Phi Delta Kappa Sorority
Members of the Delta Phi Chapter of Phi Delta Kappa Inc.
The women of the Delta Phi Chapter of the National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa Sorority Inc. celebrated 30 years of its annual scholarship luncheon by honoring 13 people who have distinguished themselves as students, educators, business owners and community organizers.
Taking as its theme, “Picking Up Our Legacy: Making A Way Out of No Way!” the luncheon, which was held earlier this month, was held at the Grassy Hill Country Club in Orange.
Delta Phi Chapter President Tiffany Ladson-Lang, Paulett Moore-Rogers and Luncheon Chairperson Shirley Love Joyner
Delta Phi Chapter President Tiffany Ladson-Lang said in her printed program message that this year’s luncheon also was special because it also marks 33 years ago in April that the chapter was officially chartered by educators from the Greater New Haven and Bridgeport communities.
“Even though our path to this 33rd year has not been easy, we strive to make a way out of no way for the communities we serve,” she said in the message.
In addition to being an event that celebrates those who do good in their communities, the luncheon also is a major fundraiser that supports future educators.
New Haven Public Schools Superintendent Garth Harries with luncheon honorees.
Shirley Love Joyner, chairperson for the 30th anniversary luncheon, said in her printed message, that the sorority has changed a lot in the 93 years since young women of color in New Jersey decided they wanted to organize to raise the standards of educators and the performance of their students. But it has not lost site of its mission of stimulating professional growth, fostering sisterhood, promoting high teaching ideals and encouraging the development of young people.
“We continue to face many challenges in our nation with respect to the education of our young people and we have some difficult days ahead,” Love Joyner said. “However, we continue to insist that our children work hard, stay focused, embrace excellence and strive for greatness, as they become successful members of society. As has been our legacy, our sorority will stand [its] ground in staunch defense of public education, expecting the best from and for our students, while continuing to pursue the best possible education for them.”
The chapter recognized Paulett Moore-Rogers for her many years of dedication to youth, education and service.
Members took the time out during the luncheon to honor one of their own, Emma Paulette Moore-Rogers, for her tireless work as an educator and social worker.
Dori Dumas (at right), president of the Greater New Haven Branch of the NAACP received a Community Service Award
Other luncheon honorees were as follows:
Taylor Raquel, a senior at Cooperative Arts and Humanities High School senior, received the Excellence In Education Award.
Francis T. Maloney High School senior Faith Williams received the Academic Achievement Award.
Wilcox Technical High School senior Leah Theriault received the Scholarship Award.
James Hillhouse High School college and advanced biology teacher Rachele Thomas received the Golden Apple Award.
Greater New Haven Branch of the NAACP President Dori Dumas, and New Haven Board of Alders President Tyisha Walker both received Community Service awards.
New Haven Public School Board of Education Vice Chair Alicia Caraballo received the Distinguished Leadership Award.
Lincoln Basset Community School Principal Janet Brown Clayton, and Imma Canelli, retired New Haven Public School Deputy Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction, both received the Outstanding Educator awards.
Jackie James, New Haven deputy director of Economic Development for Small Business Services, and husband and wife team, Dudley and Marcella Flake of the newly established The Monk Center for Academic Enrichment and Performing Arts LLC both received the Business Award.