Staff report

Tekoa Academy of Accelerated Studies: A Designated T-STEM School will present, “African American Women: Living Legends in Education,” from our Port Arthur community at the Holiday Inn on Walden Road in Beaumont from 4-7 p.m. May 17.

The women have served 30-40 years in the educational system, dedicating their academic acumen, talent, “beyond the bell time,” talents and finances to successfully advance career opportunities for their students, the school said in an issued statement.

Those to be honored include Earnestine Alexander, Naomi Bailey, Marilyn Baptiste, Beatrice Branch, Majorie Cole, Willia Mae Elmore, Gladdie Fowler, Doris Gill, Barbra Hannah-Keys, Mary Lathan, Tommiesazine Louviere, Annette Mitchell, Barbara Perrot, Barbara Polk, Vivian Sneed and Thomasene Thomas

Guest speaker is Dr. Collette Pierce Brunette, the sixth president and first female president of Houston-Tillotson University. She is also the second female president of this 140-year-old university, the oldest university in Austin.

Burnette matriculated at Ohio State University, earning a bachelor’s in engineering and a master’s of science from Georgia College. Burnette completed the Management Education Program at Harvard University and earned a doctorate in education from the University of Pennsylvania. She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc.

Tekoa Academy of Accelerated Studies STEM School invites Southeast Texans to support, honor and celebrate these “Capstone” women. All guests must RSVP on or before May 14. Plated meals will be served. Dress attire only.

Tickets: $25.

Information: 409-982-5400.