47TH ANNUAL HONOURS DAY
AND SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMME
APRIL 22-27, 2025 S P O N S O R S H I P K I T
ABOUT
HONOURS DAY
The Honours Day Scholarship Programme was introduced in 1978 under the presidency of Mellany Zonicle, an idea conceived by Mrs. Thelma McMillian, a member of the Sorority who had experience with a similar program in the United States. Initially the Chapter invited the participation of the top three female graduating seniors from secondary schools in New Providence. The participants wrote an essay and the winner was determined by the essay score. In 1984, a new element was introduced to the programme, a scholarship to attend Success Training College was offered. The first recipient was Brenda-Lee Cornish of C. C. Sweeting High School.
In 1988, the luncheon concept was introduced to commemorate the participation of the sitting international President of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated®, the late Janet Jones-Ballard. The Janet Jones-Ballard Family Island Valedictorian Award was introduced in 1992 and was named after the late Janet Jones Ballard who played a pivotal role in the establishment of the International Region of the Sorority.
In 1997, the Sorority was able to obtain a scholarship through Janice Munroe Stubbs, a member, from McDermott International for the Family Island student with the highest test score to attend The College of The Bahamas (now University of The Bahamas). The local campus of Atlantic College also generously donated a scholarship at that time Other supporters of the programme over the past years have been Mr. Bertram Knowles of Nassau Stationers who has contributed prizes for all of the Honourees; The Governor General and staff of Government House, the National Flag Carrier Bahamasair, SkyBahamas, Southern Air, Sky Unlimited, Western Air, Pineapple Air, LeAir, along with other charter companies who assist the chapter by ensuring that our Family Island participants receive air transportation to New Providence
CONT’D HONOURS DAY
Over the past forty-six years the Honours Day Scholarship Program, through its featured Keynote Speakers, has exposed the students to many outstanding Bahamian females who have been pioneers in their field. Some of the speakers have included Dame Joan Sawyer, first female Judge and first female President of the Court of Appeal; Sorority Honorary member
Retired Justice Cheryl Albury, former judge of the Supreme Court of The Bahamas; Dame Ivy Dumont, former Minister of Education and first female Governor General of The Commonwealth of The Bahamas and a cultural icon; Ms. Aisha Bowe, Co-founder and CEO of STEMboard and a former NASA engineer; Ms. Alanna Rodgers, founder of Hands for Hunger and Tru Bahamian Food Tours; Sorority member, Mrs. Anastarcia Palacious, transformational speaker and former co-host of Bahamas at Sunrise; Mrs. Marion Bethel-Sears, author, film maker and women’s advocate; Dr. Sharice Ferguson, former obstetrician; Dr. P. Jillian Bethel, former CEO of OKX Bahamas; and Sorority member, Dr. Iyandra Smith-Bryan, attorney-at-law, and adjunct professor.
Through the years the program has expanded significantly. Students participate in a weekend of activities designed to motivate, promote and celebrate the accomplishments of the best and the brightest female graduates from schools throughout the archipelago The activities include a tour of the University of The Bahamas, Courtesy Call on the Ministers of Education and Youth, as well as the President of the University of The Bahamas; a welcome reception, a general knowledge test, community service project, a worship service culminating with an awards ceremony and reception.
OUR IMPACT
The Honours Day Scholarship Program remains the lead signature program of the Chapter and has grown not just in participation from three students to over fourty students, but also in its ability to provide scholarships for tertiary education for the country’s brightest top graduating female students. The program has partnered with various tertiary education establishments to provide partial and full ride scholarships to universities such as Morgan State University, Middle Tennessee State University, Georgia State University, University of the Ozarks and Central State University.
$1.7m SCHOLARSHIPS & PRIZES 40+
SCHOOLS REPRESENTED
850+ HONOUREES
16+ ISLANDS REPRESENTED
47TH ANNUAL
DAY AND SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
APRIL 22-27 2025
TUESDAY APRIL 22 Welcome Reception & Talent Showcase
WEDNESDAY APRIL 23
MORNING Visit to Parliament & Courtesy Call with the Governor General
WEDNESDAY
APRIL 23
EVENING Speech Competition Finals
THURSDAY APRIL 24 University of The Bahamas College Tour & Legacy Summit
FRIDAY APRIL 25
AFTERNOON Honouree Social Event
SATURDAY APRIL 26
MORNING Honours Day Signature Service Scavenger Hunt
SUNDAY APRIL 27 Church Service Official Awards Ceremony
Review 2024 IN
AND SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
SOAR
Partnerwithus MOMENTUM
Donation: $5,000
Official Sponsor of Awards Ceremony & Welcome Reception Premium ad placement
Donation: $2,500
Official Sponsor of College Tour and Legacy Summit Premium ad placement
DAY AND SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
SoaringContributors
IVY PEARL
Donation: $1,000
Sponsor a monetary prize for academic excellence in the Mathematics, English, or General Knowledge Examination
Includes a trophy and cash prize for the honouree
TEA ROSE
Donation: $250
Sponsor an honouree’s weekend experience, which includes gifts, meals, beverages, events, and tokens
Option to select a student honouree of your choice
Donation: $500
Sponsor a specific award of your choice from the Honours Day Scholarship Programme categories (e g , Leadership, Community Service, STEM, etc )
OR Sponsor a Rising Star Award for an honouree in their chosen career discipline
GEM
Donation: $250
Sponsor a round-trip flight for a Family Island honouree to attend the Honours Day Scholarship Programme events. Option to select the Family Island honouree or designate the island of choice
DAY AND SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
In-KindSponsors
IVY PEARL
Donation: $1,000
We are thrilled to invite you to become an In-Kind Sponsor for our Honours Day Weekend This prestigious event recognizes the outstanding achievements of our honourees and celebrates excellence in our community. We are seeking valuable contributions from businesses and individuals who are willing to provide goods and services that will enhance the event experience
Donation: $500
Catering for Awards Ceremony and/or Welcome Reception
Event Décor (Signage, Stage Design, Floral Arrangements)
Transportation (Shuttle or VIP Vehicles)
Lunch and Snacks for Honourees
Gifts for Honourees
Photography Services
Videography Services
Media Appearances and Coverage (Interviews, Press Releases, etc.)
Event Supplies (Table Settings, Linens, etc.)
Audio/Visual Equipment and Services
Entertainment (Live Music, Performers, etc.)
Printing Services (Programs, Invitations, etc.)
Flowers and Floral Arrangements for the Event
PAYMENT INFORMATION
Submit your HDay Donation pledge by March 25th 2025
Submit your Advertisement by April 1st 2025
Submit your payment by April 5th 2025
All advertisements must be camera ready
The Sorority reserves the right to reject any advertisement or message that is not in keeping with its publication standards.
Please make all cheques payable to Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®
Payment can also be made via bank transfer and information can be requested by email to ads.honoursday@gmail.com
Please complete the proof of payment form