(L-R) Top Row: Briar Bryant, Chloe Bryant, Brooklyn Payne, Amirah Thomas, Alynah Henderson. Bottom Row: Christina Bentley Scott, Cynthia Cannady, Melinda Campbell, Lora Thonise Jones, Gwendolyn McMullins (Photos – PAC Delta Sigma Theta Sorority)
In a tribute to academic achievement and community support, the Pasadena Alumnae Chapter (PAC) of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, hosted its annual “Celebration of Excellence” this August at First A.M.E. Church in Pasadena.
By News Desk
The event honored the outstanding accomplishments of local high school graduates who have been accepted into colleges and universities to pursue degrees aligned with their career aspirations.
Family members, friends, and community leaders gathered to celebrate the 2025 Academic Award Recipients, each recognized for their dedication, excellence, and determination.
Denise Jones, Chair of the Academic Awards Committee, presented the prestigious honors. Two students received Pyramid Awards: Jordan Patterson and Kennedy Farr. A series of named Merit Awards followed, recognizing students for their scholastic achievements and personal commitment to their futures:
- Alynah Henderson – Carolyn Edwards Jones Commemorative Award
- Mackenzie Younker – Jane Strong-Moses & Jesse Moses Award
- Camille Glover – Jean & Clarence Mills Family Award
- Brooklyn Payne – Nelle Kigh Thompson Award
- Chloe Bryant – Mabel Lockett Martin Commemorative Award
- Briar Bryant – Presidents Commemorative Award
- Bremiclyn Duncan – Gwendolyn & Tommy McMullins Family Award
- Noni Johnson – Willie Mae Hooks Lewis Commemorative Award
- Alicia Randall – Houlemard Family Award
- Amirah Thomas – Anita Johnson Cole Commemorative Award
In addition to the scholarships awarded by PAC, each student received certificates of commendation from prominent public officials, including Congresswoman Judy Chu, State Senator Sasha Renée Pérez, Supervisor Kathryn Barger, Assemblyman John Harabedian, Councilman Justin Jones, and Councilman Tyron Hampton.
Since its founding on January 27, 1961, the Pasadena Alumnae Chapter has been a cornerstone of educational and community advancement. Through its Academic Awards Program, PAC has distributed more than $515,000 in scholarships to deserving students pursuing higher education.
PAC’s initiatives are guided by Delta Sigma Theta Sorority’s Five-Point Programmatic Thrust, which focuses on:
- Economic Development
- Educational Development
- International Awareness and Involvement
- Physical and Mental Health
- Political Awareness and Involvement
This year’s Academic Awards Committee included: Michele Bagneris, Christina Bentley Scott, Melinda Campbell, Cynthia Cannady, Amelia Cobb, Gwendolyn McMullins, Alma Stokes, Lora Thomas, and Rochelle Watson Howard, under the leadership of Chair Denise Jones. The 2024–2026 PAC President is Allison Steppes.
This year’s celebration stands as a powerful testament to the enduring impact of community investment in education, and the promise of a bright future for these exceptional young scholars.
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