Vicksburg Daily News –
VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN) — The Xi Pi Sigma Alumnae Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. marked the sorority’s Founders Week on Wednesday, Nov. 11, by presenting backpacks and school supplies to Vicksburg Junior High School eighth-grade English Language Arts (ELA) students through Operation Backpack.
The SPEAR Foundation funded this initiative through mini-grant support as part of the chapter’s Greater Minds Initiative, a youth literacy effort serving Vicksburg and Warren County students. Each student received writing and composition notebooks, pencils, and a pocket-sized dictionary, materials chosen to strengthen literacy as students prepare to enter high school.
Sigma Gamma Rho was founded by seven educators on November 12, 1922, at Butler University in Indianapolis, and Xi Pi Sigma marked that anniversary with a gift that reflects the sorority’s roots in education. The chapter focused on eighth-grade ELA students to help them prepare for the transition to high school, where strong reading and writing skills help students meet heavier academic expectations.
“Founders Week reminds us that Sigma Gamma Rho began with seven educators who believed in the power of learning,” said Dr. Shernica L. Ferguson, Chapter Basileus. “Supporting these eighth graders as they prepare for high school is one way Xi Pi Sigma carries that legacy forward, and we are grateful to the SPEAR Foundation, whose investment made this donation possible.”
Vicksburg Junior High School Principal Justin Watkins expressed appreciation for the donation and the chapter’s initiative. Xi Pi Sigma views the gift as the beginning of an ongoing partnership with the school and plans to keep supporting its students, families, and educators through future literacy and academic initiatives.
Operation Backpack is one of several Founders Week service initiatives the chapter has planned. Xi Pi Sigma will also observe Founders Day, November 12, by giving baby items to the first baby born that day and the baby’s mother, welcoming a new family as Sigma Gamma Rho celebrates its 104th anniversary.
Chartered in October 2025, Xi Pi Sigma serves Vicksburg and surrounding counties under the sorority’s motto, “Greater Service, Greater Progress.”
Participating in the donation were Soror Latorria Kerr, Soror Clorissa Davis, ELA Teacher Chiquita Keller, Principal Justin Watkins, Counselor Tiawanda Doss, Soror Shernica L. Ferguson, and Soror Lanetra Dionne Carter.
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