February 2012 - Volume II

The Rhoer MonarchThe Rhoer MonarchThe Rhoer Monarch

Greetings from International Rhoer Coordinator Elma Hairston

The opportunity to collaborate with Sorors throughout the country to achieve our mission of “Developing Effective Rhoer Clubs” has been enlightening and motivating. We have shared ideas, workshops, documents and best practices to more effectively bring to our Rhoers the best and most up to date curriculum and programs. Creating consistency among our Rhoer Clubs has been our primary focus. Our goal is to facilitate the administrative process and decrease the time spent on developing forms so that advisors can focus on mentoring. We are encouraged by Rhoer clubs reactivating across regions. Last year we had 685 Rhoers which is a drastic increase from the 611 in 2010. The following workshop videos have been sent to the Region Rhoer Coordinators to share with advisors and local clubs: history/orientation Rhoer Club, leadership, bullying and sexting. We are in the process of developing other workshops and ask for your input if you have a workshop to share. We have been fortunate enough to lo-cate the music for our Rhoer Hymn, which has been shared with each region. Our process to stay connected with our Rhoers once they leave high school through our Graduating Rhoer Form has been well received. Retention of our Rhoers is necessary to sustain membership in our organization. As we look to the future, the Rhoers can populate our membership rosters, which support our Membership 2022 campaign. Many of the Rhoers entering our program now will be graduating in 2015 and 2022. If they do not join as an undergraduate, the graduate route is available. Our goal is to retain these young ladies as members by creating a positive experience through their affiliation with the Rhoer Club. Rhoer Club recruitment continues to be everyone’s business – Sorors, Rhoers, Philos, Family and Friends. Please continue to use our general marketing piece to recruit.

This Issue Meet the Regional Rhoer

Coordinators—Pg. 3

Miss Rhoer/Miss International Pageant Information— Pgs 4-6

Rhoer D.I.V.A.—Pgs. 7-13

National Project Spotlight—Pgs. 14

Conference Dates—Pg 16

Cont’d page 2

Greetings from International Rhoer Coordinator Elma Hairston cont’d Partnering with other programs and events in our communities where our Rhoers serve in-crease our visibility and strengthen our brand.

We are planning a world class Miss Rhoer/Miss International Pageant. The Rhoers will be judged on criteria consistent across all regions. The Rhoers will be coached in the areas of stage presence, talent and communication effectiveness. Rhoers will promenade with confidence and style. We will have local queens and high profile community leaders as judges. Each Rhoer attending the conference will grace the stage dressed in formal attire, creating an unforgettable, magical moment. As the group not participating in the competition proceeds from the stage, the contestants will remain on stage to compete. If Rhoers have their own formal, please bring that attire to the conference. However, we have a number of dresses that have been donated. Region Rhoer Coordinators will be responsible for getting the word out so that all girls participating will have formal attire. I even have had Sorors gracious enough to commit to bringing an extra dress for this event to be used for the pageant. It will be imperative to have all the sizes prior to the conference for those who need a dress. We are asking that parents do not go out and purchase a dress for this occasion.

These are exciting times for Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. and it is our love for the sister-hood that we endure and thrive. In all we do, we want to provide an environment which brings to life our Rhoers fullest potential. “Don’t be dropouts” remain engaged in life, school, dreams, and aspirations. And, most of all Join the Club! More information follows on the Pageant.

Central Northeast Southeast Southwest Western

Number of Clubs

19 14 16 11 13

New Members

89 55 70 48 87

Returning Members

98 45 83 75 35

Total Sisters Across the Regions 2010-2011 Rhoer Statistics

Total Rhoers

187 100 153 123 122

Total

73

349

336

685

What will be the total number in 2011-2012….stay tuned 2

Central Region Northeast Region Southeast Region

Southwest Region Western Region

Keisha Cohen keisha.cohen@comcast.net

Towanda Maddox tdmaddox@verizon.net

Jakimva Joy Martin Bluethunder_4@yahoo.com

Sunday Barjon sundybarjon@gmail.com

Deborah Johnson djelkgrove@aim.com

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Miss Rhoer/Miss International Rhoer Pageant Rules

(page 12 in Rhoer Club Handbook)

The Miss Rhoer Pageant is held every Boule year on both the Regional (Miss Rhoer) and National Levels (Miss International Rhoer). At the Regional level, the pageant is held to determine the Rhoer who will represent her region at the Boule and compete for the title of Miss International Rhoer (see Rhoer Club Handbook for application)

