Another Successful PE Year Closes with Annual Scholarship Banquet
The Memorial Day weekend is generally considered the unofficial start of the summer vacation season. But when it comes to our young people's education, Gamma Pi never takes a vacation. That is why the Brothers who work with Project ENRICH and the Charles Drew Memorial Scholarship Fund were all "on duty" Saturday at the National Wildlife Visitors Center in Laurel along with a full contingent of parents and students for the Third Annual Scholarship Banquet.
The purpose of the scholarship banquet was to recognize seniors who received more than $5 million in scholarship funds this year, including 10 students from Prince George's County schools of which three were from Project ENRICH who received $3,000 each from the Charles Drew Memorial Scholarship Fund. In addition, the program honored essay contest winners who competed at all four grade levels (9-12) in April, as well as the Parent of the Year and the School of the Year for the just-completed 2024-25 academic calendar.
This year's class was comprised of 35 seniors, 32 juniors, 22 sophomores and 14 freshmen, according to program chairman Bro. Dr. George Montgomery, Jr. These students come from 25 local schools.
American Urban Radio Network White House beat reporter Ebony McMorris brought forth a strong and interesting keynote speech that connected with students and parents. Her message centered on students -- and their parents -- seeing themselves through the lens of success, talent, and prosperity. " Speaking metaphorically about the power of the lens, she challenged the students, especially the seniors, to capture their stories, shape their images and keep the "focus" on their stories. "Each of you were born at the right time and chosen for a time such as this. What will you do with the lens that you have been given?"
Students also heard from Charles Drew chairman Bro. Brett Blake, along with vice chair Bro. Willie Hines, Bro. Dr. John Howard, Bro. Brian K. Long, former program director Bro. James Riley, Jr. and Gamma Pi Basileus Bro. Eric Fields, who reminded students that getting a scholarship was about more than just the money but also about the responsibility to use it to achieve success.
MacKenzie Summer was given the top honor yesterday by being named the "#1 senior" in Project ENRICH. In addition to her and Antoinette Mason (Perseverance award winner), other senior award winners were Miracle Iweala (Manhood), Adam Pinkney (Scholarship) and Cesi Taboada (Uplift). Brother Cox personally pledged $800 of his own money toward tuition for the four award winners -- $200 for each winner representing the Omega Psi Phi Four Cardinal Principles: Manhood, Scholarship, Perseverance and Uplift.
Winners of the annual essay contest were also recognized for each grade level. Freshmen: Rudy Jules, Donovan Fowler (First place); Gammon Gresham (Second); Willie Hines (Third). Sophomores: Brandon Jones (First), Makyla Massie (second), and Aaron Lorenzo (Third). Juniors: Shayne Dennis (|First); Niaye Greene, Brittany Jennings (Second); Chidera Ken-anueyiagu (Third). Seniors: MacKenzie Summer (First); Ragime Young (Second); Cesi Taboada, Miracle Iweale (Third)
