Achievement Week Message Touches Local Community Members During Challenging Times

Gamma Pi Chapter added a few more gold stars to its long and distinguished legacy of sponsoring high-energy, relevant and timely Achievement Week programs with its 2025 event held on Saturday, November 8. About 200 people from the local community packed the Suitland Community Center to recognize the efforts of high achievers in the community and in the chapter, punctuated by good live gospel singing, a powerful and uplifting message from one of the Fraternity's leaders and an enjoyable post-event reception.

Bro. Leon Smith

With Achievement Week chair Bro. Teddy Taylor serving as Master of Ceremonies, the program moved swiftly like a massive force of wind sweeping waves of assurance and perseverance over an audience hungry for hope. In many ways, this year's program was a much-needed elixir for citizens in the community experiencing a volatile and challenging time in America, especially for persons of color.

Through the community and Fraternity awards, soul-tingling singing by the Gamma Pi Chorale, the announcement of scholarship and essay contest winners and the powerful keynote address from Second District First Vice Representative Bro. Leon Smith, the significance of community and civic involvement was underscored in the 90-minute program.

The keynote message delivered by Bro. Smith proved to be a very timely and relevant overlay to the occasion. "The 'ship' in Friendship and leadership reminds us that we are not called to stand still," said Bro. Smith, who hails from Plainfield, New Jersey's Omicron Chi Chapter. "Silence is not an option. Don't give up the fight."

Bro. Smith's inspirational talk was centered on this year's Achievement Week theme, "Impactful Leadership Through Intentional Friendship."

Bro. Basileus Terance Hare and Bro. Taylor presented keynoter Bro. Smith with a plaque from the chapter.

Achievement Week was started by Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. as an annual national observance in November to recognize individuals and organizations for their community uplift, service, and achievements. It was originally created by Brother Carter G. Woodson to promote the study of Black literature, culture, and history. The week features various activities, such as awards ceremonies, fundraising events, and community service projects, that highlight the fraternity's principles of Manhood, Scholarship, Perseverance, and Uplift.

ACHIEVEMENT WEEK AWARD WINNERS

Omega Man of the Year (Bro. David Jackson)

Superior Service Award (Bro. Lee Best)

Founders Award (Bro. Maurice Calhoun)

Brigadier General Charles Young Military Award (Bro. Major Michael Mitchell/U.S. Army reservist)

Citizen of the Year (Bro. State Sen. Nick Charles)

Religious Leader of the Year (Bro. Rev. Aaron Stewart/Greater Mount Nebo AME Zion Church youth minister)

Educator of the Year (Bro. Alexander Brown)

Student Athlete of the Year (Ian Greenwood)

Gamma Pi Essay Winner (Mischa Smith/Eagle Oaks Preparatory)

READ THE FULL PROGRAM HERE

                                                     (Photos by Brother George DuBose)

Gamma Pi Welcomes The Start of Fall and A Revamped Project ENRICH in 2024-25 Opening Program

Director Bro. Dr. George Montgomery and students

For nearly four decades, Gamma Pi Chapter's Project ENRICH college preparatory program has shined a well-lit pathway to college for so many students in Prince George's County and the surrounding communities. A total of 912 students have successfully navigated the four-year program and more than $1.5 million has been awarded in scholarships. This powerful legacy weighed heavily yesterday as Project ENRICH opened for the 2024-25 academic year on Saturday. It was the first time Project ENRICH has started the year in person since the pandemic struck in 2020.

A crowd of about 80 parents and students joined nearly 30 members of Gamma Pi Chapter for the opening ceremony held at the program's new meeting venue on the sprawling campus of the National Wildlife Visitor Center hidden away in Laurel, MD. As of October 12, a total of 74 students - a 512% increase from last year-- had registered. Registration remains open throughout the year.

"I want you guys to know  that here at Project ENRICH, it is all about excellence. We don't want just good enough," said Bro. Dr. George Montgomery, who assumes the reins as director this year. "I don't want lukewarm. I want enthusiasm. This is what I want from you and this is what you should demand from me. Are you ready to run?"