Regional Level Pageant 1. The Miss Rhoer application packet must be submitted to the Regional Rhoer Co-

ordinator 6 WEEKS prior to the Regional Conference. 2. The pageant will be organized by the Regional Rhoer Coordinator

3. Each Rhoer Club may have one representative in the Regional competition

4. The Regional winner will be the representative at the Boule

5. If the Regional winner is unable to attend the Boule, the runner up will be the alternate representative

6. The award will be a trophy

National Level Pageant 1. The Miss International Rhoer application packet must be submitted to the Na-

tional Rhoer Coordinator 6 WEEKS prior to the Boule (Send copy of Miss Rhoer application unless otherwise specified)

2. The Pageant will be organized by the National Rhoer Coordinator

3. The Regional Miss Rhoer Pageant winners are the ONLY contestants to compete at the Boule for the Miss International Rhoer title

4. If the Regional Miss Rhoer winner unable to attend, the Runner-up/second place contestant will go as the replacement to compete and represent her region at the Boule.

5. The respective Region shall pay the transportation costs to and from the Boule for the Regional level pageant winner of the Miss Rhoer title. All other costs are the responsibility of the Rhoer and her sponsoring chapter.

6. The award will be a trophy, sash and tiara. 4

Miss Rhoer/Miss International Rhoer Judging Requirements/Selection Criteria

(page A-14 of Rhoer Club Handbook)

Application Packet Requirements 1. Transcript verifying Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.5

2. Letter of recommendation from outside source (Pastor, teacher)

3. Letter of recommendation from Rhoer Advisor

4. 300 Word Essay addressing the following:

The Rhoer’s future as a woman and what she can offer to mankind

5. Verification of Rhoer’s financial status

6. Resume of participation in high school activities/involvement, achievements and honors received

7. Fully completed Application Packet submitted to Regional and National Rhoer Coordinators 6 WEEKS PRIOR to the Regional Conference/Boule

Contestants will be judged in the following categories 1. Talent

• Contestants will present a performing talent such as jazz, tap, ballet, mod-ern dance or playing instruments, dramatic readings, or singing. ALL performances and attire must be in GOOD TASTE.

2. Question & Answer

• Contestants will answer questions about current matters affecting teens and world issues. Questions will change each Boule.

3. Oratory

• Contestants will write and deliver a 3-5 minute speech. The topic will be the same as aforementioned or will be determined by the Regional and National Rhoer Coordinators and sent to the Rhoer Clubs each year.

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Miss Rhoer/Miss International Rhoer Judging Requirements cont’d

Scoring Protocol

1. Panel of 3 impartial judges

• Selected by the Regional Rhoer Coordinator for the Regional Confer-ence

• Selected by the Hostess chapter for the Boule

• The panel of Judges shall be persons from the community (Teachers, Pastors, entertainers, etc)

• No Sigma Sorors shall take part on the panel

2. Each Category will be scored on a scale from 1-25

• Talent

• Question & Answer

• Oratory

3. Maximum Scores

• From one judge = 75 points overall

• From all judges

• 3 judges = 225 (3 x 75)

Sample Scoring Sheet

Judge’s Name ______________________________________________________ Rhoer’s Name

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Recognizing the Rhoer D.I.V.A. DDDDynamic IIIIntelligent VVVVivacious AAAAchievers

Rhoer India Curry ~ Delta Omicron Sigma (Central Region) Age: 16

Grade: 11th

Rhoer since: 2008 Accomplishment: Rhoer India Curry is the president of the Rhoer Club. She is an honor student and maintains a 3.8 GPA. She volunteers with her school at Faith Mission as a part of the Impact Team. She is also a cheerleader for her high school and a council member of her church.

Rhoer Neicy Choates ~ Eta Sigma (Southeast Region) Age: 18

Grade: 12th

Rhoer since: 2009 Accomplishment: Rhoer Neicy Choates made a 1570 on her SAT! She plans to attend University of Georgia after graduating in May 2012.

Rhoer Lavaisa Ezell ~ Eta Nu Sigma (Northesast Region) Age: 17

Grade: 12th

Rhoer since: 2011 Accomplishment: Rhoer Lavaisa Ezell was accepted to Penn State and is currently taking college courses at a community college while completing her final year in high school.

