Schools Partner for Community Event

With a focus on providing a community event to foster positive relationships and provide an enjoyable evening, E.B. Morse Elementary School and Sanders Middle School partnered to sponsor a National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) Yard Show on February 22.  The event was held in the auditorium of Sanders Middle School with approximately 300 people in attendance from the two schools and community.  This unique experience was held in recognition of Black History Month.

Originally founded in 1930 at Howard University in Washington, DC, the NPHC consists of nine Greek organizations (commonly referred to as The Divine Nine) including Alpha Phi Alpha, Alpha Kappa Alpha, Kappa Alpha Psi, Omega Psi Phi, Delta Sigma Theta, Phi Beta Sigma, Zeta Phi Beta, Sigma Gamma Rho, and Iota Phi Theta.  These organizations evolved during a period when essential rights and privileges normally afforded to others were being denied to African Americans. Formations of the organizations provided a way for African Americans on college campuses to align themselves with other individuals sharing common goals and ideals. NPHC member organizations are still focuses on community awareness and action through education, economic, and cultural service activities.

“When we were planning activities for Black History Month, we thought this would be a fun way to expose others to the opportunities for students who become part of a fraternity or sorority in college,” said Joshua Dawkins, principal of Sanders Middle School.  “As a member of Kappa Alpha Psi, I have had the privilege to learn from and develop relationships with other fraternity members who are like family to me.”  

Dr. Jason Bailey, principal of E.B. Morse Elementary School said, “It was an honor to be part of an event that showcased the talents and diversity of our community. Much praise goes to principal Josh Dawkins and his Sanders team, who did all of the planning and heavy lifting. E. B. Morse Elementary School was honored to be able to help spread the word through social media and other outlets. I look forward to working with Mr. Dawkins and Sanders next year on a similar event.” 

“Offering these experiences for our students and having them see a united community can be positively life-altering,” noted Ashley Bragg, assistant principal of Sanders Middle School.  “My heart was so full.  We are so thankful for the organizations that took the time to show up and show out.”

The South Carolina Empowerment Centre contributed greatly to the success of the event by providing a free meal to every attendee.  “Through the generosity of the SC Empowerment Centre, we were able to provide a great evening of fun, fellowship, and food,” said Dawkins.  

Bragg said a student approached her after the show and exclaimed, “I gotta keep my grades up, so I can go to college to pledge!”