Kappa Alpha Psi chapter returns

Published 9:12 am Friday, March 18, 2011

Charlene Artis of Suffolk won a flat-screen plasma television from a raffle sponsored by the Franklin-Southampton Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi. Chapter members looking on, from left, are Terry Rawls, Hurley Day, Larry Jones, Keith Nichols, Howard Darden, Larry Blunt, Adolphius King and Victor Picot.

The dissolved Franklin-Southampton Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi has come back to life.

To raise money to pay for its reactivation chapter dues, members recently held a raffle. Charlene Artis of Suffolk was the grand prizewinner, receiving a flat-screen, 46-inch plasma television. Michael Smith of Newsoms won an iPod and Arkeen Ellis of Smithfield won a Blu-Ray DVD player.

Member Larry Blunt said the chapter was initially formed about 15 years ago and lasted about three years. Founded in 1911, Kappa Alpha Psi is a service organization formed on Christian principles.

The chapter has 12 members and another seven are expected to join. Members must have a bachelor’s degree.

Blunt in 1977 chartered a chapter at Virginia Tech, where he received a degree in health education. A Franklin High School graduate, Blunt played football for the Hokies on a full scholarship.

The local chapter, which will also serve Isle of Wight County, meets at 7 p.m. the first Monday of the month at 510 N. Main St., Franklin. For information, call 650-8471.

• The Bank of Southside Virginia on Tuesday hosted Franklin High School seniors Casandra “Cassy” Barnes and Conya Powell for its annual Virginia Bankers Association Bank Day Scholarship Program.

The program exposed students to the banking industry and provided an opportunity for them to learn about banking, financial services and the role banks play in communities.

Cassy and Conya will write an essay about their experience on how banking benefits the community. Six regional essay winners will receive $1,000 and a statewide winner will receive $2,000.