16th Annual Black Male Achievement and Scholarship Award Program Circle of Excellence

Special to the Guide

CHESAPEAKE

More than 600 guests gathered at the Chesapeake Conference Center on April 27 for the 16th Annual Black Male Achievement and Scholarship Award Program. The event is presented by The New Chesapeake Men for Progress Education Foundation, Inc., and included citizens from throughout Hampton Roads, Richmond, North Carolina and Maryland.

Dr. George F. Reed, Board Secretary, provided an explanation for the occasion, noting that it highlights excellence embodied in student achievement as well as the school division which is highly rated among the 131 school divisions in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Now in its 16th year, the program has grown to award 21 $1,000.00 scholarships to graduating Black male students from Chesapeake’s seven High Schools. Scholarship awardees included: Ethan Richie; David Adejepong; Amir Wray-Hill; Bradley Eric Ayieko; Ethan Gaylor; Jameson Douglas Booth; Addae Perry-brown, Zachary Charles Moore; Deiko Amir Pitts; Ewomazibo Igwe; Elijah Cian Woods; Johnathan Lee McNair, Jr; Brevin Caldwell; Lavonte Leeiron Thomas Jones; Joshua S. Davenport; Isaac Alexander Huffman; Renard Lamonte Jenkins; Timothy Haynes, Jr.; Ellis Travon Wright; Jaylen Christian Brady Perry; and Markus L. Dock

During his keynote speech for the occasion, Kelvin L. Wright, Retired Chesapeake Chief of Police, commended the students on their achievements and accomplishments and commended the parents for their parenting. He admonished the students that “Life is About choices.” He noted that their choices would define them, and noted that choices have consequences. Mr. Wright told the students to know who they are and what they want to be, and think about it with both their mind and heart. He advised the students to choose a life of kindness, love, and compassion.

This year, for the first time, 10 scholarships were awarded to middle school students. Awardees included: Thomas Robinson, Jr.; Ahmir Battle; Ian Reid; Samuel coles; Brandon Debrow; Cartier Crump; Brandon McAdoo; Issac Abakpa; Reginald Wallace, Jr. and Kennan Biggs. Dr. Stephanie D.B. Johnson funds this program by providing a $100.00 gift card to each student and supports the annual event as a Bronze Sponsor.

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A special Scholarship was initiated during the program by Chesapeake’s Delegate C.E. Cliff Hayes. Hayes presented the Foundation with $1,000.00 check to establish a memorial scholarship in the name of the late March Cromuel, a political activist and former president of the Chesapeake NAACP.

Del. Hayes committed to support this scholarship for ten years at which time the Foundation will continue the scholarship. Chesapeake Undersheriff, David Rosado matched Hayes’ contribution of $1,000.00, bringing the initial contribution to $2,000.00. The March Cromuel Memorial Scholarship will be awarded in August of this year.

The annual program is supported by city departments, governing body, churches leaders, community organization leaders, other foundations, and citizens. This year’s signature sponsor was Virginia Senator L. Louis Lucas who has a strong commitment to educational excellence.