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On Saturday, November 9, 2024, the annual AKAdemia Ball, sponsored by Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority,  Incorporated – Lambda Zeta Omega Chapter of Lanett Alabama, was held at the James A. Hardy  Gymnasium in Lanett, Alabama, at 6:00 pm EST. 

The event celebrated the achievements of young girls and ladies who competed for the prestigious  titles of “Miss Petite AKAdemia,” “Miss Junior AKAdemia,” and “Miss Senior AKAdemia.” The winners  were:  

Miss Petite AKAdemia: Madalyn Grace Norman, a 5-year-old kindergarten student at West  Point Elementary. She is the daughter of the late Delorian Norman and Brateshana Norman of  West Point, Georgia.  

Miss Junior AKAdemia: Summer Elise Gilliam, a 15-year-old ninth-grade student at Newnan  High School. She is the daughter of Starsha Brooks and Enrique Gilliam of Newnan, Georgia.  

Miss Senior AKAdemia: Kelsey Mariah Holloway, a 17-year-old 12th grade student at  Calloway High School. She is the daughter of Kendrika Bagley of Lanett, Alabama, and Kevin  Holloway of LaGrange, Georgia.  

The competition featured thirteen participants, each vying for the coveted titles. Winners in the petite  and junior categories received cash prizes, while the senior category winner, along with the second and  third place winners, were awarded scholarships.  

The AKAdemia Ball is an annual event aimed at raising funds for the Lambda Zeta Omega Chapter’s  charitable initiatives. These include donations to Valley Haven, Chattahoochee Hospice, Save-A-Life,  Domestic Violence Intervention, Bradshaw Library, Interfaith Food Closet, West Point Food Closet,  Christian  Service Center, Alabama Boy’s State, West Point Cares Youth Program, Ronald McDonald  House, Lupus Awareness, Cancer Awareness, and many other local, state, and national organizations. 

The event was well-attended by the public and supporters of the participants, adding to the festive and  supportive atmosphere. 

Remarks were delivered by the Chairman of the AKAdemia Scholarship Ball, sorority member Courtney  Winston, and the President of the Lambda Zeta Omega Chapter, Kimberly Marshall.