Clarendon Club Digest: Clarendon County's AKA Sorority Inc. Phi Omega Omega Chapter attends conference in Florida, holds 2023 Little Prince and Princess Baby/Toddler Contest

During the week of April 26-30, Clarendon County's Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. Phi Omega Omega Chapter was well represented at the South Atlantic Regional Conference in Orlando, Florida. The 70th SARC was the first regional conference for the T.U.N.E. In Administration under the leadership of South Atlantic Regional Director Tiffany Moore Russell.

The South Atlantic Region is the largest region in Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. with more than 30,000 college-educated, community-focused women from Florida, Georgia and South Carolina.

Phi Omega Omega and the additional 14 graduate and seven undergraduate chapters of Cluster VII hosted the event and prepared an informative, engaging and memorable experience for more than 5,000 attendees. "Palmetto Pearls Soaring to Greater Heights: TUNED IN to Sisterhood and Service" was the theme as we were in T.U.N.E. to new information, relevant updates and a celebration of sisterly bonds. All of which help us to implement international programs and serve local communities. Under the leadership of International President Danette Anthony Reed, we are "Soaring to Greater Heights of Service and Sisterhood.

In the spirit of service, the SARC attendees donated books for school-aged children and conducted a letter-writing campaign to the Florida Legislature expressing concerns regarding identified injustices. The region partnered with Denny's and served more than 750 free breakfast meals to the residents of Orlando. Each chapter also donated much-needed items to nursing homes in their local community. Phi Omega Omega provided gifts and visited more than 50 residents of Pocotaligo River Health and Rehabilitation in Manning.

The conference was an experience we will not soon forget.

On June 24, all roads led to Weldon Auditorium in Manning. Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. Phi Omega Omega Chapter sponsored its 2023 Little Prince and Princess Baby/Toddler Contest. All contestants were up for the challenge, as they danced across the stage to "Uptown Funk" and were introduced by Clarendon County's First Miss Juneteenth, Miss Trinity Harris, daughter of Don and Dr. Gwendolyn Harris of Alcolu.

The contestants elegantly graced the stage to the tune of "You've Got A Friend In Me" in their Sunday best. The winners are: 2023 Baby Prince, Kannon Green; 2023 Baby Princess, Taylor Gordon; 2023 Toddler Prince, Christian King; and 2023 Toddler Princess, McKenzie Nelson.

Special thanks is extended to all of the participants, along with their parents, family, sponsors and all who gave toward making this fundraising event a huge success. We also thank the staff of Weldon Auditorium for being such gracious hosts. The proceeds are used to provide scholarships to graduating senior females attending Clarendon County public schools and assist with community-focused projects provided by Phi Omega Omega throughout Clarendon County. The chairperson for this event is Mrs. Paulette King. - Submitted by Renae Caldwell