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October 2013 - Volume III

The Rhoer MonarchThe Rhoer MonarchThe Rhoer Monarch

To All Rhoers and Rhoer Advisors,

Welcome to the new sorority year! Your newsletter includes an overview of many of the very

exciting accomplishments in the regions. However, as you continue to work in the regions, I

encourage you to think now about attending the 55th Boule, July 18-22, 2014 in National

Harbor, Maryland. Now you may ask “Where is National Harbor, Maryland?” Well I am

pleased to share with you that National Harbor is just a few minutes away from Washington,

DC.

Since we will be in the Washington, DC area we have a number of very exciting activities

planned for you. Registration information will be available very soon. I join with the North-

eastern Region in preparing to welcome the entire Rhoer delegation, as you connect with

Rhoers across the country for a time of leadership development and fun!

Sincerely,

23rd International Grand Basileus

Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.

International Grand Basileus Bonita M. Herring

This Issue

From the Desk of the International

Rhoer Coordinator—Pgs. 2-4

Meet the Regional Rhoer

Coordinators—Pg. 5

Let’s Make a Splash— Pg. 6

Girl Scouts Partnership—Pg. 7

Recognizing the Rhoer D.I.V.A.—

Pgs. 9-15

Graduating Seniors—Pgs. 16-18

Conference Dates—Pg. 19

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Geetings,

The ability to spend time at each region conference gives perspective to the

needs of our Rhoer Clubs. One theme resounds loudly – communication

skills. Our focus was to first establish the importance of the skill of communi-

cation and to develop the process for execution. All Sorors, whether they

have direct contact or not with their Rhoer Clubs, were asked to collectively

assist in this effort.

Rhoers were taught the importance of tone, expression and voice inflection in

public speaking. First of all, Rhoers were taught to effectively and clearly state

their name, chapter, city and state. Next the Rhoers were taught to state the

goals of the Rhoer Club – Leadership, community service, scholarship and academics. The goal here

was to equip the Rhoers with the communication skills to interact with the public. This process also

helps to strengthen the Sigma and Rhoer brand in the community. Action words were taught to de-

scribe the skill they bring to bear -- drive, determination, tenacity and the ability to succeed. The

overall goal, building confidence in public speaking. Confidence in public speaking will not only

prepare those who want to compete in the Miss Rhoer/Miss International pageant, but will prepare

our Rhoers for challenges in life. My request is that this exercise be included in the Rhoer curricu-

lum in each chapter.

The challenge, as we move forward is our ability to recruit, reclaim and retain our Rhoers. In order

for our Rhoers to experience the totality of the Rhoer program, recruitment should be from seventh or

eighth grade through twelfth grade. Some chapters focus on eleventh and twelfth grades only. Our

program should not be exclusive; but seek to follow the guidelines set forth. It is incumbent that we

use the tools that have been provided for recruitment. Venues for active recruitment can be in our

schools, churches and all institutions of society where youth congregate. We seek to develop ways

to retain our Rhoers. One method is to have Sorors become affiliated with organizations in our com-

munities that provide youth recognitions, thus providing an opportunity for youth award nominations

for our Rhoers. This transcends community service, which is the hallmark of our Organization.

International Rhoer Coordinator

Elma Hairston

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However, creating visibility through community service continues to strengthen our Brand and define our

mission. This also provides opportunity for awards and recognitions for our Rhoers. Our internal awards

have been provided as added value and are great tools for retention. However, to extend this added value to

include awards available in the community strengthens our position for recruitment and ultimately retention.

This also brings greater excitement among our Rhoers to motivate other teens to join “The Club.” A prima-

ry goal as we move forward is to insure that there is consistency in our curriculum at each Region Confer-

ence. It provides an unfair advantage when some Rhoers get information that other do not. An important

consideration, as we seek to minimize our risk management, we want to insure that we have appropriate num-

bers of adults accompanying Rhoers at all activities.

