After five months of energetic enthusiasm and preparation, the Pine Bluff Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., recently presented to the community 35 of Pine Bluff’s outstanding and distinguished young men during its 25th annual Red and White Delta Distinguished Gentlemen’s Banquet, held at the Pine Bluff Convention Center.
Rodney Ollison, a senior at Watson Chapel High School, was crowned the 2012 Gentleman of the Year. Rodney is the son of Evelyn Ollison. Rodney was escorted during the event by Mikeala Copeland, daughter of Javona Copeland.
The theme for this year’s event was, “Ushering in a New Generation: Honoring Tomorrow’s Leaders Today.”
Charlene Kelley, chapter president, welcomed the audience to the event by thanking the parents and community for their continued support.
The speaker for the event was Telly Noel, principal/co-owner of The Design Group, a full service advertising, marketing and public relations firm at Little Rock.
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Shannon Hayes, event co-chair, introduced Noel, who encouraged ‘tomorrow’s leaders’ that they must work hard, be disciplined and prioritize in order to succeed.
“You must work. Things don’t just happen. You must never be content, never get comfortable.” Noel said. He encouraged the gents to always be persistent and speak with confidence.
“Don’t accept failure and don’t be afraid to take risks. If you fall seven times, get up eight.” he said. “Discipline is important. The ‘in’ crowd is not necessarily the ‘right’ crowd. You can always go left, but you chose to go right.”
Noel said prioritizing is a key component of being successful.
“God is always first, then family, school, job and relationships …Whatever you guys have done to get here today, keep doing it. Keep the faith, stay the course because being second is not good enough.”
Daquaron Dale, a senior at Pine Bluff High School, was the first runner-up. He is the son of Tresha James. His escort for the evening was Jazman Gulley.
The second runner-up was Addison Grandy, a senior at Dollarway High School. Addison is the son Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Grandy Sr. He was escorted by Jacqueline Rice.
During the presentation, each gentleman received a plaque.
Academic awards were presented to Curtis Burnley Jr., first place; Elliot McDonald, second place; and Ryant Mosby, third place.
Other Delta Distinguished Gentlemen, their parents, respective schools and dates were:
Jalen Brown, son of Vonda Brown and Homer Brown, Watson Chapel High School, MaRyah Martin.
Curtis Burnley Jr., son of Rosalyn Armstrong and Curtis Burnley Sr., Watson Chapel High School, Jacqueline Martin.
Joshua Crater, son of Mr. and Mrs. Larry Crater, Watson Chapel High School, Teiller Ferguson.
Jalen Dabner, son of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Dabner, Pine Bluff High School, Saige Davis.
Tadarius Daniels, son of Mr. and Mrs. Isidore Daniels, Dollarway High School, Cortne Sykes.
Johnathon Dorn, son of Mr. and Mrs. Timothy Reynolds Sr. and the late Sophia Daniels, Pine Bluff High School, Shaquite Williams.
Marquise Ealy, son of Chandra Taylor, Pine Bluff High School, Jabria Royal.
Ryan Green, son of Mr. and Mrs. Frederick Green, Pine Bluff High School, Jalisa Smith.
Steven Jackson II, son of Mr. and Mrs. Steven Jackson Sr., Pine Bluff High School, Caitlyn Luckett.
O’dell Johnson, son of Mr. and Mrs. Levester Johnson Jr., White Hall High School, Morgan Collins.
Christopher Jones, son of Mr. and Mrs. Benny Cobbs Sr., Watson Chapel High School, Briana Early.
Jaelon Jones, son of Tameka Jones, Dollarway High School, Kionna Henderson.
Shequil Jones, son of Keela Williams-Wood, Pine Bluff High School, Ariel Wilson.
Jalen Knowlton, son of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Knowlton, Pine Bluff High School, Ashley Adams.
Cameron McDonald, son of April McDonald and Samuel McDonald, Watson Chapel High School, Tiffani Hubbart.
Elliot McDonald, son of Wyvonne McDonald and Patricia McDonald, Pine Bluff High School, Jaronica Sneed.
David Moore, son of Frances Moore, White Hall High School, LaPorshia Cartwright.
Immanuel Morris, son of George Morris and Lisa Morris, Pine Bluff High School, Kamera Bozeman.
Ryant Mosby, son of Mr. and Mrs. Roy Mosby Sr., Pine Bluff High School, Khadijah Hobbs.
Terrell Murry, son of Mr. and Mrs. Jerome Sanders, Watson Chapel High School, Daija James.
Tevin Robinson, son of Edgar Robinson and Kim Robinson, Dollarway High School, LaKimbra Barnes.
Devonte Sargent, son of Felecia Rhodes Sargent, Dollarway High School, Brianna Allen.
D’Andre Seals, son of Kymara Seals and Rodney Seals, Pine Bluff High School, Charese Simpson.
Alexander Smith, son of Mr. and Mrs. Darryl Evans, Pine Bluff High School, Kiana Cole.
Frederick Taylor, III, son of Laketa Taylor, Pine Bluff High School, Tiana Wilkins.
Shanen Todle, son of Mr. and Mrs. Steven Todle Sr., Pine Bluff High School, Jasmine Stith.
Jared Turner, son of Stevie Turner and Erica Clegg, Pine Bluff High School, Brittany Wright.
Brandon Thomas, son of Mr. and Mrs. Doyle Thomas, Pine Bluff High School, Angelica Shelton.
Devin Thomas, son of Mr. and Mrs. Frederick Thomas, Pine Bluff High School, Na’Kiya Burnett.
Maurice Watson, son of Mr. and Mrs. Rufus Watson, Dollarway High School, Kaylen Shelton.
Xavier Westmoreland, son of Clifton Westmoreland Sr., Watson Chapel High School, Carmalisha Davenport.
Larry Williams, son of Mr. and Mrs. Larry Williams, Pine Bluff High School, CeVon Corbin.
Having made its debut in February 1987, with 15 seniors from the Pine Bluff, Dollarway, Watson Chapel and White Hall School districts, the area of selection for these outstanding young men has extended to other high schools within a 75-mile radius of Pine Bluff. The Pine Bluff Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., takes pride in selecting graduating high school seniors who have not only demonstrated good citizenship and character but have also distinguished themselves in their respective schools, churches and communities.
The chairwomen for this year’s event were Sheila Brown, Shannon Hayes, Elizabeth Taylor and Claudette White.