Tributes

At the National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa Inc. Theta Chapter, we give tribute to...

Theta Golden Sorors

Presenting the Golden Divas of Theta Chapter

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National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa, Incorporated-Theta Chapter
Year Installed: 1983
41 Years of Membership
Positions Held: Active in ALL of Theta Chapter Committees, Theta Committee Member of Annual Fall Children Events, Theta Membership of the Recruitment Committee, and many others

Born in Savannah, Georgia, Evelyn Simmons lived and went to segregated schools during her formative, middle and high school years. Each and every teacher was black and dressed impeccably and professionally every day of the week; in fact, on school days, the students wore nicely clad school clothing and changed into play clothes when returning home from school. The adults, including teachers were fully present for the children and instilled an “you can achieve whatever your mind sets you to be!” Part of her decision to become such a dedicated teacher to reach all her students was not to only become inspired by her childhood role models, but to also be available for her own children when they came home from school.

Soror Simmons, the certified NYSED teacher, taught early childhood grades for 29 years with the NYCDOE. Simmons is convinced, “… you have to have it in your heart to motivate and help all students…I’d simply knocked on parents’ doors for missing homework and it was done!...education has always been one of the major tools to mold our children to be all they can be.”

The matchless Soror Simmons credits NSPDK, Inc. NL Warden for recognizing her and asking her to join the National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa, Incorporated. Warden laid the path for recruitment by inviting Soror Simmons to many NSPDK, Inc. events; that was the road which led her to eventually become a Life Member of the NSPDK, Inc. During the time Simmons taught school, she was also active in ALL of Theta Chapter Committees, e.g., Theta Committee Member of Annual Fall Children Events, Theta Membership of the Recruitment Committee, and many other committees.

Installed in 1983, Evelyn Simmons has more than 41 years as a sorority member of the National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa, Incorporated. The NSPDK, Inc. national archives P.A.V.E.S. Golden Sorors Videos includes Soror Simmons’ story.

Left: NSPDK, Inc. Theta Soror Evelyn Simmons NYCDOE Classroom Teacher 1973

Top Right: NSPDK, Inc. Theta Soror Evelyn Simmons Eastern Region in the 1980's

Bottom Right: NSPDK, Inc. Theta Soror Evelyn Simmons Recent Theta Event March 2022

Theta Soror Evelyn Simmons

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National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa, Incorporated-Theta Chapter
Year Installed: 1963
61 Years of Membership
Positions Held: Theta Tamias, Grammateus, Theta Talks Newsletter Editor and the Theta Black History Committee Chairperson

As a child from Greensboro, North Carolina, Soror Pearl Ware could have been arrested for attending the public library, and was relegated to the Carnegie Negro Library, where she became an avid reader.  Moreover, Soror Ware was a registered student at a segregated Lutheran high school that was started by educators who were former slaves. The unparalleled Soror Ware overcame barriers to become a certified NYCDOE school teacher for 40 years with various teaching positions, and in addition to classroom teaching, she supported students with learning in school suspension and hospital settings.

Soror Pearl Ware strongly believes that teachers should take advantage of all the resources and professional learning so as to be fully equipped for all types of children to obtain proper education.

Although Soror Ware retired from full time teaching, she remains a present participant in family, community, church and sororal activities. A dedicated member of NSPDK, Inc. Theta Chapter since 1963, she continues to be the longest active Theta Soror.  Soror Ware makes herself available for Theta general meetings and programs, such as the intergenerational activities and communicating with the youth. The NSPDK, Inc. positions that she has held consisted of: Theta Tamias, Theta Grammateus, Theta Talks Newsletter Editor and the Theta Black History Committee Chairperson. 

Installed in 1963, Pearl Ware has more than 61 years as a sorority member of the National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa, Incorporated. Soror Ware is spotlighted in the NSPDK, Inc. P.A.V.E.S. Golden Sorors Videos, where her story is enshrined in the NSPDK, Inc. national archives.

Theta Soror Golden Diva: Pearl Ware Current

Top Right: Ware Poses With Class. Soror Brabham was Soror Ware's Sponsor Ware pledge as a Krinon at the time this photo was taken

Bottom Right: 1982 Soror Ware Teacher Photo

Theta Soror Pearl Ware

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National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa, Incorporated-Theta Chapter
Year Installed: 1968
56 Years of Membership
Positions Held: Theta Basileus, Theta Grammateus, Eastern Regional Director, Supreme Epistoleus, Perpetual Scholarship Director, Theta Dean of Xinos

Soror Florence King, a 50 Year Honoree of the NYC United Federation of Teachers credits NSPDK, Inc. Theta Soror Jocelyn James of Bethany Church for inviting her to join the National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa, Incorporated. Soror King certainly made her indelible mark in NSPDK, Inc; in fact, year after year after year, she has held one of the highest esteemed offices on either the national, regional and local levels of the National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa, Incorporated, for multiple decades. She was the Theta Basileus, Theta Grammateus, Eastern Regional Director, Supreme Epistoleus, Theta Dean of Xinos, and the long standing National Perpetual Scholarship Director.

