Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow - 40th Salute to Youth Gala by Dee Sanders

Yesterday, Today and Tomorrowâ&#x20AC;?

Salute to Youth 40th Anniversary

Yesterday, Today and Tomorrowâ&#x20AC;?

Salute to Youth 40th Anniversary

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Iota Xi Omega Chapter presents

40th Annual Salute to Youth Gala Sheraton Airport Hotel Saturday, March 23, 2019

Chairman Lisa Jackson

Co-Chairmen Viola Cunningham Beverly McMillan Yesterday, Today and Tomorrowâ&#x20AC;?

Salute to Youth 40th Anniversary

Programme 2019 Salute to Youth Welcome

Mrs. Beverly McMillan

Introduction of Members

Mr. Anthony Sanders & Mr. Thomas Henderson

Presentation of Mothers

Ms. Deidre Gordon

Introduction of Special Guests

Ms. Dee Dee Hatch-Sanders, President

Presentation of Debutantes and Gentleman

Mrs. Sheritta Washington

Dance

Participants and Escorts

Waltz

Participants and Presenter

Awards

Mrs. Shaundra Dunn & Mrs. Tonya McKinney Prayer David Walkerâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;Antioch Baptist Church

Dinner

Special Video Presentation Closing Remarks

Yesterday, Today and Tomorrowâ&#x20AC;?

Ms. Liza Dillard

Salute to Youth 40th Anniversary

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

Iota Xi Omega Chapter ______________________________________________________________________________________________

PO Box 30694 Albuquerque, NM 87190-0694

Greetings!

Welcome to the 40th Salute to Youth Gala! We thank you for supporting Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and the youth of this city. We are so pleased to be celebrating this special occasion with two of the chapter’s charter members and the community of Albuquerque. In 1977, the first group of Debutantes completed a seven-week period of educational, cultural and social activities. Today, our participants engage in a six month period of many of the same activities including college prep, etiquette and community service. The participants create a unique bond that last a lifetime. In the year 2000, the name was changed from a Debutante Ball to the Salute to Youth Gala as the first gentleman was introduced.

This year we are honored to introduce three participants at the 2019 Salute to Youth Gala. Your support has allowed Iota Xi Omega to award scholarships to deserving seniors each year! We’ve been blessed to receive a laptop for the student with the highest the GPA for the past five years from the Albuquerque Chapter of the Links Incorporated. We’re thankful for their support and hope that they continue the laptop donation for years to come. As we sit back reflecting on the first gala 40 years ago, we can’t help but say thanks to every supporter of our past debs and gents over the years. We’ve had some go on to college to become doctors, lawyers, accountants and educators from schools all across the country. Tonight, we remember the good times we’ve had with over 300 participants this past 40 years. We look forward to 300 + more participants over the next 40 years.

Thank you again for your continued support!

Dee Dee Hatch-Sanders, President

Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow”

Salute to Youth 40th Anniversary

Iota Xi Omega Chapter ______________________________________________________________________________________________ PO Box 30694 Albuquerque, NM 87190-0694 March 23, 2019

Greetings: Welcome to the 40th Annual Salute to Youth Scholarship Gala! We are so delighted that you have chosen to join us as we celebrate the achievements over the last six months of the inspiring and bright students we honor tonight. The theme for this year’s Gala, “Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow,” holds a very special meaning for us as we mark forty years of honoring and recognizing high school students in the Albuquerque area. We are doubly pleased to have with us tonight some of the students who have been a part of this wonderful program. Our goal 40 years ago was to develop a program that would challenge and inspire our participants to reach within themselves and recognize their fullest potential. This year’s participants have completed community service projects, worshipped together and marched for change. We are encouraged that they are ready to take the next steps of graduating, becoming college students, and serving as productive citizens of this country. As the chair and co-chairs of this year’s program, it has been our honor to serve. If it weren’t for insightful trailblazers like Thelma Palmer, Pat Beery, Laverne Hanks, and Doris Jackson none of this would have been possible some 40 years later. A successful program requires an even greater commitment by the various committee members and chairs who serve as the foundation of our Salute to Youth scholarship program. Behind these students are some very supportive parents. Special thanks to the parents for encouraging your child and being their biggest cheerleader. Your guidance and influence is very evident and we thank you for the support provided. We thank you again for your support. Sit back, relax, and enjoy as we celebrate our 40th year Salute to Youth participants.

