Indiana University's Tau Chapter Wins Sprite Step Off Qualifying Challenge
AKA claims another victory
Indiana University's Tau Chapter continued Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority's winning streak by capturing first place in Central Region's Sprite Step Off qualifying competition. This triumph follows the victory by Alpha Chapter during the qualifying competition in the Northeast Region.
The Tau Chapter step team captivated the crowd with a routine that paid tribute to the Girl Scouts. Dressed in green shorts, with pink ties adorning their necks, the team stepped with synchronized precision. In a unique opening, they made their entrance through a pop-up tent. This creativity and innovation won over the judges and enabled Tau to beat out two teams from Zeta Phi Beta: one from Indiana University; the other from Miami University of Ohio.
The announcement capped a day of competition, and entertainment by Atlanta's hip-hop rapper Soulja Boy. When Tau Chapter was announced as the winner, a sea of pink-and-green-clad members and supporters erupted in cheers.
In winning the competition, Tau Chapter claimed a share of the $1.5 million prize pool.
The sponsoring chapter is Alpha Mu Omega of Indianapolis, whose president is Victoria L. Clark. Along with other representatives of the Divine Nine, Clark served as a judge for the contest.
The Sprite Step Off's competition includes a service challenge, and Tau Chapter exhibited its commitment to AKA's service ideal through its active participation in promoting awareness of lupus. Although the judging criteria during this round of competition were not based on the service projects, Tau had what they called "Backyard Friday." The dual purpose is to increase unity in the minority community at IU by bringing organizations together in one location for fellowship and fun and to increase the awareness of lupus and how it affects 90% of women of color. Members sold pizza slices and collected $250 for the Lupus Foundation of America Indiana Chapter. They will be participating as volunteers and walkers during the Walk for Lupus Now event, along with the sponsoring chapter, Alpha Mu Omega, which led the Tau effort to promote awareness of lupus.
As another example of their dedication to service, on the day of the Sprite Step Off event, some of the Tau Chapter members worked on a Habitat for Humanity home. During its 2007 Leadership Conference in New Orleans, Alpha Kappa Alpha became the first sorority to partner with Habitat for Humanity to build homes for those displaced by Hurricane Katrina. Tau Chapter's president, Andranise Baxter, and Graduate Advisor, Phyllis Weir, said the Chapter members were inspired by the AKAs who worked to build the homes.
Many members of Tau Chapter also volunteered during the Sprite event to make sure it ran smoothly and successfully.
Tau and Alpha Mu Omega Chapters' service commitment embodies Alpha Kappa Alpha's ideal: "To provide service to all mankind."
International President Barbara A. McKinzie applauded the graduate advisor, Tau Chapter members, Alpha Mu Omega and its president, Victoria Clark, for combining their talent and resources to emerge triumphant. "Alpha Kappa Alpha is proud of your accomplishments as steppers and as service providers. Through your passion, Alpha Kappa Alpha is on a track to victory. We look forward to supporting the team as it continues through the competition."
Because the team placed first, it will bypass the Regional Semi-Finals and head directly to the Regional Finals in Chicago.
The National Finals will be held on January 19, 2010 in Atlanta.
Because Sprite Step Off will showcase the multicultural college experience through stepping, scholarship and service, it is destined to be a historic and unprecedented tournament.
