<a href="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/RELAY4LIFE2013.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-12926" alt="RELAY4LIFE2013" src="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/RELAY4LIFE2013-300x225.jpg" width="300" height="225" /></a>As the local chapter of the Beaufort Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. prepares for another calendar year of service to the community, many take this opportunity to reflect on the various projects and events participated this past year.

More than 40 members of the chapter attended the sorority’s Centennial Celebration held in Washington, DC, July 13-17. The sorority founded on the concepts of public service, scholarship, and sisterhood has a rich history of service in the Beaufort County area.  As a part of the Centennial Celebration, many of the chapter members have taken part in the yearlong calendar of events including:  Founders Day  Weekend in Washington, DC; the re-enactment of the historic Women’s Suffrage March in Columbia, SC and in Washington, DC; and the passage of the Centennial Torch, to name a few.

On, June 29, the chapter closed out the calendar year with their first annual Family and Friends Day.  The Family and Friends Day was an end of the year event, to celebrate with others, the 100 years of service that Delta Sigma Theta Sorority has achieved.

The chapter members participated in several national events including the St. Jude Give Thanks Walk, the March of Dimes March for Babies and the America Cancer Society’s Relay for Life.  Notably, the chapter was recognized at the Centennial Celebration for their efforts in conjunction with both the St. Jude and March of Dimes projects.   Several other local events were held to include the International Day of Service featuring a health walk at Battery Creek High School.

Another highlight of the year was their annual Crimson and Cream scholarship fundraiser held in February. Funds raised are contributed back into the community in various ways — most notably through scholarships and their mentoring program.  This year’s scholarship recipients were Akilah Jefferson, Beaufort High School, Kallie Brown, Battery Creek High School, and Shakailla DeLoach, Ridgeland-Hardeeville High School.  The in-house scholarships recipients were Tiara Cooper and Caisey Dickson, both of Beaufort High School.

The mentoring aspect of the sorority takes place in the form of the Delta Academy and Delta GEMS programs.  These programs place special emphasis on preparing middle to high school age young ladies as the future leaders of the 21st century.

Debra G. Jackson was honored for the second time as the chapter’s Delta of the Year for her contributions to the chapter’s goals and activities.
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