Essay contest winner Kendrick Gordon
BY TOM PACKER, Contributor
ST. PETERSBURG – The Omega Psi Phi Fraternity-Eta Rho Chapter presented its 58th annual Achievement Week Program virtually Nov. 15. This year’s title was “Omega Men Ushering in Social Change.”
Each year, the chapter takes this opportunity to celebrate high achieving African-American high school students, community leaders and members of Eta Rho. Bro. Watson Haynes served as master of ceremony, providing great insight as to the roles Black men play while facing today’s many social challenges.
The Boca Ciega, Gibbs and Lakewood High Schools were recognized this year for academic achievement by African-American males. The students were chosen for maintaining an overall grade point average of 3.0 or higher. These highly motivated students serve as role models for their classmates.
Kendrick Gordon, this year’s National Essay Contest winner, is a student at St. Pete High School in the advanced IB program. His essay entitled “Global Black Lives Matter for young people to become and remain politically engaged” won him the top prize.
The Citizen of the Year Award was presented to Dr. Goliath Davis for his many community endeavors that encourage and support activities to enhance positive growth in south St. Petersburg. The Superior Service Award honored Bro. Dr. Jaih Jackson for his leadership in helping to develop and direct Eta Rho’s Apollo Club, the newest student development and educational attainment organization.
This year’s Founders Award went to the last living founder of Eta Rho Chapter, Bro. Mordecai Walker, who along with six other fraternity brothers, founded Eta Rho chapter in 1962. The chapter charter members standing with Bro. Walker on that very special day included James E. Jackson, James Chapman, W. Ervin Rouson, Cyrus Everette, Louis O. Harper and Robert Williams.
The last and most highly coveted award, Omega Man of the Year, was awarded to Brother Harry Harvey, who has earned the reputation for his many commitments in service to both the fraternity and the community. He supports both the local chapter and the national organization on every level and maintains a positive bond between the fraternity and many community organizations.
The program ended with the chapter Basileus Brother Javan Turner presenting his recognition awards for the many chapter brothers that continue to support Eta Rho during the pandemic. Turner also thanked every foundation and scholarship sponsor for their yearly support of the many programs and fundraising activities the chapter engages in.
