Scholar’s Leadership Inducts New Members

Reservoir’s female honor society, Scholar’s Leadership, inducted its new members on Monday, October 3. Formerly known as Delta Scholars, Scholar’s Leadership began in 2008 at Oakland Mills High School, in partnership with the Columbia Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Delta Sigma Theta is a historically black sorority in the National Pan- Hellenic Council, which pledges lifelong service to its communities.

Following its mission, members form chapters after college like that of the Columbia alumnae chapter. Now, nine high schools in Howard County are a part of the partnership and have a Scholar’s Leadership program. The Scholar’s Leadership program works to nurture young female leaders for success while promoting service and community involvement.

“I hope to embed that service is of importance in their career, being able to serve others,”

Scholar’s Leadership Leader Ms. Denise Thomas explained. “I want them to believe all their dreams

are attainable due to being exposed to the many workshops and mentors we provide. I want them

to see themselves and their goals in the group.”

The group sends applications at the end of every school year and is open to all rising tenth, eleventh, and twelve-grade students. Upon entering school in the fall, the newly accepted scholars begin preparation for their induction ceremony. This year’s inductees are Asha G, Favour B, Favour A, Isabel K, Jessica O, Joy B, Shelby F, Tabitha O, Victoria K, Priya G, Precious O, Mia J R, Mia Kehinde, and Sristi G.

Spelman College Class of ’19 Valedictorian and former scholar Kendra Grissom shared wisdom with the members and their parents. She spoke of the importance of listening to and trusting in your dreams. “Everything created in this world is a physical manifestation of someone’s dream,” said Grissom. Seemingly a cautionary tale, Grissom revealed to the crowd she dropped out of her graduate program without a plan. However, she viewed this as an opportunity to pursue her dreams, regardless of scrutiny from others finally. The perfect message to deliver to a group of highly ambitious girls known for their dedication to knowledge and success.

After its induction, the group began its year of community service with a breast Cancer Awareness fundraiser. Community members can purchase T-Shirts for $20 between October 4 and 7. The group will donate all proceeds to a local breast cancer march.

Following the Breast Cancer shirt sale, the girls will begin their annual double good popcorn sale from Tuesday, October 11, until Saturday, 15. Each girl opens an online popup shop to sell popcorn to raise money for the Scholar’s Leadership treasury. A mini competition ensues between the girls as they challenge each other to see who can make the most money for the group. Help the girls reach their personal storefront goals and support Breast Cancer research by buying a shirt and set of popcorn. Later in the year, the girls will also participate in their annual drive with Laurel Advocacy & Referral Services (LARS) to collect and personally distribute toiletry items to needy families. As the year continues, expect to see more activities, events, and drives from the scholars.

“Each year, each group is different. The young ladies come with different backgrounds

and skills. I will enjoy seeing what this group becomes,” Thomas remarked

optimistically.