Last week, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., through its local Rho Epsilon Lambda chapter, transformed more young lives as it held its first annual Alpha Boot Camp. The camp, held at Morgantown Academies in Natchez, proved to be a unique experience for students and fraternity members. It was truly a boot camp, testing the agility of each student and fraternity member through several rewarding classes.

The first two days included Alpha’s traditional offerings, Project Alpha and Go to High School, Go to College, along with a Mississippi-focused class and third-grade reading to help prepare students for this year’s third-grade reading state test. The following days included classes on career planning, dressing for success, fitness, knowing your rights and English based on ACT preparation.

If you missed Friday’s closing program, you missed a treat. It was clear students grasped the information provided during the week. Seeing the two students on stage tying a necktie without assistance was striking. Seeing a student demonstrate how to successfully set up an essay on any topic was worth a smile. There were many other wonderful moments on Friday evening, such as a group of rising third graders displaying total mastery of some skills needed to perform well on the state reading test. Overall, seeing the students’ confidence emitted through effective public speaking proved to be an inspiration.

The camp would not have been a success without the support of many individuals and entities through advertising and/or donations of space, resources or time. Rho Epsilon Lambda chapter’s members thank all parents, Natchez-Adams School District’s Board of Trustees, Interim Superintendent Fred T. Butcher, Deputy Superintendent Zandra McDonald, principals and custodial staff of Morgantown Academies, technology department, child nutrition department and cafeteria staff, Delta Kappa Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., Zeta Delta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., Xi Epsilon Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc., Walmart of Natchez, Mary Flach of Belk, WTYJ, J&N Trophies, Marilyn McDonald, Veronica Jenkins, New Hope, Living Word, Antioch, Pilgrim, New Beginnings, Word of Faith, Bethlehem of Cannonsburg, Zion Hill No. 1 and Mt. Carmel of Vidalia churches, Museum of African-American History and Culture, Natchez Markets, Cash Saver, Vidalia Total Fitness, Natchez and Concordia Parish libraries, Bluff City Post, and The Natchez Democrat. Your support resulted in lives touched forever. Thank you.

 

Steven Richardson is the president of the Rho Epsilon Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc.