Suffolk News-Herald

The Zeta Epsilon Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Sorority Inc., Suffolk Chapter, is in the business of raising funds so that graduating seniors can obtain a higher education. On May 22 in Temple Beth El, it will do just that by presenting eight local high school seniors in a program, &uot;2003-2004 Ebony Achievers.&uot;

They are Melissa Danielle Flood, Curtis Kearney Jr., Shanice C. Moore, JJ’Na T. Mason, Brandon Artis, Riley Evans II, Larice Chapman, and Kia Bryan.

These students were selected through applications sent by the sorority to various high schools for counselors to distribute. One of the things contestants had to do was to raise funds, and during the Saturday program, the person who generated the most money will be crowned Miss or Mr. Ebony Achiever. But no one is a loser because each contestant will receive 50 percent of what she or he raised.

nFlood is a senior at Lakeland High School, and the daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Willie Flood. Her goal is to go into the medical field at Virginia Commonwealth University.

nKearney is a senior at Western Branch High School, and is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Curtis Kearney Sr. His goal is to become a college student, but is undecided on a major.

nMoore is a senior at Lakeland High School, and is the daughter of Gail Moore. Her goal is to become a dentist.

nMason is a senior at Windsor High School, and is the daughter of Ms. Willie Mason, Her goal is to become a psychologist.

nArtis is a senior at Lakeland High School, and is the son of Gail Artis. His goal is to enroll in the computer science program at Hampton University in Hampton.

nEvans is a senior at Windsor High School, and is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Riley Evans. His goal is to be a sports broadcaster.

nChapman is a senior at Lakeland High School, and is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Randolph Chapman. Her goal is to attend ODU and major in information systems.

nBryan is a senior at Smithfield High School, and is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Bryan. Her goal is to become a college graduate.

The Zetas were formed on Feb. 14, 1954, in Franklin, and has grown to 45 active members. The chapter celebrated its 50th anniversary a month ago at George and Steve’s Steakhouse and by worshipping at Metropolitan Baptist Church. The remaining charter member, Eleva Goode Warren, lives in Portsmouth and is a member of the Portsmouth Chapter.

The sorority is an international service organization that targets areas of education, economics, the arts, health issues, and other global concerns. The Suffolk chapter offers scholarships to eligible female and male high school seniors as a part of its annual program; donates to the Suffolk Homeless Shelter; Nansemond-Suffolk Rescue Squad; the American Red Cross; and the Suffolk News Cheer Fund.

Officers are: Dorothy Diggs, president; Tracy Knight, vice president; Debra Austin, secretary; Vicki Miland, asst. secretary; Avis Blow, treasurer; Vivian Pruden, financial secretary; Barbara Shelton, vice financial secretary; Landi Willie, is in charge of courtesy; and Julia Liggins, chaplain.