Twenty Pearls Scholarship Pageant returns this weekend

Local sorority to award scholarships to area young ladies

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Pi Chi Omega Chapter presented a night of elegance at 32nd Annual Twenty Pearls Scholarship Pageant. The _ve young ladies were presented with scholarships. They are: Richana Booker, Delphanie Brown, S’Joiyah Miller, Nia Taylor, and Destinee Weatherspoon.

Awards being presented were:

■ Miss Pink and Green – Destinee Weatherspoon 1st Runner up -Richana Booker 2nd Runner up – Delphanie Brown

■ Miss Twenty Pearls – Destinee Weatherspoon 1st Runner up Richana Booker 2nd Runner up – Nia Taylor Additionally, scholarships and book stipends were awarded to the young ladies. The theme was Soaring Precious Pearls of the Future. Featured at the event were of_cers Sharonda Robinson-President, Cherith Minnis-First Vice President, Dwandrea Hubbard- Second Vice President.

Michelle Rudolph was the Twenty Pearls Pageant Chair. Master of Ceremonies was Jaylen Smith, Mayor of Earle, Arkansas. Mistress of Ceremonies was Apple Dennie, Miss Ozark Mountains.

Pageant Judges were Dr. Lanetta Anderson, MD, FACOG; Dr. Teri-Lee Foster MD, FACOG; and Darcy Thomas, FOX 13 News Anchor.

“Thanks to the community for your continued support and contributions to our pageant over the years,” said Patricia Turner. “Your contributions make an enduring and sustaining imprint on our Twenty Pearls Scholarship Pageant contestants.”

Speaking of Turner, AKA South Central Regional Director, Joya T. Hayes and International President Danette Anthony Reed recently presented her with the 1st place Soror of the Year Award (Medium-sized Chapter) at the 91st South Central Regional Conference in New Orleans, Louisiana.

The next Twenty Pearls Scholarship Pageant will be held this Sunday, April 14, at the West Memphis Civic Auditorium, beginning at 3 p.m. The event is open to the public and the community is invited.

ABOVE: The 32nd Annual Twenty Pearls Scholarship Pageant contestants. Pictured from left to right are: Richana Booker, Delphanie Brown, S’Joiyah Miller, Nia Taylor and Destinee Weatherspoon. RIGHT: AKA South Central Regional Director Joya T. Hayes and International President Danette Anthony Reed present Patricia Turner with the 1st place Soror of the Year Award at the 91st South Central Regional Conference in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Submitted photos