The National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa, Inc., Beta Mu Chapter felt privileged to bestow the 35th annual TEACH-A-RAMA Community Citation Award upon such a laudable candidate as Dr. Roland H. Walker, Health Commissioner, City of Gary. The theme of the annual TEACH-A-RAMA event, held by zoom format November 7, 2020, Virtual Learning During a Pandemic, highlighted the leadership and steadfast dedication of Dr. Walker during this life-threatening crisis. Having survived the coronavirus himself as well as a member of his family, Dr. Walker’s selfless service has been an uplift and boundless encouragement for the people of Gary and surrounding communities.

An award—Recognition of Excellence in Teaching During a Pandemic was bestowed upon Ericka Hightower, 6th Grade Teacher at Merrillville Intermediate School, who presented the organized, systematic schedule of her virtual teaching activities geared to maximizing involvement and feedback from her students.

TEACH-A-RAMA, an annual event, celebrated nation-wide by the National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa, Inc., an organization of international professional educators, also included a salute to Leslie Green, the Soror of the Year, a viewing of the sorority’s E-Learning Academy by Nora Robbs and musical selections from members of the Xinos and Kudos clubs–two of the sponsored youth groups. Honored guests from the Midwest Region zoomed congratulations to the participants as well as Dr. Etta F. Carter, the Supreme Basileus. Ruth Walker has chaired the outstanding event for the past eleven years and Onitta Parker is Basileus and leader of Beta Mu Chapter.