Gamma Pi's Project ENRICH Uses Adversity of Last-Minute Relocation to Deliver a Powerful Opening Ceremony

There were no more seats in the room. Late-comers had to either stand in the back or borrow chairs from the nearby hallway or from an adjacent room. The sea of Purple and Gold worn by Omega men who were in attenance to assist and support the effort merged with the Purple and Gold apparel of Project ENRICH students who were adorning their brand new purple and gold "PE" monogrammed sweaters. This was the scene this morning as Gamma Pi Chapter's Project ENRICH program held its 40th year anniversary opening ceremony at the Greater Mount Nebo AME Church in Bowie, MD.

Earlier in the week, Project ENRICH found itself somewhat stalled as the federal government shutdown forced the closing of its usual meeting facility, the National Wildlife Visitors Center in Laurel, MD. As Omega men do, Bro. Rev. Dr. Gerald Folsom, pastor of Greater Mount Nebo and a longtime member of the Fraternity and currently Gamma Pi Chapter, stepped forward offering his church to the students to keep the 2025-26 program opening from being cancelled or relocated to a faraway place. Omega men do it all the time -- looking out for each other and the community.

"Project ENRICH, we are many things But we are one when it comes down to our motto, Excellence Without Excuses," said Director Bro. Dr. George Montgomery in opening remarks.

So, despite the last-minute change of venue and the lingering uncertainty about the continuing shutdown, Project ENRICH's staff of Gamma Pi men, along with students and parents, rallied to make the opening ceremony one of the best in memory. The situation was the perfect tee up for keynote speaker Bro. Dr. Edward Ryans, Associate Superintendent for Prince George's County, who lit a fire of expectation and excellence under the students with an uplifting message of understanding their "purpose, power and potential," and having a vision of the future.

"Life is about the choices you make. Every day you show up, you're not just telling the world about your dreams. Instead, you're creating it."

This year, 140 students registered for Project ENRICh from 50 area schools, mostly in Prince George's County, but also Anne Arundel, Montgomery and Charles counties as well as Washington, D.C. A total of 36 are seniors. The program is open to students in grades 9-12. 

The opening ceremony included a formal "pinning," a practice startedted last year, and the introduction of monogrammed cardans worn by each student.

The opening ceremony drew the interest of local media. NBC affiliate WRC-TV Channel 4 deployed a camera crew during the early part of the program. Bros. Rev . Dr. Folsom and Dr. Montgomery were interviewed by the reporter.

PHOTOS BY BRO. GEORGE DUBOSE

Links to more Project ENRICH articles:

Closing Scholarship Banquet (May 2025)

Black History Month Session (February 2025)

Project ENRICH featured on TV (November 2024)

Opening Ceremony for 2024-25 (October 2024)

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