By Tricia Hall
The Truth Reporter
The ladies of Gamma Phi Delta Sorority Incorporated, Beta Phi Chapter of Toledo, held a scholarship banquet on Saturday, April 20, 2024. Guests and sorority members enjoyed live entertainment and fine dining.
Festivities opened with a mix and mingle social hour, welcome presented by Jennifer Lewis, blessing of food by Elder Rita Nelson-Watkins and introduction of speaker by Janine Williams.
“This is our 25th anniversary, and 25th year awarding scholarships to high school seniors in northwest Ohio” began Lewis, scholarship committee member. “Education is one of our national five point programs and our sorority awards scholarships on a local and national level.”
Renown educator, Marie Latham Bush, PhD, was the keynote speaker. Bush is the owner/CEO of Latham Bush Educational Consultants since July 2004 and previous University of Toledo Adjunct professor at the Judith Herb College of Education. Bush was this year’s YWCA Milestones: A Tribute to Women honoree for Education.
“Thank you to the local high school counselors for getting the word out about this scholarship,” began Lashonda Horton, chapter president. “I also want to thank my chapter sorors for their support.”
The sorority chapter awarded three $1,000 scholarships to local high school seniors: Kalaia Taylor of Springfield high school, Carnel Smith II of Scott high school and RaKaiya Phillips of Central Catholic high school.
Gamma Phi Delta Sorority, Incorporated was founded in 1943 for women of all professions, business related positions and women pursuing an education. The national organization’s five point program, known as M.E.E.P.S. focuses on the framework of the purpose and power of the sorority members, which stands for: Membership, Education, Economic Development, Public Relations and Social Action. According to the chapter’s Facebook page, the Gamma Phi Delta Sorority, Inc. Beta Phi Chapter was chartered in May 1999 by 20 women.
