Westchester Greeks 2022 Honorees

WHITE PLAINS, NY -- The National Pan Hellenic Council, Westchester County Chapter sponsored its 4th installment of “Westchester Greeks Honor” virtually on Friday night, May 6, 2022. Hosted by the Pan Hellenic local chapter president, Jacole Mills, the organization recognized the achievements of eight individuals who are members of the Divine Nine. The two-hour event featured music by DJ Paul B (a member of Kappa Alpha Psi) and comedy by Kenny Blacc (a member of Phi Beta Sigma). David VanDiver served as the Master of Ceremonies for the evening.

RICHARD PEAY

PHI BETA SIGMA

FRATERNITY, INC

Richard Peay is currently in his 16th year as an Elementary School Assistant Principal (AP). He became an AP in 2005 after teaching for 5 years (Grades 2-4). All at the same school…PS 47. Head Coach-Girls Basketball at Adlai E. Stevenson High School (2002-2014), and Assistant Head Coach-Women’s Basketball, City College of New York (CCNY) (2014-2016) Richard Peay Assistant Principal, Grades K-5 | Public School 47 Graduate of Mercy College – BS in Administration/Supervision Graduate of City College of New York (CCNY) – BS in Elementary Education Graduate of Adlai E. Stevenson High School - 1980. Other School Responsibilities: Building Response Team (BRT) Leader Sustainability Coordinator Student Council Advisor Athletic Director Equity Team School Leader Organization Affiliates: Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity: Omicron Tau Chapter – University of Texas-El Paso – May 10, 1984 Alumni Chapter – Beta Psi Sigma Chapter – Vice President Member of the NAACP – Ossining, NY Branch. PS 47 is the Adopted School of Beta Psi Sigma Chapter. Adopted PS in the Fall of 2015 and since Adoption the chapter has implemented the following programs: Beta Psi Sigma Holiday Program (5 days of interactive activities with students/parents) Daddy/Daughter Dance Father and Son Day Student of the Month Career Day Luncheon (Chapter members come to PS 47 to have lunch and discuss various career fields. Family Masquerade Ball Science Fair Judges (Chapter members participate as Judges for their Annual Science Fair) Beautification Day (PS 47 Student Council team up with Beta Psi Sigma Sigma Beta Club members to beautify the school playground and garden area). Military: United States Air Force Veteran Hometown: Grew up in James Monroe Housing Project in the Bronx, NY. Richard has four Brothers and one Sister. He is a proud father of two daughters and one son along with four Grandchildren. He currently lives in Ossining, New York with his lovely wife Lourdes Velazquez-Peay.

PHILIP SHULER

KAPPA ALPHA PSI

FRATERNITY, INC.

Philip Shuler is a member of the New Rochelle White Plains Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Inc. He received his undergraduate degree from the SUNY System and is a well-known Quality Professional. Mr. Shuler served as the previous Commissioner and a Board Member of the RBA Association for over 10yrs. During his time with the association he simultaneously served as a mentor and role model for young men in the Lower Hudson Valley area. Being a leader and mentor he took on the role as Guide Right Director of the New Rochelle White Plains Kappa Leaguer Program. He takes the position very seriously because he knows the importance of being a mentor to the young men and assisting them to become future leaders. Mr. Shuler is the recipient of the George Rodriguez Mentor of the Year Award where he leads and directs a (7) Time Award Winning Guide Right Leadership Program. He is also the recipient of the 2021 & 2022 Northeastern Province Guide Right Director of the Year Award with additional recognition for receiving the 2021 National Guide Right Director of the Year Award. He has led the Guide Right Program to receiving the 2021 & 2022 Guide Right Chapter of the Year Award while promoting Kappa Leaguers to receiving the Student of the Year Award and Leon Steward Award for the past (2) Years. Mr. Shuler serves as Keynote Speaker and Workshop Leader who delivers high-energy interactive leadership workshops that challenges youth to leverage their focus and pay attention to what matters most in life. He is passionate about helping others by using real-world examples to help them overcome challenges. Philip enjoys inspiring and transforming the lives of individuals to achieve their goals and aspirations in life. His Motto: A Man without Vision is Lost!

DARRYL LOCKHART

OMEGA PSI PHI

FRATERNITY, INC.