Rhoer Club progress, as I SERVE as the voice for Sigma Gamma Rho, our Region Rhoer Coordinators, Advi-

sors and Rhoers have continued to move in a positive direction. We continue to explore best practices from

regions and share those practices with Rhoer Clubs across the country. We continue to build our Rhoer

Clubs through participatory leadership, sound marketing strategy, and effective communication.

National Rhoer Branding Strategy

Graduating Rhoer form – strategy for retaining Rhoers as undergraduates and ultimately graduates chap-

ter members

Rhoer Advisor Notification Form

National marketing piece for recruitment

Workshops to include etiquette and manners, poise, grace, communication and Rhoer image.

College tours and Community Service was an integral part of the conferences and Boule‘

Stepping and Strolling (Youth Appropriate Themes)

Rhoer Club Hymn and lyrics at affiliate site

Orientation/Round up PowerPoint

Bullying PowerPoint

Facebook: Facts, Fiction and Fun PowerPoint

WORK IN PROGRESS

Consistency in building the curriculum for each region conference and Boule’

A taskforce has been appointed by the Grand Basileus to review and make modifications to the Rhoer

Club Handbook – continue to use existing handbook until completion

Legal to finalize the Rhoer Trademark – Torch so that everyone is using the same symbol

All Rhoer forms from handbook to be available on Sorority website, including Rhoer Hymn Lyrics and

music

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201220122012---2103 Rhoer Statistics2103 Rhoer Statistics2103 Rhoer Statistics

Central Northeast Southeast Southwest Western Total

Number of

Clubs 18 23 25 13 7 86

New

Members 95 79 114 51 26 365

Returning

Members 117 73 84 58 35 367

Total

Rhoers 212 152 198 109 61 732

Greetings from International Rhoer Coordinator cont’d

WORK IN PROGRESS cont’d

Social network on the Sorority website for Rhoers use to be monitored by Rhoer Advisors

Consistency in Rhoer Pageant guidelines and Awards with uniformed forms and scoring

The Monarch Newsletter – focusing on Rhoer accomplishments

Workshop—How to Build an Effective Rhoer Club

Workshop at conference focusing on Recruit, Reclaim, Retain Rhoers

Create a space for Rhoer Club Intake to be more in line with Sorority intake. Currently most Rhoer Clubs

pay late fees because Rhoer Club recruitment commences in the late fall for most clubs each year with

induction in January

We aim to create an environment of fairness and integrity, as we develop the character of our Rhoers

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Keisha French

centralrhoercoordinator@yahoo.com

Towanda Maddox

tdmaddox@verizon.net

Asha Peebles

ashatpeebles@yahoo.com

Dr. Tamira Pierson

rhoer.coordinator@sigmaswregion.com

Deborah Johnson

djelkgrove@aim.com

Central Region Northeastern Region Southeastern Region

Southwestern Region Western Region

Meet the Regional Rhoer Coordinators

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LET’S MAKE A SPLASH WITH SWIM 1922

Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. has partnered with USA Swimming to promote Water Safety Awareness.

During each of the regional conferences, a representative from USA Swimming educated members and

affiliates about the importance of water safety, especially among minority children.

Did you know…?

Approximately 10 people drown every day in the U.S. (Source: Centers for Disease Control and Pre-

vention (CDC)).

More than one in five fatal drowning victims are children younger than 14 (Source: CDC).

Participation in formal swimming lessons can reduce the risk of drowning by 88 percent among children

aged one to four years. (Source: Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine 2009)

Seventy percent of African-American and sixty percent of Hispanic/Latino children cannot swim.

(Source: National research study by the USA Swimming Foundation and the University of Memphis)

African-American children drown at a rate nearly three times higher than their Caucasian peers.

(Source: CDC)

If a parent does not know how to swim, there is only a 13 percent chance that a child in that household

will learn how to swim. (Source: National research study by the USA Swimming Foundation and the University of Memphis)

A recent study commissioned by the USA Swimming Foundation and conducted by the University of Mem-

phis found that nearly 70% of African American children and nearly 60% of Hispanic children have low or

no swim ability, compared to 40% of Caucasians, putting them at risk for drowning. Drowning is consid-

ered a silent killer—most young children who drowned in pools were last seen in the home, had been out

of sight less than five minutes, and were in the care of one or both parents at the time (Source: Present P.