In fact, the Industry Cosign Newspaper (August 31, 2011) reported that the unstoppable Florence O. King, President of the Perpetual Scholarship Foundation presented a check to the National Sorority Of Phi Delta Kappa, Incorporated, for $55,000 to support the NSPDK, Inc. scholarship program during the National Sorority Of Phi Delta Kappa, Incorporated 88th Conclave.

Installed in 1968, Florence King has more than 56 years as a sorority member of the National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa, Incorporated. If you research the NSPDK, Inc. national archives, you will find Soror King’s story in NSPDK, Inc. P.A.V.E.S. Golden Sorors Videos.

Theta Soror Golden Diva Florence King Recent

Top Right Left: Educating at Public Schools in the 70's (UFT did a 50th Year Acknowledgement a few years ago 2020?)

Bottom Left: Acknowledged by the Supreme at a Conclave

Theta Soror Florence King

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National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa, Incorporated-Theta Chapter
Year Installed: 1978
46 Years of Membership
Positions Held: Theta First Anti-Basileus, Theta Dean of Xinos and Kudos, Theta Welfare & Amenities Committee Chairperson

Soror Sandra Louise Moore was presented to the world in Milledgeville, Georgia, which was a segregated neighborhood that included the schools. The minority of white children who resided in Milledgeville communities, basically did not attend the black schools. The rich experiences from Soror Moore’s upbringing directed her journey that included teaching in the NYCDOE public schools. The unequaled Soror Moore believes her beginnings allowed her to embrace students from all backgrounds; a 30 year teaching veteran, she taught mainly in the elementary school classroom setting, and retired from the position as a Resource Room Teacher.

When reflecting on teaching challenges Moore witnessed firsthand, and also from what she reads about and hears from current educational practitioners, Soror Moore strongly concludes that the educational system too often takes creative teaching from teachers who work to develop mastery for all students; even those students with special needs. Furthermore, she maintains that budgetary limitations remains one of the greatest threats to teachers in providing the provisions for every learner, which should not matter which school students attend. Essentially, Soror Moore revealed, “…when the classroom door was closed, I had to do what I had to do to get across what my students needed to succeed.”

Hortence Brabham instinctively recruited Soror Moore as a member of the NSPDK, Inc. Kappa Omicron Tau (KOT) when witnessing Moore studying to become a teacher. Soror Moore eventually joined ten Theta Chapter Krinon members when some became a fully-fledged NSPDK, Inc. Soror in 1978. She was determined to grow as a teacher; she went to NSPDK, Inc. Conclaves and Conferences for many years, and even now, she continues to acquire information on current educational practices, resources and meet Sorors from all over the country to remain an informed servant. Theta First Anti-Basileus, Theta Dean of Xinos and Kudos, Theta Activity Book Member, Theta Welfare & Amenities Chairperson were some of the titles Soror Moore has earnestly been committed to with a smile and sense of humor. Moreover, you will find Moore using her singing talent in the NSPDK, Inc. Choir performances at Eastern Region Conferences.

Sandra Louise Moore has more than 46 years as a sorority member of the National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa, Incorporated. Soror Moore’s information is in the NSPDK, Inc. national archives P.A.V.E.S. Golden Sorors Videos.

Soror Golden Diva Sandra Louise Moore Current

Top Right: Theta House Meeting in the 80's

Bottom Right: Teaching Students in the 80's

Theta Soror Louise Moore

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National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa, Incorporated-Theta Chapter
Year Installed: 1965
59 Years of Membership
Positions Held: Theta Basileus, Theta Tamias, Theta Talks Newsletter Editor, NSPDK, Inc. and an International Program Member

Hailing all the way from Lamar, South Carolina and Wilson, North Carolina, is the incomparable NSPDK, Inc. Theta Soror Dorothy Patrick Murphy. She attended segregated schools, and graduated from the high school named in honor of an African American, Charles H. Darden. Soror Murphy then went on to a four year college in Winston Salem, NC as an elementary education major and music minor; after relocating to New York, she received her Master’s Degree in Counseling. The cultivating formative schooling and upbringing armed Soror Murphy to get along with and help all sorts of people, and making it a natural preparation for her to be a school teacher for five years and a guidance counselor for three and a half decades. “I really loved teaching, but I also loved counseling!”, reveals Soror Murphy.

Soror Murphy asserts that being able to adjust to many personalities and cultural differences fortified her responses to the code of behaviors. She declares, “It is also up to the educator and counselor to care and help people understand that they need assistance.” Soror Murphy admits, from listening to active colleagues, that an abundance of planning lessons and family issues have heightened challenges for educators.

