[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 66 (Thursday, May 10, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E777]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 ON THE OCCASION OF THE 40TH ANNUAL DEBUTANTE SCHOLARSHIP COTILLION OF 
    THE THETA LAMBDA OMEGA CHAPTER OF THE ALPHA KAPPA ALPHA SORORITY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. GARY C. PETERS

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 10, 2012

  Mr. PETERS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the members and 
alumni of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.'s (AKA) Theta Lambda 
Omega Chapter on the 40th Anniversary of its Debutante Scholarship 
Cotillion.
  Over a hundred years ago, in 1908, AKA was founded by a group of 
brave, determined and socially conscious African-American women at 
Howard University in Washington, D.C. As the first organization of its 
type, the pioneers of AKA banded together out of simple need to ensure 
that women of color not only attend college, but that their experiences 
while there helped them to fulfill their greatest potential. Over the 
decades following its creation, AKA has not only empowered its members, 
but has cultivated an attitude of commitment to service to the 
community.
  Like its national organization, the Theta Lambda Omega Chapter of AKA 
shares in a rich history and commitment of service. Over the last four 
decades, the members of the Theta Lambda Omega chapter have engaged in 
countless community service projects and organized many charitable 
campaigns that have had a tremendous impact on communities in Southeast 
Michigan.
  Among the Theta Lambda Omega chapter's many endeavors is a concerted 
effort to improve educational opportunities in the Pontiac community. 
As part of this effort, the Chapter's Emerging Youth Leaders 
Initiatives help youth develop their leadership skills, encourage 
parental involvement in the education process and promote civic 
activism. In addition to helping youth develop these important skills, 
the sorority provides scholarships to members and future members 
helping them achieve their educational goals.
  For the past 40 years the Theta Lambda Omega Chapter has gathered to 
honor the young women of Pontiac and its surrounding communities at the 
annual Debutante Scholarship Cotillion. The scholarship cotillion is 
one of many community service contributions of the Pontiac chapter of 
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and during the 40th year celebration, eleven 
extraordinary hard-working young women and high school seniors will 
receive scholarships to assist them in attending college. Each 
debutante is recognized for their outstanding scholastic achievements 
in addition to the many hours they have committed to community service 
and personal development.
  Mr. Speaker, for almost half of a century, the Theta Lambda Omega 
Chapter of the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority has been supporting the young 
women in Southeast Michigan and giving them the tools they need to 
build a bright future. Over its time, Theta Lambda Omega chapter and 
its members have been honored with many awards for their work, which 
has undoubtedly strengthened and ensured the continued vibrancy of the 
region. I wish the members and alumni of the Theta Lambda Omega Chapter 
of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority many more years of success as they 
fulfill their mission in service to our community.

                          ____________________