Students ask about careers  

Bro. James Riley, Jr. has run the program the past three years, all during the time that the pandemic persisted and when Project ENRICH was only able to meet virtually. Bro Riley kept the program going during this challenging time. Bro Dr. Montgomery served alongside him for the past two years preparing for the upcoming transition.

Gamma Pi Basileus Eric Fields also welcomed the students and parents. "It's a pleasure to see this many faces here this morning. The step that you are all taking today is a very important step. It's going to outline what you are going to do in your life and where."

Among those in attendance was the esteemed founder of Project ENRICH, Bro. Roland Byrd, a retired college educator who started the program back in the 1980s. Bro. Byrd has been a mentor to all four directors who followed him: Bros. Riley, Pete Ford and Willie Hines, who served as chairman for 10 years when the program was thriving at Bowie State University.

The highlight of the opening session was a spirited and uplifting presentation by Paula Dofat, founder of the HBCU Money Guide and a college funding strategist. She cut her teeth in this arena by arranging HBCU college educations as the mother of four sons. She amazed and dazzled the audience yesterday with breathtaking explanations for how students can get at least some of their college for free or at greatly reduced costs. She also educated students and parents about why so many college applicants are trying to get to Maryland HBCUs for college. Not only are the schools must less expensive, but their fast-rising STEM academic programs and facilities, along with formal partnerships with outside major universities are making them more and more attractive to college applicants.

Getting pinned

At the conclusion of Dofat's keynote presentation, students held an informal advisory session about STEM careers with Gamma Pi members who work in those fields. Brothers in the chapter cover so many STEM fields ranging from engineering to medicine. In the conversations, students were able to inquire about educational requirements, how to get internships, salary levels for various professions and suggested paths of study. She also got surprised looks when she explained the practice of scholarship displacement, where schools deduct the amount of any outside scholarship funds a student earns from what the school is offering. In other words, the value of outside scholarship funds is wiped out. The practice is illegal in Maryland, Washington, California, New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

Another highlight and first for Project ENRICH was the pinning ceremony. During the program, students were awarded lapel pins signifying that they are officially in Project ENRICH.

The four former directors and current director of Project ENRICH will tape an episode of "Community UPLIFT," a local public affairs TV show of the Gamma Pi Chapter, later this month. The program will look back at the illustrious history of Project ENRICH and promote this year's edition.  More details to follow in this space.

PHOTOS by Bro. George DuBose

Scholarship-Winning Daughters of Gamma Pi Brothers Giving Good First-Year Report from Tennessee State

EDITOR'S NOTE: Just in case you don't notice, the writer of this article for the Tennessee State University student newspaper, Shayla Simmons, is the daughter of Bro. Tommie Boone and wife Gayle. The subject of the interview, Kirsten Beverly, is the daughter of Bro. Rodney Beverly and wife Josette. Also, Victoria Gourdin, who is also part of this trio of scholars, is the daughter of Bro. Vaughn Gourdin and his wife Kelly.

By Shayla Simmons

reprinted from The Meter

Tennessee State University

http://tsuthemeter.com/2016/02/12/freshmen-fresh-faces/

Kirsten Beverly

While racking the brain trying to find the first candidate for excellence, eventually I came to realize that the best place might be to start from the bottom up. By the bottom up I mean a fresh face, untapped potential, a diamond hidden in the rough if you will. Yes, this best describes TSU’s freshman class who just recently entered their second semester. In such a short amount of time, a plethora of students have begun to lay the foundations of excellence in leadership, academia and athletics.

The search led me to Kirsten Beverly. Though officially classified as a sophomore, Beverly first stepped onto campus this past August, along with many others. Hailing from Clinton, Maryland, the young woman came prepared to take the world by storm.

“Of course I was nervous moving so far from home, but regardless, I had to remember why I was here,” said Beverly.

As a student at one of the few schools that offered a dental hygiene program, she was more than excited to take on anything that her professors threw at her.

