Precious Pearls Teen Club is one of the signature programs of the ladies of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Eta Eta Omega Chapter. Its genesis began under past president, Cora Monroe in 1970. It was under her leadership that a teen club sponsored by the chapter, evolved from a Charm School to a mentoring program for girls in grades 9 through 12 in 1961, with then president Zenobia Jefferson.
Today, girls are invited to participate based upon their scholarly pursuits and active involvement at their various schools. The philosophy of the Eta Eta Omega Chapter is to choose girls that could inspire others young ladies to excel and become role models at the local schools and within the community. A prime example was when a young lady had wanted to become a Precious Pearl in Indian River County but was declined membership due to the many discipline infractions she had at her school. However, she was given the opportunity to improve her behavior and subsequently admitted.
Purpose:
The purpose of Precious Pearls Teen Club includes the following:
To encourage individual and group involvement in community activities and service
To institute programs promoting self-development and preparation for family and community living
To provide opportunities for decision-making and for assuming responsibility
To develop interest in civic and cultural activities
To encourage democracy through cooperative action in the organization, home and community
To promote a strong bond of sisterhood and service to all mankind
Objectives:
Precious Pearls Teen Club creates an environment of learning that enhances the lives of girls in grades 7 – 12 through enrichment programs focused on educational, cultural, civic and social principles while stimulating spiritual growth and a vital understanding of basic economics. Our success will produce a strong-minded leader with the ability to stand strong in today’s demanding environment.
Benefits: Precious Pearls members have the benefit of belonging to an organization that promotes personal growth and development. Leadership opportunities help participants develop skills that will help them excel in school and in life. Pearls develop friendships that will last for a lifetime.
Precious Pearls Members: Create and execute projects that address concerns such as:
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Community Service Projects-Adopt a Highway; Habitat for Humanity; Thanksgiving Food Basket Give-a-way; Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Walk; Food and Clothing Give-a-way @ a local church; Holiday Caroling at a local Nursing Home
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College and Cultural Exploration- Through preparation and participation, Precious Pearls can be involved in ACT/SAT Prep Workshops; take College & Universities Tours of schools of interest; participate in VBHS Black History Course; have a collaboration and partnership in Math & Science Camps and have a keen awareness of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU).
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Civic and Community Involvement-Eta Eta Omega Health Fairs; Voters’ Registration Drives; MLK Celebrations; Gifford Progressive Civic League; Give Them Their Flowers Annual Banquet; Indian River County Children Arts Festival; Pink Rose Foundation Back to School Expo
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Sisterhood Bonding Experiences: MLK Step Shows; Pajama Parties; Amusement Parks; Museums; Theatrical Plays; Sports’ Activities; Worship Services; Fashionetta; Halloween Horror Night
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Fundraising Efforts include: Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated Tsunami Relief Fund; Haiti Relief efforts/ Medical Supplies; Making Strides Against Breast Cancer; Annual Feed the Hungry/ Can Drive; American Cancer Relay for Life; IRC Alzheimer Walk-A-Thon; March of Dimes
Precious Pearls meet each month in both counties. Precious Pearls members in St. Lucie County meet the first Wednesday of the month at 6:00 @ St. Lucie Elementary School. Please contact Clorretta Coffie (SLC), Precious Pearls advisor at (772) 200-8304 or Kaitlin Coleman at (813) 966-5504 for more information on the application process or about our program. If interested in Precious Pearls in Indian River County, please contact Denise Smith at (772) 643-7839 or Cassandra Hendley (772) 633-7794 for program information or the application process.