The “guests” were 15 Parkside Middle School girls who are members of HER-O, or Helping to Educate Through Relationships and Opportunities. The Omicron Chi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. sponsors the guidance and mentorship group for girls at 10 local middle schools. Nominated by their teachers, the young members attend group functions, such as the tea party and career development meetings, as a means of bettering their behavior, academic performance and self-worth.

The U.S. Department of Justice provides a grant for $3,000 to $4,000 annually to support the program, according to Jean Belton, AKA coordinator for Parkside’s HER-O chapter.  more >>