A Native of the Bronx, NY Darryl Lockhart is the eldest of three sons born to Mr. & Mrs.Lemuel Lockhart. Darryl Graduated from Evander Childs High School Located in the Bronx, NY in 1981 and went on to further his education by attending and graduating from Knoxville College, an H.B.C.U Located in Knoxville, Tennessee. On November 20, 1983. Darryl was initiated into Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. Beta Epsilon Chapter as an undergraduate He gained priceless experience of holding various roles in the organization and was Basileus (President) of his chapter in 1985 and Dean of pledgees in 1986. Upon returning home to the Bronx, NY after graduation Darryl embarked on a career as a caseworker for the Bureau of Child Welfare. The experience working in the Bureau of Child welfare was a Segway for him into Law enforcement working for the NYC Department of Corrections as a Corrections Officer. Completing 20 years of service with the Department of Corrections, retiring in 2009, Darryl went on to work for the Department of Homeland Security U.S. customs And Border protection. Darryl has always kept a balance of God, Work, and Service. A vital part of Darryl’s life is giving back to the community and help the youth. One of the many highlights for Brother Lockhart has been forming The Gun Hill Basketball Association along with two of his childhood friends Located in the North East Section of the Bronx, NY. Since its inception from the mid 1990’s, This Non-Profit organization is geared and serves as a way to keep idle minds off the street and on the basketball court. The Gun Hill Basketball Association provides summer employment and has over 700 youths enrolled in competitive basketball from various ages during the summer months annually. Since initiation Into Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc., in 1983 Darryl has been fully and actively involved from mentoring brothers and holding leadership roles in the Fraternity specifically in Omicron Iota Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc., located in Westchester County, NY. In all Darryl Lockhart has continued to reach for high aspirations and set the bar for commitment on all aspects of life and has done so with the undeniable support of his Wife Conmeka Lockhart.

JASPER J. CAIN, JR.

ALPHA PHI ALPHA

FRATERNITY, INC.

Brother Jasper J. Cain, Jr. is a Brooklyn born retired educator. He is a 31 yr member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, by way of the Zeta Zeta Lambda chapter in Queens New York. He is currently a member of the Eta Zeta Lambda chapter servicing the Westchester Community. Brother Cain is a loving husband and father, and a very active member of his community. On his spare time, Brother Cain enjoys music, specifically playing the bass. He is a long-time bass player in the music group “Jasper Cain and the Rhythm Collective”, who have played in numerous venues and events. Jasper Cain and the Rhythm Collective is a group of talented musicians that come together to perform a wide range of diverse musical selections including covers of well-known songs as well as original compositions. Brother Cain constantly marinates his sound and song writing skills. His bass has given him the opportunity to travel across the U.S., and to many parts of the world including Africa, Europe, and the Caribbean. Brother Cain has been a very active member of the Westchester PanHel council, and has even served as president.

LISA D. HARRIGAN

SIGMA GAMMA RHO

SORORITY, INC.

An undying passion for music, dance, theatre, and service is the true essence of an artist, educator, and innovator.

Lisa Denise Harrigan is a daughter of the Caribbean soil. She graduated with honors from Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art in New York City, where she appeared in the MGM motion picture FAME. She knew at that time that music and the arts would play an important role in her life as well as the lives of others. Lisa graduated with honors from Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA with a BA in Jazz Composition & Arranging. She holds a Master’s in Secondary Education & Performance Choral Music. At age 16, Lisa served as conductor of the Berklee Gospel Ensemble (a 55-voice, 7-piece rhythm section) known as New England’s #1 gospel ensemble for two consecutive years, and she was also honored as New England’s #1 Choral Director. Lisa has performed in numerous churches, schools, concert halls and theaters such as: The Riverside Church, Madison Square Garden, Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Avery Fisher Hall, the Cotton Club and the Blue Note in NYC. She has also performed internationally at the French Embassy in Paris, Mexico and the Caribbean. Lisa is a retired educator with certifications in the areas of SAS–School Administrator/Supervision and SDA–School District Administrator. In retirement, Lisa continues her passion for music by serving as the Northeastern Region Music Director for Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. and also as the Director of the 100-voice Centennial Choir. In partnership with musicians from Berklee College, she composed and arranged the Centennial Medley – a 22-minute musical masterpiece which encapsulates the 100-year journey of the Sigma Gamma Rho Founders’ for presentation at the July 2022 centennial celebrations. On the local level, Lisa serves as chaplain for the Delta Nu Sigma Alumnae Chapter in Westchester County, NY.

