Members of Chi Tau Omega, the local chapter of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, brought the labor and Lowe’s provided the trees and flowers for a beautification project at Rockdale County High School on National Arbor Day, April 28. AKA’s Joy Guillford said the project gave their Emerging Young Leaders, 29 middle school girls, an opportunity for environmental stewardship. The trees were also placed to honor AKA members who passed away in the last year.

AKA, an international service organization established by college-educated African-American women, is focused on enhancing and encouraging education for young women. Jordan Grant, an Edwards Middle School seventh-grade student, said of AKA’s influence, "It’s been character building because I’m very shy. It’s breaking me out of my shell." For Logan Weaver, a sixth grader at General Ray Davis Middle School, it’s all about "how to become a leader."

Chi Tau Omega chapter is also hosting a Health Fair on May 14 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Walgreen's, 1738 Hwy 138 in Conyers. Free blood pressure and diabetes screenings are among many services that will be offered that day. For more information, visit www.chitauomega.com or call (678) 658-0252.