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Recognizing the Rhoer D.I.V.A. DDDDynamic IIIIntelligent VVVVivacious AAAAchievers

Rhoer Rhoer Tamia Henderson ~ Beta Rho Sigma (Western Region) Age: 15

Grade: 10th

Rhoer since: 2010

Accomplishment: Rhoer Tamia Henderson received several recognitions during her first trimester at Venture Prep High School including Scholar of the Month in August, the Principal’s Honor Roll and the Dean’s Venture A.S.S.E.T.S award. Her first trimester GPA is 3.8.

Rhoer Quiarra King ~ Alpha Sigma (Central Region) Age: 13

Grade: 8th

Rhoer since: 2009

Accomplishment: Rhoer Quiarra King has played softball for the Fall Creek Little League for the past 3 years. Her positions were 3rd baseman and catcher. During her time on the team, they went to 2 championships. She has participated in 4 talent shows where she sang in 3 of them and danced in 1 of the shows. She is a teacher’s assistant and a member of the drill team for young ladies called INSIPRATION, all while maintaining a 3.0 GPA.

Rhoer CeCe Hines ~ Epsilon Eta Sigma (Central Region) Age: 15

Grade: 10th

Rhoer since: 2010

Accomplishment: Rhoer CeCe Hines has maintained a 3.0 or better. She spoke at Epsilon Eta Sigma’s 1st annual HIV/Breast health clinic as a peer educator. She is involved in the following organizations or club: Key Club, Student Council, Sisters (STD mentoring group) and Azzizzi Girls (Peer educator), Rhoer CeCe is to be commended for her outstanding leadership skills.

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Recognizing the Rhoer D.I.V.A. DDDDynamic IIIIntelligent VVVVivacious AAAAchievers

Rhoer Zoe Lewis ~ Alpha Alpha Sigma (Northeast Region) Age: 16

Grade: 11

Rhoer since: 2011

Accomplishment: Rhoer Zoe Leis was accepted into Mary-land Congressman Elijah Cummings Youth Program (ECYP), an elite two-year fellowship for high school juniors. As an ECYP fellow, Zoe will have the opportunity to further develop her leadership and public speaking skills, engage in community service projects, and travel abroad to Israel in the summer of 2012. In Israel, she will reside at Yemin Orde Youth Village in Haifa. She will be paired with teens from 24 different countries includ-ing Israel, South America, Europe, Ethiopia and the former states of the Soviet Union.

Rhoer Neffie Lockley~ Beta Rho Sigma (Western Region) Age: 16

Grade: 10th

Rhoer since: 2010 Accomplishment: Rhoer Neffie Lockley was selected to be the Master of Ceremonies of the Marin Luther King Jr kick-off program before the parade. She was responsible for introducing political leaders, in addition to local and state governmental officials She attends Regis Jesuit High School and has a 3.0 GPA. She was also awarded the 2011 Good Citizen Award by the Pan-Hellenic Council.

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Recognizing the Rhoer D.I.V.A. DDDDynamic IIIIntelligent VVVVivacious AAAAchievers

Rhoer Ty’Quieria Lodge ~Mu Sigma (Southwest Region) Grade: 8th Rhoer since: 2009 Accomplishment: Rhoer Ty’Quieria Lodge received a 3.4 GPA for the fall quarter this school year and has an overall 3.7 GPA. She has been able to maintain our high standards of excellence in addition to being a member in the Southern Laboratory School Band.

Rhoer Brittany McCray ~Eta Xi Sigma (Central Region) Age: 17 Grade: 12th Rhoer since: 2010 Accomplishment: Rhoer Brittany McCray is the president of Eta Xi Sigma Rhoer Club. She is a Link Unlimited scholarship recipient, the founder and president of Loyola Academy’s Hip-Hop Club, presi-dent of the African-American Youth Group, and a member of the Hispanic Youth Group, Year Book Committee and Nothing But Treble.

