In the Beginning In January 2003, Mrs. Camille Clark had a vision for a new chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® in Katy, Texas. Mrs. Clark provided the leadership to make the dream a reality. March 25, 2003, marked the establishment of the Katy Area Interest Group, which became the "Cultured Pearls of Service Interest Group." The target service area for the interest group included Alief, Katy, Sugarland, Richmond, Rosenberg, and a small portion of far Northwest Houston. The new graduate chapter was chartered on Monday, April 12, 2004. The sorority's 18th International President, Dr. Mattelia B. Grays was the guest speaker for the Chartering Service as 21st South Central Regional Director, Mrs. Shirley R. Fisher, presided. The first Board of Directors included Camille Clark, President; Antoinette Wright, Vice President; Angela Hopkins, Secretary; Kathy Harper, Treasurer; Jamillah Brock, Financial Secretary; Tomicka Barlow-Williams, Correspondence Secretary; Shirrey Mott Burton, Greeter; Nikki Sample, Sergeant-at-Arms; and Tanisha Tate, Ivy Leaf Reporter. Building a Foundation: The First Three Years Upon chartering, members of the chapter immediately began establishing programs and activities that upheld an esteemed image of the sorority. In October 2004, Tanisha Tate and Angela Hopkins spearheaded a team mentoring group Prestigious Pearls of Service, which was organized to motivate, encourage and develop girls aged 13-18 into becoming role models for other teens in the community. Other programs initiated that year included the Feed the Family program for Thanksgiving and Christmas, AKA Bingo with senior citizens, and the Young Authors program, whereby one entry received honorable mention at the 2004 Boule. In 2005 the chapter concentrated on building the membership by Reclaiming Lost Pearls. The chapter membership grew tremendously from 2004 to 2005. In September 2005, Hurricane Katrina devastated the Gulf Coast. The chapter members responded to the momentous occasion by volunteering their time at the Houston Astrodome, which temporarily housed evacuees. The chapter also adopted a family from New Orleans and donated food and clothing. This same year, Chi Omicron Omega hosted a successful book signing for bestselling author ReShonda Tate Billingsley, a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. Finally in 2005, members of Chi Omicron Omega participated in several health walks. (UNCF, Breast Cancer, AIDS Walk, and March of Dimes). In keeping with the National Program for 2006, Chi Omicron Omega launched its inaugural Ivy Reading Academy with 22 sixth-graders from Klentzman Intermediate School. The primary objective is to improve the children's reading level and succeed on the state-mandated TAKS exam. The program was a success, with all 22 students receiving a passing grade on the state exam. Also, during the year, Chi Omicron Omega embarked on an enormous undertaking to generate funds in support of scholarships and community service. On June 24, 2006, the chapter hosted its first annual art gala and silent auction, "Pink on the Patio," at the Groovy Grill Mansion in Houston, TX, and featured live jazz, poetry, and visual art. Funds generated from the event provided $500 scholarships to two local high school seniors. In 2007, the chapter implemented local programs consistent with the national Extraordinary Service Program (ESP) platform. The chapter sponsored an Entrepreneur Breakfast Roundtable, increased financial literacy with AKAnomincs for chapter members, raised health awareness by sponsoring a health seminar for senior citizens and HATS for ESP (Health and Treatment Strategies for Enhancing Spiritual and Physical Wellbeing) for the general community, and participating in the AIDS Walk and MS Walk for Multiple Sclerosis. Ensuring Perpetuity: Establishing a Legacy In 2008, Chi Omicron Omega marked the development of new chapter programs; First Annual First Responders CPR/Disaster Training, Old School Skate Party for cancer awareness, Voter Registration Drive in support of the upcoming election; and The Biggest Loser competition to encourage exercise and healthy eating. The chapter also raised funds to support the Educational Advancement Foundation (EAF) with a Holiday Shopping Bus Ride to Prime Outlets in San Marcos, Texas. In addition, Chi Omicron Omega co-hosted the 2008 Southeast Texas Cluster Retreat at the University of Houston - Hilton Conference Center. 2009 marked a significant time in the chapter's history! On May 31st, twenty lovely ladies were initiated to Chi Omicron Omega Chapter, marking the chapter's first Membership Intake Process. Also, in 2009, Chi Omicron Omega successfully executed the following programs; an Economic Smart Fair, HATS program (PTSD-focus), an Entrepreneur Breakfast, and First Responders Training. Chi Omicron Omega donated toys and food to Cypress-Assisted Ministries, created Easter baskets for residents of Brookshire Nursing Home, and awarded four $1,000 scholarships to high school seniors. As a new program, Chi Omicron Omega partnered with Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and co-hosted their annual Build a Dream Memorial Golf Tournament. Making our Mark in Katy and Surrounding Communities Now 20 years old, the Chi Omicron Omega Chapter continues to be a vital part of its community. |
