Tjeoma Okeke, the daughter of Dr. Ernest I. Okeke and the late Mrs. Gayla Okeke, was named Delta Kappa Gamma Girl of the Year, 2005, in a 25th anniversary celebration and recognition program Saturday afternoon at First Baptist Church. The announcement was made by Girl of the Year official Beth Taylor, who called her forward, placed a bouquet of red roses in her arms and said “I know your mother is proud.”

Cradling in her arms the roses and a counted cross stitch sampler worked with her name and honor, Tjeoma spoke briefly.

Choking back tears she thanked members of Delta Kappa Gamma, friends, family and fellow nominees.

A senior at Selma High School, she plans to major in ophthalmology at the University of Alabama in Huntsville.

She is a founder of Echoing the Memory Club, is president of the Student Government Association, Parliamentarian of the National Honor Society, vice president of Culturama Club and a finalist in the 2004-2005 Coca Cola Scholars Program. Tjeoma Okeke received a $2,500 scholarship, a larger amount than in previous years, due to the 25th anniversary, explained DKG officer Claire Ralston, who gave a brief history of the Delta Kappa Gamma program.

A power point presentation picturing the 24 previous Girls of the Year and giving a brief synopsis of their careers and present lives was a feature of the program.

Also on the

program were DKG President Marsha Carmichael, vocalist Courtney Washington and Belinda Faith Reed Clasen, first girl of the year, 1981.

The Revs. Gordon Welch and James Spicer brought greetings and the invocation.