The administration, staff, and students of CHSD 170's Jefferson School recently welcomed members of the Chicago Heights Illinois Alumni Chapter of the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity to help kick off the 2021-22 academic year.
The Kappa Alpha Psi brothers, accompanied by Jefferson School's Principal Chris Baikauskas and Instructional Coach Mrs. Tricia Wells, visited each classroom and supplied hand sanitizers, disinfectant wipes, and books to the students. During the visit, the brothers spread cheer, positive comments, and encouragement to students and staff.
Representing the brotherhood at the activity were Interim Vice-Polemarch Dr. Jermaine G. Morales, Justin Copeland, Ricky Dixon, Jermaine Dickson, Roosevelt Martin, Jeff Thomas, and Roosevelt Walker.
“Giving is not just about making a donation; it's about making a difference," Morales said.
"We, the men of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. Chicago Heights Alumni Chapter, would like to thank Principal Baikauskas and the entire faculty and staff at Jefferson Elementary School for making us feel welcomed! We sincerely appreciate how they continue to support our chapter's community service efforts."
The fraternity extended its affiliation with Jefferson School, which has included programs and initiatives such as the "Guide Right Program" that promotes the importance of education and positive behaviors and counsels students on issues including careers, character development, truancy, positive behavior, and academics.
"Jefferson School is delighted and excited to continue our partnership with the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity and are most appreciative of their adoption of Jefferson School," Baikauskas stated.
"The support the fraternity provides through its various programs and initiatives have created a nurturing and edifying relationship with our students."
"Beyond its sponsorship of various events, academic programs, and philanthropic endeavors, our students and staff truly regard the members of Kappa Alpha Psi as big brothers and valued members of the Jefferson School family."
Wells echoed Baikauskas' sentiment, saying, "I would like to say thank you to the members of Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity for encouraging our students and distributing essential safety items and books to our school."
"It is such a pleasure to see the relationship the fraternity has built with Jefferson School, and I sincerely believe that Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated always will be a welcome part of our Jefferson community."
According to its website, Kappa Alpha Psi is a fraternity of predominantly African-American membership founded on January 5th, 1911, at Indiana University. The fraternity has over 160,000 members with 721 undergraduate and alumni chapters throughout the United States and worldwide.
The Chicago Heights Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity was chartered on October 23rd, 1965, and maintains a position of prominence within the Kappa Alpha Psi orbit. The chapter consists of men of different professional backgrounds who call the Chicago Heights Alumni Chapter home.
The fraternity's affiliation with Jefferson School is one example of the organization's sponsorship of and participation in various programs that provide community service, social welfare, and academic scholarship.