St. Paul AME Parade of Hats raises scholarships for 7th year

The judges and winners of the Hat Parade show off their beautiful crowns.

Saint Paul AME Church in Lithonia hosted its 7^thAnnual Parade of Hats fashion show and luncheon on Saturday, March 6, in Lithonia. The fashion show, which brings together hat lovers, businesses and the public, serves as a scholarship fundraiser for high school graduates in the community.

This year, the event honored two DeKalb County students who will receive scholarships and care packages for school: Matthew Crawford, a senior at Arabia Mountain High School, and Samir Wadi, a senior at Miller Grove High School.

Joyce Reid, who has organized the event since its inception, said the festive event is a fun way to bring in the Spring and give back to the community.

“I thank all of the sponsors, vendors and volunteers who helped to make the event possible,” Reid said.

This year, scholarships were awarded to Matthew Crawford, a senior at Arabia Mountain High School and Sami Wadi, a senior at Miller Grove High School.    Sponsors for the event include Chick-fil-A, DeKalb County Tax Commissioner’s Office, General Mills, Toni’s Unlimited, On Common Grounds News, SE Pruitt Consulting, McDonald’s, Avon, Bojangles, Coldwell Banker, WellCare, Mary Kay, Moon’s Counseling & Consulting Services, LLC, Anointed Stones, Dignity Memorial, KES Inc., Nexclin Medicine and State Farm.

The Rev. Nathaniel Veal, Jr. is senior pastor of Saint Paul AME Worship Center. The church is located at 1704 S. Stone Mountain-Lithonia Road, Lithonia.

Organizer Joyce Reid poses in front of the banner of sponsors.