Child Drowning study).

How can your Rhoer club get involved in SWIM 1922?

Take swim lessons together as a club

Invite a certified life guard to speak with your club on pool safety

Host a water safety awareness workshop for your community at your local YMCA

Change someone’s life with the gift of learn-to-swim by organizing a Third Party Fundraiser and donate

proceeds to the USA Swimming Foundation. For more details visit www.usaswimming.org/

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Girl Scouts & Sigma Gamma Rho Help Girls Imagine Engineering Careers

By Soror Adrienne Unae, MBA– Northeastern Region Historian

Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) will join forces with Sigma Gamma Rho, one of the na-tion's largest African American sororities, to help build awareness of career possibilities in science, technology, and engineering among girls and parents in the African Ameri-

can community.

Working with local Girl Scout councils around the country, Sigma Gamma Rho's alumnae chap-ters have made GSUSA's Imagine Engineering program, funded by the National Science Foun-dation, a focus of the sorority's annual National Youth Symposium.

"Girl Scouting and Sigma Gamma Rho have the same goal: to build the nation's future leaders by helping girls dream big and accomplish much today," said GSUSA Chief Executive Officer Anna Maria Chavez. "We are delighted to be part of this partnership to help girls do great things in critical fields such as science, technology, engineering and math."

"Response to Imagine Engineering has been terrific," said Sigma Gamma Rho National President Bonita Herring. "We surveyed 250 girls who took part in the program, and more than two thirds of them said they now understood how 'someone like me' could become an engi-neer."

"We will not only expand our efforts with this program, but we will reach out to girls nationwide

in our communities with a combination of our own healthy living program, Project Reassurance,

and the Girl Scouts' program for middle--school girls on healthy relationships and bullying," Her-

ring said. "Through this continued partnership, we are going to do great things together for

girls."

For more information on how your Rhoer club can partner with the Girl Scouts in your area

contact Sandre Mitchell, International Program Coordinator, programs@sgrho1922.org.

About Girl Scouts

Founded in 1912, Girl Scouts of the USA is the preeminent leadership development organization for

girls, with 3.2 million girl and adult members worldwide. Girl Scouts is the leading authority on girls'

healthy development, and builds girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a bet-

ter place. The organization serves girls from every corner of the United States and its territories. Girl

Scouts of the USA also serves American girls and their classmates attending American or international

schools overseas in more than 90 countries. For more information on how to join, volunteer or reconnect

with, or donate to Girl Scouts, call 800-GSUSA-4-U or 212-852--8000, or visit www.girlscouts.org.

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Recognizing the Rhoer D.I.V.A. Dynamic Intelligent Vivacious Accomplished

CENTRAL REGION

Alpha Sigma (Indianapolis, IN)

Rhoer Kayla Flake

Rhoer Kayla Flake is a graduate of Pike High School in

Indianapolis, IN in May of 2013. Rhoer Flake has future aspira-

tions of being a fashion stylist and business owner. She plans

to major in business and minor in fashion

Rhoer Flake has served as the Alpha Sigma Rhoer Club

president for 2 years. She currently serves as the chaplain.

Rhoer Flake plays the viola as a member of the Pike High

School symphony. Rhoer Flake also volunteers at Nu Heights

Academy preschool, in addition to the community service that she does with the Rhoer Club

and Sigma Gamma Rho.

Eta Xi Sigma (Oaklawn, IL)

Rhoer Danielle Peterson

Rhoer Danielle Peterson has been an active member of Eta Xi Sigma

Rhoer Club for the last three years where she currently serves as

Correspondence Secretary, a position she has held for two years.

Rhoer Peterson works diligently on community service projects, fund-

raisers and is consistently engaged during business meetings.