“By working towards becoming a member of the dental hygiene program, I can gain much needed hands-on experience which will be helpful when I enter into dental school,” Kirsten commented, “It will be more than beneficial since I hope to become a pediatric dentist for low-income families and children with special needs.”

Bro. Dr. Foy, wife Dr. SanYvette Foy (r) and Gamma Pi scholars 

When asked about her accomplishments both in and out of the classroom, she first mentioned her role as the freshman class treasurer, a position of SGA and a coveted spot on the Dean’s list in her first semester. But after a little more digging, it was also discovered that she was a new recipient of the Girl Scout’s GOLD award, the highest achievement presented by the organization that prides itself on its community service.

The short interview concluded with one final question: What advice would you have for your peers and those that will make up the class of 2020?

Her response was surprising yet oddly refreshing.

“College is one of the few times that you can be completely selfish. Take advantage of it and take risks. Chase every dream you have because this is the time to do it. Never be afraid of the world. Know and remember that rejection is not a dead end. That’s what I wish I knew coming in.”

Read More About the Exciting Educational Journey that Gamma Pi offspring Shayla Simmons, Kirsten Beverly and Victoria Gourdin Are Experiencing at Tennessee State University on full scholarships.

Watch this VIDEO from Tennessee State University President Dr. Glenda Glover.

Project ENRICH Returns to Bowie State for December Session

James Copeland, U.S. Department of Education

Project ENRICH exists to help prepare and connect Prince George's County youth to college and life beyond. For many of the program's participants, a key part of that process is experiencing the look and the feel of a college campus while learning good study habits, time management, and about the college selection and application process. On Saturday, December 14, the program returned to its familiar supportive home, Bowie State University. The highlight of the session was a full-fledged College Financial Aid workshop conducted by a representative of the U.S. Department of Education.

For students and parents, finding the money to pay for college is of utmost concern. James Copeland, of the federal Education department, answered many of those questions on Saturday with an in-depth presentation that covered everything from the FAFSA worksheet to creatively seeking scholarships to government loan programs to what kinds of costs to expect for families confronting college for the first time. He even carved out a few minutes in his presentation to warn students about misusing social media and spending too much time with the social calendar once they arrive at college.

Students listen to presentation at Project ENRICH

Copeland, whose visit was arranged by Brother Courtland Smith, who works at the Department of Education, has a fascinating story of his own that he talked about some during the presentation. During his youth, he was in and out of trouble growing up in New York and did not enter college until age 38. Today, at 54, he has an MBA and a doctorate to go along with his undergraduate credentials. He is an "evangelist" for education and after hearing that story, it was easy to see why. He told Project ENRICH youth he was proof that it is never too late to get serious about education.

Parents and students also were advised by Immediate Past Basileus Gordon Everett, Sr. to network through Gamma Pi Brothers and their various alumni associations, as well as churches, nonprofits and other organizations to identify scholarship opportunities. He is president of the Winston-Salem State University National Alumni Association.

In keeping with Project ENRICH's commitment to financial literacy for students, there was also a presentation yesterday on how compounding works in the financial world, especially when applied to the interest one pays or earns.

Thanks to Brother Don Cook for the photos. More photos from Brother Cook are available here on Shutterfly: https://2013decemberprojectenrich.shutterfly.com/.

Watch the bulk of the Financial Aid Presentation on YouTube below:

TV News Anchor Leon Harris Challenges Youth to "Be Your Best" During Gamma Pi Chapter's Achievement Week Program

When he took to the podium at Saturday's 36th Annual Gamma Pi Achievement Week program at Suitland's Drew Freeman High School, ABC 7 WJLA TV news anchor Leon Harris admitted that he only figured out what he wanted to talk about a few minutes before he walked on stage. Saying to the audience "I probably should not have told you that," he half-jokingly looked back at the chapter Brothers who were sharing the stage with him, wondering what their reaction would be. And then he launched into an emotional, captivating, from-the-heart stemwinder that amounted to a personal appeal to the students in the audience to look past the naysayers ("even if they are related to you") and the obstacles and make something of themselves.