GERTIE L. TIPPITT

ZETA PHI BETA

SORORITY, INC.

Gertie Long Tippitt became a member of Zeta Phi Beta, Incorporated in the spring of her sophomore year, at Claflin University in Orangeburg, South Carolina in 1967. She was blessed to join a collegiate sorority community under the tutelage of Mrs. Alethia Worthy, Advisor. The principles of Finer Womanhood, Sisterhood, Service and Scholarship that Gertie exemplified in campus life activities made her an ideal candidate to become a Zeta. Upon admission to Mu Chapter, she became a high stepping pledgee and number one on the line of eleven aspirants. During the weeks of pledging activities, as on all Historical Black College Campuses, a bonding of friendships developed. Among those welcoming Gertie to the Sisterhood of Zetadom was her loving birth sister, Alma Lydia Long. The legacy of service which was instilled early on in the home of the Long Family, in church, and in school flourished. After receiving her Bachelor’s of Arts in English Education, and embarking on a career in teaching in Tarrytown, New York, Mrs. Sallie Parnell invited her to join Gamma Xi Zeta Chapter of New Rochelle, New York. During her first Gamma Xi Zeta Chapter meeting there was a “need” and Gertie answered the call. She continues to practice, to this very day, “random acts of kindness and senseless acts of beauty,” (Anne Herbert 1982), as she did at that very first meeting. Thereby becoming known as a dependable doer, a team player, and a dedicated Servant-leader Soror. Gertie takes her Zeta oath seriously and volunteers to the call of service whenever an opportunity is presented to her. Gertie has served the body of Zeta with enthusiasm and zeal. She has continually attended training sessions to hone her management style and leadership skills. She attends local, state, regional and national conferences. She has held innumerable elected offices and appointed positions. She is a certified Zeta Organizational Leader, a Diamond Life Member and a Zeta Dove, having served her sorority and community for over fifty years. In addition to her service to Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, Gertie is a member of Trinity United Methodist Church in White Plains, New York, a member of the Jack and Jill Associates, a Silver Life Member of the NAACP, Greenburgh/ White Plains Chapter, the Black Women’s Political Caucus of Greenburgh / White Plains Chapter. Gertie is retired and lives in Greenburgh, New York with her husband of 51 years, Donald R. Tippitt. They have one daughter, Dr. Dara Monifa Tippitt, and one granddaughter, Nzinga Tippitt-Wilhite. It is with great respect and gratitude that we recognize the achievements of this dynamic member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, Gamma Xi Zeta Chapter and the Westchester County Pan-Hellenic Council.

MARIE HOUSTON

ALPHA KAPPA ALPHA

SORORITY, INC.