Rhoer Peterson graduated from Oden International High School where she excelled academically. She maintained a 4.0 GPA, was

nominated for the honorable Posse Scholarship, and the National Honors Society. Among her many school activities; Rhoer Peterson was Secretary of her Senior Class Government, served as Student Ambassador for 3 years and was voted MVP of her volleyball team. Rhoer Peterson has also spent considerable time outside the school involved in the com-munity. This has included work with the March of Dimes-March for Babies Walk, volunteer-ing at the chapter’s Annual Youth Symposium, serving as hostess at the chapter’s Annual Rhomania Scholarship Luncheon and Fashion Show, and donated toys to last year’s Christmas program.

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Recognizing the Rhoer D.I.V.A. Dynamic Intelligent Vivacious Accomplished

NORTHEASTERN REGION

Alpha Alpha Sigma Rhoers

(Baltimore, MD)

On May 4th, 2013 the Alpha Alpha Sigma Rhoer Club held its’ Rhoer Cotillion and

Debutante Ball. Rhoer debutantes Radajah Armstrong (upper left), Starr

Rasheed (upper right), Keshawn Sanders (center), Arielle Branch (lower left) and

Zoe Lewis (lower right) completed a six month program that included a five-

session college bound course, a scholarship workshop, dance lessons at the

Arther Murry Dance studio, Self-defense and CPR classes with field experts and

an Etiquette workshop with pageant winner Soror Katina Webster. At the cotillion,

the debutantes showcased their talents, made a commitment of finer womanhood

to their moms and danced the night away with their escorts and dads. The pag-

eant winner was Rhoer Keshawn Sanders.

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Recognizing the Rhoer D.I.V.A. Dynamic Intelligent Vivacious Accomplished

NORTHEASTERN REGION

Delta Beta Sigma (Norfolk, VA)

Rhoer Brijea Colvin

Rhoer Brijea Colvin has been accepted into Hampton Universi-

ty with a $10,000 scholarship offer per year. She was selected

as the 2013 Horatio Alger Scholar. Rhoer Colvin has also cur-

rently applied for the Gates Millennium scholarship with the

United Negro College Fund.

Rhoer Colvin choreographed and showcased her talents in her

school’s senior class performing arts academy showcase.

Eta Nu Sigma (New York, NY)

Rhoer Amani Boyce

Rhoer Amani Boyce was awarded the Northeastern Region 2012-

2013 Rhoer of the Year because of her many contributions to the

community, her leadership skills and her academic excellence. A few

of Rhoer Boyce’s achievements for the year include the following: Ser-

geant of Arms in the Rhoer Club. In this role, Rhoer Boyce was thor-

ough in researching the rules to running a meeting, keeping members

in order, as well as structuring meetings to run smoothly. She is an

active troop leader in Girl Scouts of Greater New York. As a troop

leader, Amani helped facilitate a Self Esteem workshop. She serves

as the Secretary in NAACP Brooklyn Branch Youth Council. In the youth council, Rhoer

Boyce helped organize a pajamas drive, collecting and wrapping over 150 pairs of pajamas

to donate to a local family shelter. Rhoer Boyce is also the Student Ambassador at The

Young Women’s Leadership School of Brooklyn. She attends school fairs to promote her

school and recruit intelligent young ladies with high standards. As a Youth Leader at Em-

manuel Baptist church. Rhoer Boyce involvement in church includes singing in the youth

choir and leading small group discussion during Sunday services.

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Recognizing the Rhoer D.I.V.A. Dynamic Intelligent Vivacious Accomplished

SOUTHEASTERN REGION

Chi Sigma (Birmingham, AL)

Rhoer Christian Lamb Rhoer Christian La’Ray Lamb attended Ramsay Alternative High School.

Christian is now attending Alabama State University on the Dean's

Scholarship, where she will major in elementary education and minor in

business administration. Rhoer Lamb is a recipient of the Alabama State

Birmingham Alumni Scholarship and the Yellow Tea Rose Youth Scholarship

from the Chi Sigma graduate chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho.

