The Beta Zeta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. will hold its 24th Annual Miss Calendar Doll Pageant at 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 9, at the Orangeburg-Wilkinson High School Auditorium.
The Calendar Doll Pageant is the culmination of the chapter's annual benefit. Thirteen area young ladies of middle-school age were selected for the competition in July.
The approximately 125 chapter members work in groups with each Doll and her parents to raise funds that will support the sorority's community service projects, both locally and around the world. The Doll whose group raises the most money is named "Miss Calendar Doll" for the coming year, with the runners-up each named for a month of the year. Each Doll will receive savings bonds, awards and gifts and will be featured on the 2007 calendar.
The pageant will showcase the 2008 Calendar Dolls in a variety of presentations. The theme for the evening is "Dream Catchers," and will focus on family, heritage and future goals. Events will include a hip-hop dance production number, a "My Family Tree" segment featuring the Dolls, introductions of parents, the traditional father-daughter promenade and a musical finale.
Nadia Rachelle Anderson, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Leonard (Priscilla) Anderson of Orangeburg, will take her final walk as Miss Calendar Doll 2007. Special guests performing in this year's pageant are Portia Gifford, Miss South Carolina State University; Brandon Hicks, Mr. Claflin University; dancer/choreographer John Graves and 8-year-old drumming prodigy, Marcus Jarvis. Janice McCollom and Robyn Russell-White are hosts for the annual event.
There is no admission charge and the public is invited to attend.
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. is the oldest sorority for African-American college and professional women in the country. Focusing on the theme, "ESP, "Extraordinary Service Programs," the members of the Beta Zeta Omega chapter have worked to implement the sorority's national programs throughout the local area since its chartering in 1934.