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An annual spring break trip for the fraternity, Kappa Sigma
partners with Reclaimed Project, a community development
faith-based organization out of Fondren, for a week of manual
labor in Lesotho, a small African country known as “The Kingdom
in the Sky” due to the mountainous region where it rests. This year
six Kappa Sigmas from Brandon flew 8,000 miles to spend their
break serving the people of Lesotho by building a retaining wall
and irrigation system for a new ministry site, which will serve as a
skills training center for high school students who are a part of
Reclaimed’s orphan care ministry.
Kennedy Guest, John William Ables, and John David West,
all graduates of Brandon High School, Alex Gibbs, a graduate of
Jackson Prep, Troy Stokes, a graduate of East Rankin Academy,
and Brandon Bergold, a graduate of Northwest Rankin, dedicated
their spring break to work alongside their fraternity’s philanthropic
partner. Two other Rankin County natives accompanied the Kappa
Sigmas on this trip: Marianna Myrick, who serves as Reclaimed
Project’s director of communications, and Ti Garner, who sits as
the board’s president. When asked about the relationship between
Reclaimed Project and Kappa Sigma, Kennedy Guest said,
“Looking at different fraternities and what they supported, there are
a lot of great causes out there. But I don’t think there is anything
more noble than putting a roof over someone’s head. As far as
lasting impact goes, being able to come here with Reclaimed and
seeing the work that Kappa Sigs have done four and five years prior,
seeing the playground and church that Kappa Sig built, seeing
those being used, is a huge deal. It makes me proud to be with
Reclaimed and proud to be a Kappa Sig.”
The pride of Kappa Sigma is evident in the water well that
bears the Greek letters of Kappa Sigma. However, what shines even
brighter is their work ethic, which is present in the willingness of
the young men to continue working, even through the dark of night
and rain of day. Ti Garner harps upon the work of the Kappa
Sigmas saying, “I really think that they, as much as us, benefit...
what they learn out of serving is really gonna impact and change
their lives. I’m really encouraged to see these guys, Kappa Sigs,
continue to do it, year after year.”
In-between hauling rocks and shoveling dirt, there were
moments of stomach churning laughter shared with the Kappa
Sigmas and Basotho workers. One of the most impactful things
John William Ables took away from the trip was working with the
Basotho people, the proper name for the kingdom’s locals.
Reflecting on his time with the Basotho people, Ables says,
“Working alongside the Basotho people and forming genuine
relationships with them was a priceless experience. It showed me
just how important and appreciated Reclaimed Project’s work is.”
Nevertheless, the work of Reclaimed Project and Kappa Sigma
is not done. Throughout the school year, Kappa Sigma hosts a
number of fundraising events to support Reclaimed. In February,
the fraternity hosted Charity Classic, an annual football and
cheerleading competition between members of the Greek community,
which raised $207,000 for Reclaimed Project. Without
the support of Kappa Sigma and the willing hands and feet of the
young men who serve, life would look different for the people of
Lesotho. The African wind wouldn’t be the same. l
110 • JUNE 2020