recipients will be announced in the Fall Newsletter.
DKS members will volunteer at the 2013 Special Olympics New Jersey Summer
Games, held at the College of New Jersey in Ewing. The games take place Friday,
June 7th through Sunday, June 9th.
Details on the National Panhellenic Council of Central New Jersey’s annual We Are One Weekend are
forthcoming! Keep an eye out for a schedule of events, dates, and times.
Sisterhood is always in season for members of Delta
Kappa Sigma Alumnae Chapter. Whether it’s:
celebrating a birthday. . .
connecting with the past. . .
being about the business . . .
looking our best—beauty, brains, success . . .
dinner on the town . . .
or hanging out on our monthly Sigma Saturday . . .
serving the community. . .
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The Fire Within: Newsletter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated, Delta Kappa Sigma Chapter—June 2013
A double salute to
, MS, APN-C, FNP, a Ph.D. Candidate at
the Rutgers University College of Nursing. Shanda was inducted into the Golden
Key National Honor Society on March 8, 2013. On May 9, 2013, she was the keynote
speaker at the Rutgers University College of Nursing CN-EOF 28th Annual Honors
and Awards Banquet. She received the Dr. Bobbie Jean Perdue Urban Spirit Award
for Leadership and Service.
Shanda is a member of the American Academy of Nurse
Practitioners (AANP), Golden Key International Honour
Society, Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing, American Nurse
Association (ANA), New Jersey State Nurses Association (NJSNA), National Black Nurses
Association, and
Shanda is an active member of the
Award Winning Delta Kappa Sigma Chapter and we revel in her achievements!
Congratulations, Soror Johnson!
, is the newly-elected President of the Essex
County School Counselor Association for 2013-2015. She recently
served as the co-director of the College Key program - a one day
workshop for first generation students to help them understand the
college application process. On June 3, 2013, she presented at the New
Jersey Association for College Admission Counseling Annual
Conference. Tracie is a School Counselor at Montclair High School.
Stay tuned—we hear that more good news is in the offing for Soror
Morrison!
was selected to present at the 2013 Annual
Meeting and Open Conference of the American Family Therapy Academy, her
first national conference, on June 5-8, in Chicago, IL. Her presentation is
entitled, “The Parenting Challenge: Parenting Adolescents with Broken
Attachments.” Her presentation will be part of the Perspective on Parenting
panel that she co-leads with two other presenters. Each presenter will speak on
their clinical work and/or research for approximately one hour (for a total of 3
hours). Congratulations on this milestone achievement, Dr. Richardson!
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The Fire Within: Newsletter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated, Delta Kappa Sigma Chapter—June 2013
was recently promoted to Assistant Dean for Opportunity
Programs and Director of the Office of Special Services – TRIO. Soror Johnson is
responsible for supervising the educational opportunity programs at NYU-Poly
including proposal writing, program planning, administration, assessment,
evaluation, fiscal management, and overall direction of the Office of Special Services
– TRIO. In this new role, she is responsible for supervising all of the administrative
and program functions of the educational opportunity programs at NYU-Poly and
coordinating the academic support services and retention initiatives for firstgeneration, economically disadvantaged, underrepresented, underprepared and
under-resourced students at NYU-Poly to increase access to post-secondary STEM
programs and the likelihood of positive outcomes for this demographic of students.
Way to go Soror Johnson! We wish you much success in your new role!
achieved two major milestones in May: she earned a
Master’s Degree in School Counseling from Kean University and an
appointment as Acting Program Director of Perth Amboy High Schools
School Based Youth Services Program. Well done Soror! Carry on in the fine
tradition of Sigma Educators!
celebrated 30 years as a member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority on May
21, 2013. Soror Devance is a Charter Member of Kappa Eta Undergraduate Chapter, University
of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa. The chapter completed representation from the four D9 sororities on
the campus. In the words of that historic Charter Line: “We took the best and made it better.”
Eeee Yippp!
has been selected Keynote Speaker for the 2013 Graduation
Luncheon at Bethel A.M.E. Church in Vauxhall, New Jersey. The luncheon takes place,
Saturday, June 15, 2013, at 11:00 A.M. DKS Sorors have vowed to fill the church,
located at 241 Hilton Avenue. We are most proud of this scholarly young woman, a
fine example for our youth!
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The Fire Within: Newsletter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated, Delta Kappa Sigma Chapter—June 2013
In this season of graduations and moving on to college and career, DKS shares in the pride and joy of our
Sorors and their children and families:
Carolyn Smalls
Waldorf High School (NY)
Daughter of Soror Cynthia Smalls
Khari Manzini
Woodbridge High School
Son of Soror Donita Devance-Manzini
Keith Washington, Jr.
Seton Hall University
Son of Soror Cherie Washington
Malcolm Washington
Piscataway High School
Son of Soror Cherie Washington
Dynamic Duo
A Trio of Treasures
Sorors & Friends
All together now!
Smiles
And more smiles
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The Fire Within: Newsletter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated, Delta Kappa Sigma Chapter—June 2013
Organized on November 12, 1922, in Indianapolis, Indiana at Butler University
by seven school teachers, the sorority was founded on and continues to be
Delta Kappa Sigma Alumnae
Chapter
PO Box 65
Piscataway, NJ 08855
steadfastly committed to the tenets of excellence in Scholarship, Sisterhood and
Service.
has a proud legacy of providing positive and
proactive community leadership and support when and wherever needed as
indicated by the sorority's international slogan, "Greater Service, Greater
Progress."
was founded in 1974 and continuously
strives toward the high ideals of scholastic achievement, sisterhood and
community service upon which Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority was founded.
For more information contact the organization at the address indicated on this
page; visit our national website at www.sgrho1922.org; or our chapter’s website
at www.deltakappasigma.net.
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated: On Fire to Serve!
The Fire Within is produced periodically by Delta Kappa Sigma Alumnae Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho
Sorority, Incorporated. The articles in this edition are written by Soror Donita Devance and Soror Maxine
Roberts. We thank the Chapter for providing photographs and editorial support for this edition.
Submissions, photos, and feedback are strongly encouraged. Please submit suggestions, comments and/or
articles and photos to devancedonita@gmail.com.
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The Fire Within: Newsletter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated, Delta Kappa Sigma Chapter—June 2013