Zeta Psi Omega.Founders Day.sun17

Published 6:00 am Sunday, February 17, 2019

Special to the American Press

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc./Zeta Psi Omega Chapter members celebrated the sorority’s 111th year of service to mankind during the chapter’s 62nd Founders’ Day Observance on Jan. 27. Its theme was “Cultured Pearls in Retrospect.” The group worshipped at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church where the Rev. V. Wayne LeBleu is pastor.

August Sterling, a 55-year member of the church, was presented the Constance Abraham-Handy Christian Spirit Award by chapter President Gaynell V. Clemons. He has served as an usher, Eucharistic minister, altar server, funeral altar server and on the finance committee. He also served on the Board of Trustees for 18 years and as a member of The Knights of Peter Claver, Inc., serving as Grand Knight, the highest-ranking officer in the council for six years. Sterling aided his country in the Navy from 1950 to 1956, receiving a Honorable Discharge. He is well-known and applauded for opening the church doors at 5:30 a.m. for daily Mass. Sterling also serves his community by mowing the church’s lawns, his neighbors’ lawns, and volunteers at the annual church bazaar. He and wife, Theresa, are the parents of Ronald, Patricia, Loretta and Rosita, and have nine grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

Patricia Richard, a 23-year chapter member, served as emcee of the luncheon held at Lake Charles Country Club. Clemons delivered the greetings and occasion; chapter vice president, Tara Nicole Simien introduced 50-plus-year members, Clara F. Duhon, Evelyn Shelton, and Alvis Golden, and recognized 25-plus-year members in attendance. Edrienna Alexander, chapter chaplain, offered a meditation and prayer.

Alice W. Wallace, luncheon speaker, was introduced by Gloria E. Jackson, chapter reporter. A Lake Providence native and graduate of Southern University, Wallace is a 25-plus-year and lifetime member, having served as president, graduate advisor to the McNeese AKA chapter, and currently as treasurer. Wallace is a retiree from Firestone-Bridgestone/Firestone after 32 years in informational technology. In her address, the 2018 Pythina B. Brown Member of the Year Awardrecipient reminded members of the 111-year history of the sorority which has greatly increased in membership internationally and served millions through scholarships and community service, and challenged them to continue the vision of its founders. Wallace, an active member of New Sunlight Baptist Church, is married to Adrian L., and they have four children, Adrian M., Alicia, Angela and André; and seven grandchildren.

Kelli Stawecki received the Ruby F. Ellis Community Service Award presented by Brittany Manuel, Zeta Psi Omega assistant treasurer, who nominated her. The native of Glen Rose, Ark., has been a resident of Lake Charles for more than 30 years. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in special education from McNeese State University and worked as an autism teacher for the Calcasieu Parish School Board before entering the homeless population ministry seven years ago. She currently runs a homeless ministry and food pantry through Waters Edge Church. Each week, she feeds hundreds of homeless people and hands out groceries to 800 to 1200 people. Aside from food, she helps the homeless with hygiene items, acquiring licenses, tents and sleeping bags, offers support and encouragement to anyone in need, and even finds shelters during freezing or stormy weather. She has transported homeless individuals to vote and advocated to the Mayor’s Office for safe housing of homeless people affected by Hurricane Harvey. Stawecki says she is honored to be a part of the homeless outreach and enjoys what she does every day. She has two children, Mary Beth and Spencer.

Shaalom St. Mary was presented the Pythina B. Brown Member of the Year Award by Duhon, membership chairman. A Lake Charles native, St. Mary is a graduate of Washington-Marion High School and McNeese State University where she obtained her Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Master’s + 30. A 21-year educator with the Calcasieu Parish School Board, she has served as a kindergarten and second grade teacher, assistant principal, and is currently principal of Oak Park Elementary. St. Mary is an active member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, where she serves in many capacities. She is the third generation in her family of Alpha Kappa Alpha members. During her 20-year membership, she has served in many roles including corresponding secretary, chapter hostess, member-at-large, membership chairman (three times), graduate advisory committee member and currently serves as chapter recording secretary. She has also served as president of the Women of Excellence Educational and Charitable Foundation which is sponsored by the chapter. The wife of Joseph (JJ), they are the parents of three sons, Nicholas, Jacob and Ethan.

Alosia Sterling, the chapter’s immediate past president, presented the Cleo C. Moffett President’s Award to Loretta Spruel for her dedication to the chapter and for being of invaluable service to her administration in 2018. Spruel, a 25-plus year member, has served as the financial secretary, chairman of the Salute to Veterans Committee, and chairman of the MLK Impact Day. She is a former chapter president, vice president, and graduate advisor to the McNeese chapter. A McNeese State University faculty member, Spruel is an active member of New Providence Baptist Church in Lake Charles. She and husband, James, are the parents of one daughter, Jessica Spruel-Smith, and three sons, Joseph, Justin and Jason.

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. is the oldest Greek-letter organization created by and for Black college educated women and focuses on identifying and addressing the needs of the African-American community. Through past initiatives, the organization’s 300,000 plus members in over 1,018 chapters worldwide have positively changed the social and economic needs of the communities served. Desireé Bellard served as Founders’ Day Chairman.