Sincerely,

Lisa M. Jackson, Viola Cunningham and Beverly McMillan Chair and Co-Chairs, 40th Salute to Youth Program

Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow”

Salute to Youth 40th Anniversary

Salute to Youth History Salute to Youth, formerly known as the Debutante Ball was started in 1977. This program is now known as the Signature Program of Iota Xi Omega Chapter in New Mexico. Salute to Youth is open to high school seniors, young women and men, and to freshman college students. This program is approximately six months long and reaches social, education, cultural and life skills to augment the learning experiences and prepare students to enter a changing society.

In the year 2000, HMP Educational Foundation, Inc. was established. This 501(c)3 organization was established for the purpose of funding the Annual Salute to Youth program. With the name change from Debutante Ball to Salute to Youth, the gala and activities were opened to include male and female participants in the program. The first Gentleman to be presented was Michael Lee in 2001.

Over the years, an annual income of over $30,000 has been raised and over $300,000 has been awarded in scholarships. Maximum number of participants up to this point has been 21 and the maximum, one-time scholarships, has been $30,000.

The Salute to Youth program runs from September to March of each year. The only exceptions have been the years in which Iota Xi Omega has hosted the South Center Regional Conference in Albuquerque. Even during these years of hiatus Iota Xi Omega sought out and presented Outstanding Achievement Awards to young black people in the Albuquerque community who excelled in high academic and scholastic achievement, school and community leadership, and their commitment to moral and educational excellence.

Today, in 2019 we match our smallest group of three participants presentedâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;two Debutantes and one Gentleman. In 2008, we also had three participants but that was the only year where the number of gentlemen was larger than the number of debutantes. The year prior to the chapter hosting a Regional Conference in Albuquerque, we allow high school juniors and seniors. We want to afford all upcoming graduates the opportunity to participate and not miss the chance for scholarships due to the chapter hosting a Regional Conference.

We are excited to be celebrating 40 years of Salute to Youth. We look to many years of scholarships awarded to deserving high school seniors in the years to come.

Yesterday, Today and Tomorrowâ&#x20AC;?

Salute to Youth 40th Anniversary

Yesterday, Today and Tomorrowâ&#x20AC;?

Salute to Youth 40th Anniversary

Gentleman Joseph Johnson Joseph has always had an eye for wonder and testing limits. “Why not?” being something he has vowed to live by throughout his early years of life. Sometimes that would get him in trouble, but in that wonder of a quest for more, he found himself. He now likes to discover and try everything he possibly can. In his family of four travel is a big part of their lifestyle so seeing different cultures and traditions is an influence on his wanting to explore. His mother, Dr. Linda Townsend-Johnson and father, Jonathon Johnson have always had high academic demands for Joseph and have made that a priority all throughout his schooling process. Although he excels in athletics being named one of the top players in the state for soccer and 1st team All-District Defender, he knows the books come first. Along with being an exceptional athlete, he also is a top performer in Distributive Education Clubs of America. He was a district winner twice, state finalist twice, and a Nationalist in 2017 along with his sister Niara Johnson. Joseph is a Christian and attends Legacy Church where he works with kids in his LKidz department. He also volunteers at Watermelon Ranch where he works with dogs. Joseph’s favorite place to volunteer at his school, Rio Rancho High School because he cares a lot about his fellow class mates. During the stretch of increasing school shootings, he created a group at his school called “Students for Peace” (S4P). They helped to actively fight threats by adding love to his school. Joseph’s next step is to attend college at the University of Northern Arizona where he will be studying engineering. Joseph is optimistic and looks forward to seeing the difference he can make in that community. He will never forget the good his home has done.

Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow”

Salute to Youth 40th Anniversary

Debutante Destiny Meyers Destiny Meyers is a senior at Cottonwood Classical Preparatory School. She is the daughter of Queneesha and Thomas Meyers, both Air Force veterans. They met in Warner Robins, Georgia, where she was born. She is currently in the second year of the International Baccalaureate, a rigorous two year course similar to AP classes where she will earn college credits upon completion. She is also earning college credits by taking online classes at Central New Mexico Community College. She is a member of the Yearbook Club. She has also been a part of Global One to One, formerly known as Peacepal, where she has written letters to India and Kenya. She is a member of the National Honor Society, where she has volunteered at Roadrunner Food Bank, Watermelon Mountain Ranch, Mandy’s Farm, Parkinson’s walk, elementary schools, and East Central Ministries. Despite all of her activities, she has managed to maintain a 3.92 GPA. Outside of school, Destiny is involved in Tutoring with Dr. Steele every Friday evening. On Wednesdays and Thursdays after school, she works as a mentor for higher level math at Kumon, a math and reading center. She’s participating in the Alpha Kappa Alpha Salute to Youth Program, as well as a Delta Gems Program. Destiny also participated in the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute STAR program in October. Destiny is the current president of the Greater Albuquerque National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) chapter. She travels across the country to compete in competitions every year. In her free time, Destiny likes to sew, make watercolor paintings, and embroider. Her embroidery work is an award winning place at the University of New Mexico’s Young Artists Exhibition. Destiny has attended Bethesda Community Church all of her life, and sees them as her second family. Destiny plans to go to college out of the state, preferably closer to her family in the south. She wants to major in Civil Engineering. She has been accepted at Columbia University.

Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow”

Salute to Youth 40th Anniversary

Debutante Ija’ne Parker Ija’ne Parker was born August 3, 2001 in Monroe Louisiana at Saint Francis Hospital. She is the oldest of her two siblings: M’niya Barnes and Ilvin Parker, Jr. She is a senior at Manzano High School where she received a 3.5 cumulative grade-point average. Ija’ne loves being involved in her community; she is constantly volunteering. She helps the less fortunate families. Examples of her services include helping to set up thanksgiving dinners, making toiletry bags for women shelters, helping in her church community at New Hope Full Gospel Baptist Church, assisting in the Sunday School program for young children and adolescents, and helping at the New Mexico Black Expo. Ija’ne has always had a passion for working with kids. She was involved in a program where she was an assistant teacher for three years at Chelwood Elementary and the Manzano Preschool program. Ija’ne made the Manzano High School Varsity Cheerleading Team three years in a row. She was Manzano’s Black Student Union president for two years. She was a part of a movement of teachers in the making of a college readiness class called Avid. “With God’s power working in us, God can do much more than anything we can ask or think of” (Ephesians 3:20). Ija’ne plans to attend Northern Arizona University and major in Biochemistry to become an Obstetrician.

Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow”

Salute to Youth 40th Anniversary

Salute to Youth 2018-2019 Calendar of Events SEPTEMBER 18

Informational Meeting at eREAD 8600 Phoenix Ave NE adjacent next to God’s House Church, Albuquerque, NM (3:00-5:00pm).

OCTOBER 7

Meet & Greet Workshop eREAD 8600 Phoenix Ave NE adjacent next to God’s House Church, Albuquerque, NM (3:00-5:00pm). Reviewing (College 101, REAL Talk Seminar, Benefits of earning dual credits, ThinkHBCU presentation, oratorical topic will be provided. College application and additional websites who offer scholarships.

Additional Informational Meeting at eREAD 8600 Phoenix Ave NE (3:00-5:00 pm) Packets due (Contract Agreement, Bios of Participants and Mothers, and first Installment of (non-refundable registration fee is DUE - $150). Students will not be able to participate in future activities without first payment completed. Conduct teambuilding activity.

NOVEMBER

Attend church as a group at Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church, 8550 Saul Bell Road, Albuquerque, NM 87121 (10:30 am- 12:30 pm).