"You are a miracle. Don't blow this one opportunity," he implored the students. Both the adults and the students in the audience seemed to be taking in every word as Harris talked about how he overcame his own odds to realize success in journalism. The audience seemed surprised to learn from Harris that his own father beat his mother and that for Harris, there were numerous days as a young boy when he would "wish I had been anybody but Leon Harris," adding that he shared his father's name, Leon Harris. Sr.

Harris also talked about how he gained a new perspective on life and his purpose when he visited Africa and saw an area of the continent where people were offered two choices: either be shipped out for American soil as slaves or swim with the sharks in the water below. He also drew some laughs when he talked about how he attended Ohio University on a National Merit Scholarship but "perpetrated" that he was on a football scholarship because he did not want to appear "smart." That was his way of encouraging students to look at being smart as "cool."

Harris's message fit nicely with Gamma Pi using the opportunity of the Achievement Week program to recognize local winners of chapter scholarship awards as is done every year. The Harris keynote also underscored an inspired performance from the Surrattsville High School choir, led by Gamma Pi Brother Marcus Davis.

Gamma Pi also took time to pay homage to several community leaders for their unsung efforts in the Prince George's County community. Those honorees were Rev. William "Bill" Lee, Assistant Pastor of the Community of Hope AME Church in Temple Hills, as Citizen of the Year; Rev. James Jordan Jr., Pastor of Refreshing Spring Church of God in Christ in Riverdale as the Religious Leader of the Year; Michelle Powell-Larkin, the recently retired principal of Rose Valley Elementary as Educator of the Year; and Sam Yirerky, a student at Parkdale High who was selected as Scholar Athlete of the Year.

The chapter provided $1500 scholarships to the following students: Doninique Felicia Gill (University of Georgia), Kayla LaShell Hartley (University of California), Briana Martina Riche (Temple University), Melanie Nicole Countee (Texas Southern University), Tevin Terrell Jones (Morehouse College), Alexander L. Strachan (Dickinson College), Joy Mariah Hines (University of Maryland), and Brandon Edwin Browne (Winston-Salem State University). The chapter provided follow-on support for the same amount to hager Franklin (University of Maryland), Evan Robert Ash (Georgia Tech), Vivian Louise McCall (Catholic University), Ogechi Cynthia Achuko (Vanderbilt University) and Cameron Elaine White and Claire Nicole White (Bowie State University). Also recognized were three recent graduates and scholarship winners from Project ENRICH: Kimberlyn Davis (Bowie State), Jeremiah Hudson and Thaddeus White III (Morgan State).

On hand to witness the chapter's Achievement Week program were County Executive Brother Jack Johnson; Brother Dr. Mickey L. Burnim, president of Bowie State University; State Senator Ulysses Currie and former state legislator Brother Rushern Baker, who is preparing to run to succeed Brother Johnson in the County Executive chair.

Several members of the Gamma Pi chapter were also honored during the program on Saturday. Brother Akima Rogers, Vice Basileus of the chapter, was presented with the Founder's Award. Brother Melvern McCottry, who heads the NAACP Committee effort, was given the Superior Service Award. And Brother James Alexander, Chapter Editor, received the chapter's Omega Man of the Year award. Enjoy the video clips below:

Washington Press Captures Mardi Gras 2009

The Washington press recently took notice of Gamma Pi's successful Mardi Gras Extravaganza 2009 . The chapter's fundraiser social event was featured in the Washington Afro, a distinguished and historic newspaper serving the African American community. Edgar Brookins, longtime photographer and an Omega Psi Phi Fraternity member, photographed the event for the Afro. You can visit the Afro online to see what Brother Brookins' roving camera caught on March 20 at Martin's Crosswinds in Greenbelt. The end result was a fancy digital collage. Gamma Pi truly appreciates the communitywide support and participation during its most recent Mardi Gras, which took place this year in the face of a brutal global economy. Proceeds are used to fund the chapter's ambitious Social Action programs as well as college scholarships for deserving Prince George's County students.