83 RD GRAND CHAPTER MEETING: LEGACY SERVICE PROJECT
Grand Polemarch Battles discusses the tangible need and duty to Leave a Legacy and Build a Future in every community where Kappa chapters exist.
announced this legacy for Orlando via its 83 rd Grand Chapter Meeting at a brief ceremony held at The Experi- ence Christian Center. The significance of this type of project to the fraternity was relayed from both national and local points of view, compliments of remarks from Grand Polemarch Thomas L. Battles Jr.; Senior Grand Vice Polemarch Reuben Shelton, who spoke on behalf of the Kappa Alpha Psi Foundation; and Winter Park’s Augustus Johnson. Derrick L. McRae, pastor of The Experience Christian Center, expressed the value of the partnership with Kappa Alpha Psi ® as well as the public need that the Dia- mond Experience center will
Today’s strong emphasis on science, technology, engineer- ing and math (STEM) educa- tion now for job opportunity later was an impetus for the project. The Diamond Expe- rience center opened in late summer and offers courses leading to Microsoft certifica- tions. “The STEM aspect plus the certification prospect are vitally important because of how they can position youth and parents for decent-paying jobs. Pine Hills long has been a disadvantaged com- munity,” said Orlando (FL) Alumni Polemarch Marion Campbell, an assistant prin- cipal who has held leadership roles in the administration of two of the neighborhood’s schools. “There’s a high rate
of low-income households that have little if any access to the internet and the tech- nology needed to succeed academically and profession- ally.” The Diamond Experience center is housed in a newly refurbished single-story structure donated by The Experience Christian Center and located on its prop- erty. Initial funding support included two $25,000 grants, one each from Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity’s international headquarters and the Kappa Alpha Psi ® Foundation. Of those funds, $39,000 will cover the operational budget and $11,000 will used for supplies.
help to fulfill. Robin Brown, principal of Meadowbrook Middle School in Pine Hills, accented and expanded on Pastor McRae’s points by recounting how the project can help show youngsters their potential no matter their circumstances. The parental perspective came from Sheila Rainey, whose son attends Meadowbrook. Rounding out the commentary from the broader social and political ends were Kamia L. Brown (D), District 45, Florida House of Representatives and Commissioner Regina Hill, Orlando, District 5. A ribbon-cutting and tour of the Diamond Experience Learning Center followed the program, with a reception capping the occasion.
Kappa Alpha Psi ® formally
Publishing achievement for more than 100 years
THE JOURNAL FALL 2017 | 45
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