kansas Kansas City's Beta Lambda Chapter highlighted its March meeting with awards of special recognition for outstanding Kansas Citizens. With a primary thrust toward excellence, the chapter chose persons who had excelled in any one of the following areas: education, politics, business, and social service. The "Burt A. Mayberry Education Award" was named after an outstanding educator and administrator in the Kansas City, Missouri school system, as well as an Alpha brother who served as General Secretary of the Fraternity (1945-47). The recipient of this award is a personable and very competent educator - Ms. Jimmie Marie Thomas of Kansas City. Ms. Thomas' expertise and teaching record speaks for itself as her dedication and skill in teaching led to a variety of consultantship positions, including one with the Office of Health, Education and Welfare (HEW) in Washington. The "Outstanding Black Woman of the Year" award was presented to Ms. Lillian Orme. Recognizing the capabilities of this lady;, the Board of Directors of the School District of Kansas City saw fit to appoint her Director of Elementary Education in August, 1 9 7 1 . She was the first minority woman appointed as a full director with the system. Her current responsibility is in mid-management with 26 schools and 20 principals. Her community activities are numerous, including those of her sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha. Ms. Orme is also the wife of a very active Alpha man, Brother Beltron Orme. Kim Allen Robinson, a college brother attending the University of Kansas in Lawrence (Upsilon Chapter) was the recipient of the "Outstanding College Brother" award. His credentials, both in academics and service, attest to his worthiness. Brother Robinson shows great promise as a National Honor student, National Merit Scholarship winner, and the first Black from Kansas City, Kansas ever to receive and accept a Congressional appointment to the United States Naval Academy. His contributions to his local chapter have won the respect of his brothers and the recognition of the graduate brothers in Beta Lambda. Equally outstanding is his winning personality. The Sphinx / May 1976
An annual award is given to the brother who has made an exceptional contribution to the Fraternity. Beta Lambda selected Brother Herbert Thompson to receive the "James A. Jeffress Award." Brother Thompson has served in a variety of capacities within the chapter, receiving the commendation from his brothers for doing a consistently excellent job. Serving as media specialist for the Kansas City, Missouri school system, he has found the time to manage the financial records of the chapter for several years with superb accuracy. Coordinating the chapter's major social functions has also reflected the exceptional job that he has done. High on Beta Lambda's priority list is the recognition of a job well done and the persons who helped make it so. The chapter feels that such a tradition helps to create a meaningful and lasting image of Alpha Phi Alpha in the community.
The presentation of the James A. Jeffress A ward is particularly meaningful as Bro. Dr. Adell Thompson presents the Outstanding Alpha Award to his "blood" Brother Herbert Thompson (right) as recipient's wife, Ms. Peggy Thompson looks on.
Kim Robinson receives his Outstanding College Brother award from Curtis Rogers, member of the Awards Committee.
Kansas City Alphas proudly receive the proclamation from Mayor Charles B. Wheeler designating January 4 thru 10 as Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Week. From left to right are Brothers Bobby Scroggins, Edwin Byrd, Ephram Ewing, Beltron Orme, Mayor Wheeler shaking hands with Beta Lambda president Jimmy L. Buford, Eugene Peterson, Clarence Robinson, Clifford Spottsville, Perry Kirkpatrick, Victor Barker, Charles McGee, Robert P. Lyons and Dan Lewis.
Outstanding Black Woman of the Year in Kansas City is Ms. Lillian Orme, educator/administrator. To her right is her Alpha husband Beltron Orme. Bro. Herbert Thompson proudly presents the award to Ms. Orme.
Ms. Jimmie Marie Thomas graciously accepts the Burt A. Mayberry Award as outstanding educator of the year as rated by the brothers of Beta Lambda Chapter of Greater Kansas City. Ms. Thomas is flanked on her right by her husband. Bro. Herbert Thompson presents the award.
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