(L-R) State Senator Anthony Portantino, Assemblyman Chris Holden, Asha Bailey, Jaeda Reed, Lauren Gray, Nazsir Cammon, Prescilla Kingai, Kimberly Robinson, Eloheem Mahone, Dasani Wilburn, Vincent Velasco, Gabrielle White, Nia Goudeau, Ethan Allen, Congresswoman Judy Chu, Councilman Justin Jones, Denise Jones – Chair, Academic Awards Committee (Photo – Melinda Campbell)
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. (ΔΣΘ) is a historically African American sorority. The organization was founded by college-educated women dedicated to public service with an emphasis on programs that assist the African American community.
By News Desk
On Sunday, May 19, 2024, the First A.M.E. Fellowship Hall in Pasadena was filled with community members, elected officials, supporters, family, and friends as the Pasadena Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, hosted its Annual Academic Awards Reception, “Celebrating Excellence” in honor of the 2024 Academic Award Recipients.
The room was beautifully decorated by Scarlet Flowers Designs. The program opened with a warm welcome from PAC President TyAnne Evans followed by a meaningful invocation by the PAC Chaplain, Michele Bagneris, Esq.
Congresswoman Judy Chu, State Senator Anthony Portantino, Assemblyman Chris Holden, Mayor Victor Gordo and Councilman Justin Jones brought greetings to the audience from their respective offices. Mrs. Gwendolyn McMullins, a committee member, introduced the guest speaker, Tanganica J. Turner, Esq., Attorney – Musick Peeler & Garrett, LLP, who presented an encouraging, motivational, and inspirational address for the students and the audience. Noel Johnson-Montoya, 2023 academic Award Recipient shared reflections, insights and some of her experiences in the first year of college. Her presentation was fully embraced by the 2024 graduates who were present.
Denise Jones, Academic Awards Committee Chair presented awards to the following deserving and accomplished Pasadena area high school graduates: Pyramid Awards to Dasani Wilburn and Nazsir Cammon, the Presidents Commemorative to Lauren Gray, Jean & Clarence Mills Family to Asha Bailey, Carolyn Edwards Jones Commemorative to Ethan Allen, Nelle Kigh Thompson to Gabrielle White, Willie Mae Hooks Lewis Commemorative to Jaeda Reed, Gwendolyn & Tommy McMullins Family to Kimberly Robinson, Anita Johnson Cole Commemorative to Prescilla Kingai, Mabel Lockett Martin Commemorative to Vincent Velasco, Jane Strong-Moses & Jesse Moses, to Eloheem Mahone, and Houlemard Family to Nia Goudeau.
In addition to the monetary awards from PAC, certificates of commendation were received by each award winner from the offices of elected officials in attendance as well as from Supervisor Kathryn Barger and Councilman Tyron Hampton.
The Academic Awards Committee consists of Denise Jones, Chair, Christina Bentley Scott, Melinda Campbell, Gwendolyn McMullins, DeShawn Samad, Allison Steppes, Alma Stokes, Lora Thomas, Ashley Williams, and Marcheta Williams.
PAC has awarded over $490,000 in academic awards to deserving students for the pursuit of post-secondary education. Since its chartering on January 27, 1961, PAC has provided major public service programs and projects based upon the Sorority’s Five-Point Program Thrust: economic development, educational development, international awareness and involvement, physical and mental health, and political awareness and involvement.
(L-R) Asha Bailey, Jaeda Reed, Lauren Gray, Nazsir Cammon, Prescilla Kingai, Eloheem Mahone, Kimberly Robinson, Dasani Wilburn, Vincent Velasco, Gabrielle White, Ethan Allen, Nia Goudeau (Photo – Melinda Campbell)
(L-R) DeShawn Samad, Christina Bentley Scott, Rochelle Watson-Howard, Allison Steppes, Ashley Williams, Melinda Campbell, Denise Jones, Gwen McMullins, Alma Stoles, Marcheta Williams, Lora Thomas, TyAnne Evans (Photo – Melinda Campbell)
Senator Portantino, Congresswoman Chu, Incoming PAC President Allison Steppes, Mayor Gordo, Denise Jones, Assemblyman Holden (Photo – Melinda Campbell)
The cake (Photo – Melinda Campbell)
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