Recently, Rhoer Lamb was awarded a certificate of membership for the Ram-

say High School Chapter of the National Honor Society, Department of the Ar-

my Certificate of Appreciation for outstanding support and service to the

JROTC, a medal and ribbon for Mu Alpha Theta, Certificate of Academic

Excellence with High Expectation Endorsement, and a trophy for being in the

top 10% of her senior class.

Lambda Iota Sigma (Goodlettsville, TN)

Rhoer Briana Strain Rhoer Briana Strain an 8th grader at Good Pasture Christian School.

She volunteers her time at events and service projects such as our Girls

RHOck Youth Symposium and the March for Babies for March of

Dimes. She also worked with other Rhoer Club members to collect

items to present to a new born baby at Baptist Memorial

Hospital. Rhoer Strain now serves as the Secretary for the Rhoer Club.

She has volunteered with the Food and Allergy Network, Nashville Res-

cue Mission, Susan G. Komen Foundation, Leukemia and Lymphoma

Society, Prevent Child Abuse Tennessee, American Diabetes Associa-

tion, and Mayor Karl Dean’s Walk 100 Miles campaign in Nashville.

Rhoer Strain has also participated in the Martin Luther King, Jr. Walk

hosted in Nashville and with the Girl Scouts of Middle Tennessee

Project LEAD program.

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Upsilon Sigma (Nashville, TN)

Rhoer Nailiah Hakeem– Brown

Rhoer Nailah Hakeem-Brown has been a member of the Upsilon Sigma

Rhoer Club since Fall 2008. For nearly 5 years, she has worked side by

side with the advising chapter to deliver service to the Nashville com-

munity, through senior living benevolence, food pantry sorting projects,

and supporting March of Dimes Walk for Babies. As an active Rhoer,

she has attended every regional conference and Boule since being in-

ducted actively participating in workshops and Rhoer activities. As

she concludes her senior year at Brentwood Academy, she is looking

forward to attending college in Fall 2013. Nailah has a proud history of

legacies in Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., from her maternal great

grandmother to aunts to the Southeastern Region Syntaktes

Rasheeda Liberty.

Recognizing the Rhoer D.I.V.A. Dynamic Intelligent Vivacious Accomplished

SOUTHEASTERN REGION

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Recognizing the Rhoer D.I.V.A. Dynamic Intelligent Vivacious Accomplished

SOUTHWESTERN REGION

Gamma Sigma (Houston, TX)

Rhoer Jayla Oaks

Rhoer Jayla Oaks, voted Rhoer of the Year by her Gamma Sigma

Rhoer Club, is a graduate of DeKaney High School. She has a GPA of

3.9, an active member of Student Council, and voted "Most Spirited"

by her Senior class. In the fall, Rhoer Oaks will be attending St. Greg-

ory University in Shawn Oklahoma where she has been award the St.

Katherine Drexel Scholarship for $250 and a track scholarship of

$48,000. Rhoer Oaks is also one of Gamma Sigma Educational and

Charitable Foundation Scholarship recipients of $500. She plans to

major in International Business and minor in Education.

Alpha Omicron Sigma (Dallas, TX)

Rhoer Sydni McDonald

Rhoer Sydni McDonald has been a member of the Alpha Omi-

cron Sigma Rhoer Club for the past 4 years. Rhoer McDonald is

now 16 and is in her Junior year at Booker T Washington School

for the Performing Arts in Dallas. She plans to graduate from

UCLA and become a music or English professor. Since her

membership in the Rhoer club Rhoer McDonald has shown out-

standing leadership skills. She has held the position of Secre-

tary, Vice President, Historian and is currently our President and

once again our Historian. She never backs down from a chal-

lenge and continues to inspire others to do their best.

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Recognizing the Rhoer D.I.V.A. Dynamic Intelligent Vivacious Accomplished

WESTERN REGION

Beta Rho Sigma (Denver, CO)

Rhoer Alyse Harris

Rhoer Alyse Cecil Harris is a Junor at Regis Jesuit High School where

she is a winning debator and speech compeition winner. She is the re-

cipient of the 2012 Dorothy I Height Youth Award from the National

Council of Negro Women for her scholarship and community Service.