Marie Houston is a native of Jackson, Mississippi and relocated to White Plains, New York at the age of six where she was educated in the White Plains City School District. She is a graduate of Pace University where she attained her master’s degrees in 1999 and bachelor’s degree in 1985, both in Management Information Systems. Marie is currently employed by New York City Health + Hospitals as a SharePoint Site Collection Administrator in the Enterprise Information Technology Services Division. Prior to joining New York City Health + Hospitals, Marie was employed by the Town of Greenburgh, where she oversaw the Technology Lab at the Theodore D. Young Community Center. During her time at Theodore D. Young Community Center, she was a mentor to several of the youth in the community. Marie was also employed by IBM Corporation and AT&T Corporation collectively for 18 years as a Computer Firewall Specialist and Network Administrator. She has been an active and dedicated member of Calvary Baptist Church in White Plains, New York for over 50 years. Marie serves in several ministries that include the Sunday School, Bible Study, Recreation Division, Youth Advisory Board, and the Women’s Christian Fellowship. Marie has chaired special occasions in the Ministry, i.e., Youth Retreats, Pastor’s Anniversary, Homecoming, and the Annual Women’s Day Celebration. Marie joined the ranks of outstanding Alpha Kappa Alpha Women, Pi Iota Omega Chapter in January 1999. She exemplifies this great sisterhood with her commitment to be of service to all mankind. Marie has held several positions and served on numerous committees in support of Pi Iota Omega Chapter as well the Sorority’s North Atlantic Region, which include President, Vice-President & Program Chair, Chaplain, Hospitality Chair, Corresponding Secretary, Chair for Pi Iota Omega’s Chapter’s AKA Teens Mentoring Program, Director of Pi Iota Omega Chapter Leadership Institute and the Corporate Treasurer for the Ivy Enrichment Fund, Inc, the charitable arm of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Pi Iota Omega Chapter and is currently serving as the Standards Chairperson and Executive Director of the Foundation (IEF). Marie served on the North Atlantic Region’s Nominating Committee, the Region’s Program Committee, and chair of the VIP Courtesies. A brief mention of her affiliations; include serving on the City of White Plains Community Development Citizens Advisory Board (CDCAC), District Leader for the White Pains Democratic Committee, Publicity and Technology Chair for the NAACP White Plains/Greenburgh Branch, Member of the Board of Directors for Westchester Institute for Human Development (WIHD). Marie is the second oldest child of five. She is the mother of Dante who is a graduate of Liberty University with a BA in Religion, Crisis Counseling, and Health Science and a grandmother. Marie comes from a family of spiritual leaders where she has learned to be rooted and grounded in the Lord. Giving back to her community in service, ranks high on Marie’s list of priorities. She credits her successes to her mother’s guidance and her grandmother’s wisdom.

SANDRA BLACKWELL

DELTA SIGMA THETA

SORORITY, INC.

Sandra Blackwell is a native of South Carolina and a leader who has always handled challenging situations. She entered Benedict College in Columbia, South Carolina at the age of 16, and became an outstanding member of her class. She graduated from Benedict with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1966. After graduating from college, Sandy moved to Westchester County, New York, where she began a 40-year career as a special education teacher, working with students with special needs and learning disabilities. Aware that many solutions to problems are beyond the average workday, Sandy became active in community and political activities. Foregoing any time for herself, she used her remaining hours to get a Master of Science degree in 1971 from SUNY New Paltz.Sandy’s love of politics grew as she became a district leader in the Yorktown Democratic Committee; joined the newly formed Westchester Black Women’s Political Caucus (1979) and served as its second countywide president (1981-1984); served as president of the Black Democrats of Westchester (1984-1988); and twice ran for county legislator in District 4 (1985 & 1987). Sandy still had time to volunteer at The Westchester County Press, a position she continued for twenty-three years. (1986-2009). Sandy’s leadership qualities were recognized by Governor Mario Cuomo. He appointed her to serve on the Advisory Council to the New York State Division of Human Rights in 1984 and 1986. Gov. Cuomo appointed her to serve on the governing Council of the College of Optometry of the State University of New York. She also served on the prestigious Association of Council Members and College Trustees of the State University of New York. Sandra resides in Yorktown and is a member of Mount Olivet Baptist Church in Peekskill. Sandy is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Westchester Alumnae Chapter, a member of the Westchester Black Women’s Political Caucus and the Black Democrats of Westchester. She also served as a vice chair of the Westchester County Democratic Executive Committee. In 2005, Sandy retired from Putnam-Northern Westchester Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) of Yorktown Heights, New York. In January 2009, Sandra became the publisher and editor of The Westchester County Press after the passing of Publisher M. Paul Redd, Sr. Sandy’s particular interest, curiosity and enthusiasm are in her passion for The Westchester County Press, the county’s only weekly African American newspaper, where she has been publisher and editor for the past 13 years. Starting out more than 36 years ago as a volunteer, Sandy helped create and design the paper into the format that it is today. She writes, edits and manages a small staff and often doubles as delivery person when the going gets tough. Sandra was honored recently for her community service by The Preservation Company, Inc. of Peekskill at the organization’s 13th Annual Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration. She has also received recognition for her leadership and dedication to building a better community from SHARE NY (Safe, Healthy, Affordable, Reliable, Energy), the Black Democrats of Westchester, NAACP ACT-SO, The Nu Psi Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. and the Westchester Black Women’s Political Caucus, Inc. “My goal now is to continue serving the Westchester County African American community by telling our story. The paper is one of our most valuable assets and we must use it to report positive news about our lives.”