Delta GEMS
DELTA GEMS
gems-logo-2010
During the month of April the committee challenged the GEMS to continue learning about African Ameri-cans in history through an essay contest. Since the month of March is set aside annually as “Women In His-tory” we held a “African American Women In History” essay contest. The essay had to a minimum of 250 words and be based on an African American woman who significantly impacted history (locally or nation-ally). The winners were Mikeala Gold (Soror Jayne Gold daughter) and Randeesha Reed and were awarded and recognized. 
April 17, 2010, was a day of service for the Delta GEMS. A handful of GEMS and Sorors worked in the Care Assurance System for the Aging and homebound (CASA) garden planting, weeding and watering, prepar-ing the garden for the season. CASA is a non-profit agency that provides services to individuals age 60 and older and to the homebound (wheelchair and bed bound) of all ages. Their programs are designed to en-able the elderly and homebound to maintain their independence, dignity, health and safety by providing services that specifically address their special physical and emotional needs. All CASA programs and ser-vices are provided at no cost to our clients and are based solely on need, without regard to income, race, social status or religion. CASA harvests over 3000 pounds of produce annually for the community.
The Delta GEMS Rite of Passage ceremony for graduating Seniors was held on Sunday, May 2, 2010, by the Huntsville Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., at Progressive Union Missionary Baptist Church. This year we had twenty-seven graduating seniors. The Rite of Passage ceremony is to honor our seniors as they move forward to womanhood. The Rite of Passage Ceremony is the final annual program for the Delta GEMS. Soror Meaghan Baxter (daughter of Soror Shelia Baxter and granddaughter of Laura Clift), Corresponding Secretary for Gamma Tau Chapter and former GEMS, expressed the importance of scholastic achievement and service, taking care not to make excuses, always remember to take care of business and most importantly make your family proud they are your support system. Soror Rochelle Conley, Huntsville Alumnae Chapter, delivered the charge and gave 10 important things that not only the graduating seniors should remember but the returning GEMS should be mindful of as well. Some of the things to be mindful of was: 1) develop a relationship with God; 2) achieve your dreams; 3) never let any-one tell you what you can’t do; 4) stay physically fit, and 5) acknowledge and thank your parents.  The seniors received gifts from the club, a book mark from Soror Ro-chelle Conley the evening ended with a reception.

The GEMS successfully completed 11 community service projects this year, several bonding activities and attended an HBCU. Congratulations to the graduating seniors and thanks to the Committee for a awesome and successful year.

Tonju Butler, Chair

Jenella Lymon, Co-Chair