Email a draft Oratorical Paper to the email box to Oratorical Committee Chair at bronzetne@aol.com

Food Pantry Project at Grant Chapel AME Church, 7920 Claremont Ave NE, PLEASE BRING NON-PERSISHABLE FOOD ITEMS (6:00 – 8:00 pm) Albuquerque, NM. Participant essay meeting, presentation/writing skills, review paper guidelines and deadlines reminder.

DECEMBER 2

Hand in a hard copy of the rough draft of Oratorical Paper to the committee (eREAD) 8600 Phoenix Ave NE, next to God’s House Church. Scholarship workshop @ 3:00

Salute to Youth Participant Community Service Project and Holiday Social at Main Event Bring gently used shoes for Soles for Souls (Community Service) at 6:00 p.m.

Etiquette Workshop & Luncheon at Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church 8550 Saul Bell Road, Albuquerque, NM 87121 (1:30 pm). Mandatory Parent Meeting. Final Payments are due for participation. Tickets for Gala distributed. Discussion regarding attire and ads for Gala. Parent Tea discussion and planning.

JANUARY 06

Final papers due for Oratorical topics (three hard copies submitted). Oratorical rehearsal eREAD 8600 Phoenix Ave NE adjacent next to God’s House Church, Albuquerque, NM (3:00-5:00 pm)

NM Martin Luther King Commission March from UNM to Civic Plaza. Meet at 9:30 am

Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow”

Salute to Youth 40th Anniversary

Grant Chapel MLK Scholarship Breakfast (Marriott Pyramid)

Africana Studies UNM Black History Month Kickoff brunch, pages or ushers. (UNM Sub Ballroom A, B, C).

Oratorical and Dance Rehearsal (3:00-5:30) eREAD Annex Basement. Official Transcripts due. Escorts and Presenter’s information due. Parent tea Planning Committee (Mandatory meeting for Parents) at eREAD 8600 Phoenix Ave NE adjacent next to God’s House Church, Albuquerque, NM (3:00-5:00 pm)

FEBRUARY 03

Attend church as a group at New Hope Full Gospel Baptist Church, 1901 Pennsylvania NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110. Services as a group at 10:15 am Ad money is due , turn in at the close of service. Money for ticket sales will be collected as well.

African American Day at the State Capitol. Students are to attend with your school’s BSU. Special arrangements are being made for student without a BSU.

Oratorical Rehearsal from 3- 4 at 8600 Phoenix Ave NE adjacent next to God’s House Church, Albuquerque, NM in eREAD Annex upstairs

Oratorical Presentation at 8600 Phoenix Ave NE adjacent next to God’s House Church, Albuquerque, NM (3:00-5:00 pm) eREAD Annex upstairs

Parent Tea will be held at Sunset View Elementary School, 6121 Paradise Blvd. NW, Albuquerque, NM 87114 at 3:00 pm.

MARCH 3 Last day to submit ticket money at eREAD 8600 Phoenix Ave NE adjacent next to God’s House Church, Albuquerque, NM (3:00-5:00 pm) 10

Dance Rehearsal in the basement eREAD 8600 Phoenix Ave NE adjacent next to God’s House Church, Albuquerque, NM (3:00-5:00 pm)

Salute to Youth Gala rehearsal and set-up (Sheraton Albuquerque Airport Hotel, 2910 Yale Blvd SE, Albuquerque, NM 87106 from 6 to 10:00 pm. Participants, presenters and escorts must attend.

Salute to Youth Gala (Sheraton Albuquerque Airport Hotel, 2910 Yale Blvd SE, Albuquerque, NM 87106, participants and escorts to be there at 3:00 pm PARENTS are to arrive at 5:30. The Gala begins at 6 pm.

Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow”

Salute to Youth 40th Anniversary

Yesterday, Today and Tomorrowâ&#x20AC;?

Salute to Youth 40th Anniversary

You are cordially invited to the Salute to Youth Celebration Tea

“40 Years: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow” Hosted by the Parents of the 2019 S2Y Debutantes and Gent

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated Iota Xi Omega Chapter

February 24, 2019 3:00-5:00 P.M. Sunset View Elementary School 6121 Paradise Boulevard, NW Albuquerque, NM 87114

Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow”

Salute to Youth 40th Anniversary