In College Signing Day – Ceremony Norfolk Kappas Award Graduating Seniors

NORFOLK

The second annual College Signing Day presented by the Norfolk, Virginia Alumni Chapter, of  Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. Guide Right Program Director, John “JP” Paige, and the Kappa League Coordinator, Hughes Valmond, in coordination with the School Counseling Department of Booker T. Washington High School, was held on May 17, 2017.

The purpose of National Signing Day is to build excitement and awareness behind the importance of pursuing an education beyond high school whether it be enrolling in a 2 or 4 year public or private institution, or registering for a certification or job training program.

Not only does College Signing Day publicly celebrate the postsecondary plans of graduating seniors, but it also inspires younger students to make future educational aspirations. The hope is that this event encourages Norfolk students and their families to continue making education a part of their future.

Eleven graduating seniors were recognized and nine of them have earned the Advanced Studies Diploma and two received the Standard Diploma. The students included: Gary Bacon, Quonthyon J. Cuffee, Leroy A. Ellsworth, IV, Caleb J. Freeman, Jonathan T. Freeman, Khire R. Green, Khalil M. McPhearson, Jordan I. Spruill, Prince J. Watkins, Tasuan J. Woods, and Deontae Smith.

Among the eleven graduates, their universities of choice were Norfolk State University, Old Dominion University, Glenville State University, Virginia Commonwealth University, and Tidewater Community College.

Each student was presented a baseball cap from the school he would be attending.

The Norfolk (VA) Alumni Chapter, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. NAC-Save Our Youth Foundation awarded Caleb J. Freeman, Khalil McPhearson each a $500.00 scholarship. Quonthyon J. Cuffee received the first George F. Reed Scholarship which was created to recognize Mr. Reed’s commitment and dedication to raising funds for scholarships and hard work and commitment to the Chapter’ Guide Right Mentoring Programs and initiatives.

Fraternity Brothers attending the event included: Anthony O. Walters, Sr., Chapter Polemarch; Honorable Raymond A. Jackson, Federal Judge; William H. Milligan, III, Foundation President; Timothy D. Lamb, Chapter Exchequer; Juan M. Alexander; Hughes Valmond, Kappa League Coordinator; Barry Thompson; Rory Love; Dr. Robert Campbell, Foundation Treasurer; Lincoln T. and L. Darnell Spicely, Portsmouth-Suffolk Alumni Chapter; Courtney Shannon; John (JP) Paige, Chapter Guide Right Director; and George F. Reed.

Booker T. Washington High School staff participating included: Dr. Margie G. Stalling, Principal; Dr. Tiffany L. Hillian, Director of School Counseling and Guidance; Tiese Bright, School Counselor; Jackie Whitehead, ACCESS Advisor; Pamela Giles, School Counselor; Veronica Waller, School Counselor; and Carla J. Harmon, School Counselor.