Alphas' community service pays off with regional award

     The Beta Iota Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. brought home the "Outstanding College Chapter of the Year" award Nov. 10.  

     The Alphas were given the award during the 52nd Association of North Carolina Alphamen Conference.

     The award had not been won by the chapter since 2000.

     Kelsey Okoro, senior exercise science major from Greensboro and chapter president said it felt great to win the award.

     "This year, the chapter did what we honestly always do. We are always big on giving back to the Winston-Salem community and Winston- Salem State community, and this year with the help and advice from older brothers we tried to take everything to a higher level," he said.

     Christoper Jeter said, "We do a great job of upholding the brotherhood aspect of the fraternity." Jeter is a senior marketing major from Newport News, Va.

     "Everyone in the chapter is willing to go beyond the call of duty to ensure that another brother doesn't struggle or is having problems."

     In addition to winning the chapter award, Jeter won the title of "Outstanding Brother of the Year," making him the third consecutive member of the Beta Iota chapter to win the award.

     "I feel that what led to me ultimately winning is all of the work I have done in the community," Jeter said.

     "I am a mentor at Carver High School and Hall- Woodward Elementary. Also, I work with youth in the community every Saturday as a tennis instructor for Winston- Salem Tennis, Inc., a non-profit organization," he said.

     "My favorite part of being an Alpha is the opportunity to network. I have been able to meet many brothers in high places."

     Jeter serves as assistant area director of the Northwestern Area of the Association of North Carolina Alphamen.

     Okoro said the most rewarding part of the ANCA Conference was bonding with older Alpha brothers.

     "Winning [Outstanding] Chapter of the Year was a great feeling and a true blessing, but now we are focused on winning Regional Chapter of the Year."

     The Beta Iota Chapter and Jeter will represent the North Carolina district at the fraternity's 83rd Southern Regional Convention, in Chattanooga, Tenn. in March.

     They will compete against other fraternity chapters from South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Tennessee, Missouri and Alabama.

     "We aren't the typical Alphas. We have brothers from all walks of life in our Chapter," Okoro said.