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Recognizing the Rhoer D.I.V.A. DDDDynamic IIIIntelligent VVVVivacious AAAAchievers

Rhoer Rayna Middlebrooks ~ Eta Sigma (Southeast Region) Age: 17 Grade: 12th

Rhoer since: 2009 Accomplishment: Rhoer Rayna Middlebrooks’ artwork is being featured in the National Fine Arts Exhibit. She submitted her work on behalf of the Boys & Girls Club, Salvation Army and won this special honor! Her piece is entitled: “Me and My Best Friend”

Rhoer Henrietta Middleton ~ Theta Chi Sigma (Central Region) Age: 17

Grade: 12th

Rhoer since: 2008

Accomplishment: Rhoer Henrietta Middleton is a senior at Chicago International Charter School Longwood Campus. There, she is an honors student, student leader, and tutor. She has locally won Rhoer scholastic and attendance awards. Before starting her senior year, she completed coursework and exams allowing her to be a Certified Nurse’s Assistant. In the fall, she will attend college full time and continue her education in the medical field. 11

Recognizing the Rhoer D.I.V.A. DDDDynamic IIIIntelligent VVVVivacious AAAAchievers

Rhoer Ahmani Nobel ~ Theta Zeta Sigma (Western Region) Age: 17 Grade: 12th Rhoer since: 2010 Accomplishment: Rhoer Ahmani Nobel was awarded the 2011 Dr. Dorothy I. Height Youth Leadership Award from the National Council of Negro Women for being a positive role model, exemplifying characteris-tics of a future leader and actively volunteering in her community.

Rhoer Salina Christine Trahan ~ Beta Rho Sigma (Western Region) Age: 16 Grade: 11th Rhoer since: 2009 Accomplishment: Rhoer Salina Trahan is the Youth Recipient Martin Luther King, Jr, Humanitarian Award. She demonstrated in diverse ways to bring about Dr. King’s dream of equal chance for all persons to build a better life. She is being honored for freely giving of her time and talent and whose good works spring from a generous volunteer spirit.

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Recognizing the Rhoer D.I.V.A. DDDDynamic IIIIntelligent VVVVivacious AAAAchievers

Rhoer Kerian Wilcox ~ Delta Omicron Sigma (Central Region) Age: 16 Grade: 11th Rhoer since: 2011 Accomplishment: Rhoer Kerian Wilcox is an honor student and maintains a 3.9 GPA while participating in extracurricular activities, such as, cosmetology, choir, and dance team. She is also an entrepreneur. She runs an online boutique geared toward fashion accessories for teenagers.

Rhoer Ronnice Washington ~ Mu Sigma (Southwest Region) Grade: 12th Rhoer since: 2006 Accomplishment: Rhoer Ronnice Washington has been able to maintain a 3.9GPA while working during the holidays, serving as the Rhoer Club President and participating in Mu Sigma Debutante activities.

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Focus: Healthy Choices - Preventing Teen Dropout Did you know….Dropping out from high school is associated with negative

employment and life outcomes?

According to Child Trends Data Bank, young people who drop out of high school are unlikely to have the minimum skills and credentials necessary to func-tion in today’s increasingly complex society and technology-dependent workplace. The completion of high school is required for accessing post-secondary education, and is a minimum requirement for most jobs.5

By the time they are 18-24 years old, youth who have dropped out of high school are more likely to be neither employed nor enrolled in school than are youth who have completed high school.6 Additionally, a high school diploma is associ-ated with higher incomes and occupational status.7 Many youth who drop out of high school eventually earn a diploma or a GED.8 One study found that 63 percent of students who dropped out had earned a diploma or GED within eight years of the year they normally should have graduated.9

Young adults with low education and skill levels are more likely to live in poverty and to receive government assistance.10,11,12 Further, high school dropouts are more likely to become involved in crime.13 Poor health, including poor mental health, is also linked with dropout status.14,15 Such negative outcomes, along with diminished labor force participation exert a high economic toll on society. In a re-cent study in California, researchers found that each annual wave of high school dropouts cost the state over $40 billion over the course of their lives.16

Information from www.childtrendsdatabank.org

National Program Spotlight: Project Reassurance

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Focus: Healthy Choices - Preventing Teen Dropout

National Program Spotlight: Project Reassurance

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Southwest Region Conference March 22– 25, 2012

Omni Hotel Houston, TX

Central Region Conference March 29– April 1, 2012

Hyatt Regency Dearborn, MI

Southeast Region Conference April 12-15, 2012

Birmingham Sheraton Birmingham, AL

Western Region Conference April 20-22, 2012

Manhattan Beach Marriott Manhattan Beach, CA

Northeast Region Conference April 27-29, 2012

Omni Shoreham Hotel Washington, DC

“Sisters Forever”

Edited by Soror LaTesha McIntosh

Assistant Membership Services Coordinator

International Corporate Headquarters 16