She is also the recipient of the 2013 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Youth

Humanitarian Award. This award is given to a youth who most exem-

plifies the spirit of Dr. King in serving their community and mankind.

Rhoer Harris is also the reigning Miss International 2012 Sigma

Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.

Beta Rho Sigma (Denver, CO)

Rhoer Audreanna Roberts

Audréanna Nicole Roberts graduated from Martin Luther King, Jr. Early College where she was on student council. She received the Colorado Black Women for Political Action Youth Community Service Award. She was named 2012 Youth of the Year by Sisters-in-Service, and she also worked as a youth election judge for the 2012 presidential primaries and general election. This fall, Audréanna will attend Prairie View A&M University, in Prairie View, Texas to study criminal justice with an emphasis on pre-law. After graduating, she will pursue her juris doctor degree at Howard University in Washington, D.C. Audréanna represents Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. as this year’s debutante ball queen. Additionally she won first place in the annual Talent Tea competition, second highest grade point average (GPA), was recog-nized as the debutante with the most community service hours and third place winner for best Debutante Personal Essay.

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Congratulations to the following

Graduating Seniors:

Central Region Alpha Lambda Sigma - Cleveland, OH

Rhoer Teryn Moorefield

Alpha Sigma Sigma - Gary, IN

Rhoer Karley Woodson; Rhoer Tabitha Dolton; Rhoer India Minor

Alpha Upsilon Sigma - East Saint Louis, MI Rhoer Courtney Walker; Rhoer Jawn Manning

Delta Omicron Sigma - Columbus, OH

Rhoer India Curry; Rhoer Jasmine Jones; Rhoer Tatiana Robinson;

Rhoer Kerien Wilcox

Eta Xi Sigma - Oaklawn, IL

Rhoer Amber Gilliam; Rhoer Aniyah Jones; Rhoer Danielle Peterson

Gamma Chi Sigma - Witchita, KS

Rhoer Brittany Bryant

Zeta Sigma - St. Louis, MO

Rhoer Bri’Anna Randell

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Congratulations to the following

Graduating Seniors:

Southeastern Region: Chi Sigma - Birmingham, AL Rhoer Alaia Fleming

Upsilon Sigma - Nashville, TN Rhoer Audzhane’ Martin

Southwestern Region

Alpha Omicron Sigma - Dallas, Texas Rhoer Jasmine Brown; Rhoer Brianna Hall; Rhoer Kiara Smith

Alpha Xi Sigma - Tulsa, OK Rhoer Dionna Beamon; Rhoer Christian Jackson ; Rhoer LaShawn McBee

Gamma Mu Sigma -Oklahoma City, OK Rhoer Shailyn Fields; Rhoer Martena Hill

Gamma Sigma - Houston, Texas Rhoer Jayla Oaks; Rhoer Lametra Thomas

Mu Sigma - Baton Rouge, LA Rhoer Da'Jornia Houston; Rhoer Ty'Nisha Lodge; Rhoer De'Leon Williams

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Congratulations to the following

Graduating Seniors:

Western Region

Beta Rho Sigma - Denver, CO

Rhoer Deja Bennett, Rhoer Breelyn Caddell,

Rhoer Maya Cousins, Rhoer Ja’ Lynn El-

Amin, Rhoer Kierra Florence, Rhoer Deja

James, Rhoer Adriane Pickering, Rhoer

Leilah Rice, Rhoer Audreanna Roberts,

Rhoer Salina Trahan

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Southwestern Region Conference

March 13-16, 2014

Little Rock Marriott

Little Rock, AR

Central Region Conference

March 26-30, 2014

Hyatt Regency O’Hare

Rosemont, IL

Southeastern Region Conference

April 3-6, 2014

Embassy Suites

North Charleston, SC

Western Region Conference

April 17-19, 2014

Western Los Angles, California

Northeastern Region Conference

April 24-27, 2014

Downtown Sheraton Philadelphia Hotel

Philadelphia, PA

“Sisters Forever” 2014 Conference Schedule