Soror Florence Hines recruited Soror Murphy to become an NSPDK, Inc. Theta Krinon with 12 other members. All 13 Krinons became NSPDK, Inc. Theta Sorors in 1965. Murphy has more than 59 years as a sorority member of the National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa, Incorporated. She has held positions such as: Theta Basileus, Theta Tamias, Theta Talks Newsletter Editor, NSPDK, Inc. and an International Program Member. You can find Soror Murphy’s detailed recorded story in the NSPDK, Inc. P.A.V.E.S. Golden Sorors Videos, in the NSPDK, Inc. national archives.

Theta Soror Golden Diva Recent

Left Top: As a Guidance Counselor

Bottom Left: At a NSPDK, Inc, Conclave in the 80's

Theta Soror Dorothy Murphy

Theta Spotlighted Sorors

A spotlight of acknowledgement
for Theta Chapter Sorors

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NSPDK THETA Soror Avien Henry May 2024 Spotlight

Avien Henry

NSPDK Inc. Theta Chapter Spotlighted Soror

Spotlight for the May 2024 Newsletter Soror Avien Henry NSPDK Theta Chapter Soror Avien Henry is the current principal of the Helen Keller Services Children’s Learning Center. Prior, Soror Henry was a NYCDOE Assistant Principal and Classroom Teacher in District 75.

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Janice Bruce

Principal Esteemed NYCDOE JHS 383 Philippa Schuyler

NSPDK Theta Soror Janice Bruce from Vision to Reality. Courageous school leaders gain purposeful success for the entire school community when addressing priority needs. Having a strong vision connected to the top concerns is a significant strategic step; effectively communicating the scheme, remaining committed, establishing collaborations, and aligning delegation are some of the elements to realize a meaningful goal, and sustain lasting inspiration!

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NSPDK Inc. Theta Chapter April 2024 Spotlight Soror Pearl Ware

Pearl Ware

NSPDK Inc. Theta Chapter Spotlighted Soror

As a child from Greensboro, North Carolina, Soror Ware could have been arrested for attending the public library and was relegated to the Carnegie Negro Library where she became an avid reader. Soror Ware was a NYCDOE school teacher for 40 years with various teaching positions, and in addition to classroom teaching, Soror Ware supported students with learning in suspension and hospital settings.

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Juanita Randolph

NSPDK Inc. Theta Chapter Spotlighted Soror

NSPDK Theta Chapter Soror Juanita Randolph poses with Supreme Basileus Margarett Galloway as Soror Randolph becomes a DIAMOND LIFE MEMBER in 2023. Juanita Randolph has been an NSPDK Soror for over 40 years, and served as the dedicated Basileus and Tamiochus of Theta Chapter. Moreover, Soror Randolph was a brilliant teacher and assistant principal with the NYCDOE for many decades.

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Evelyn Sealey

NSPDK Inc. Theta Chapter Spotlighted Soror

Soror Evelyn Louise Sealey was a fiercely dedicated member of NSPDK Theta Chapter since 1991. Tenured positions included Scholarship Chair, Theta Talks Newsletter Editor and Tamiouchous. As a NYCDOE standout Paraprofessional, Soror Sealey was chosen to participate in the University of Massachusetts accelerated Bachelor and Master’s Degree Program. Beloved teacher 30 years and became the JHS 324 special education program coordinator. Soror Evelyn Louise Sealey recently departed at 99 years and 11 months young January 8, 2024.

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Yvette Wilds

Current Brooklyn Scholars Charter School Board of Directors Member

Who better to spotlight when you think of pizzazz and panache, with not just creativity, but with sincere care, and to solve a problem to reach its highest level of achievement!? None other than Theta Soror, Tamias, and African American Co-Chair Yvette Wilds, retired principal with 30 years as a NYCDOE educator.

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Marsha Lane

NSPDK Inc. Theta Chapter Highlighted Soror

Marsha Lane is the consummate guiding force as the Theta Chapter Director of Krinons. Annually, Theta receives new Sorors who are completely prepared and motivated to serve. Soror Lane is a former NYCDOE Mathematics Middle School Teacher who used her sharp skills and talent to engage students with a challenging subject matter that they could relate to their lives. In addition, Theta fortunately benefitted from Soror Lane being the financial officer keeping tight records for several years, and paving the path with impeccable ledgers.

Commemorative

A Commemoration of National & Eastern Regional
Positions with Theta Chapter Sorors

NSPDK Inc. Theta Chapter Commemorative Soror Sharon Henderson

Former National Health Director

Sharon Henderson

NSPDK Inc. Theta Chapter Theta Talks Spotlight Basileus Dr. Sowerby 01

National Membership Director

Dr. Donna Sowerby

Eastern Region Xinos Director

Tanisha Dorvil

NSPDK Inc. Theta Chapter Commemorative Soror Cathleen Snyder

Eastern Region Book Club Director

Cathleen Snyder

Theta Soror Honorees

Presenting Our Soror Honorees