Jay Pharoah Fine Arts Scholarship Ball Makes Awards

By Ernest Lowery
Special to the Guide

The Jay Pharoah 2024 Inaugural Fine Arts Scholarship Ball chalked up a  successful event at the Rivers Casino in Portsmouth, Va., on Saturday September 21, 2024. The event had a capacity crowd mixed with adults and a handsome group of young and upcoming students. The band Better By Tuesday entertained while the guests were getting situated with their seating and chatting before the program began.

Ramona Farrow, P3H President, brought greetings and the Mistress of Ceremonies was Bonita Billingsley Harris/Dominion Energy. She later introduced the keynote speaker Phil Thornton, a Norfolk State graduate. After proving himself as an artist, management/consultant, and co-founder Ten2One Entertainment, he became senior vice president of Capitol Christian Music Group. Now he is focusing on his own media company, Three Diamonds.

In his remarks Mr. Thornton stressed the five “R”(s) that help you maintain success; they are Respect,  Relationships, Responsibility, Results and Revenue.

The Scholarship winners for 2024 were Ashley Bell from Indian River HS, Jana Simmons from Grassfield HS and Madilyn Simmons from Western Branch HS. For the past 10 years, this scholarship was awarded to Indian River High School seniors pursuing college degrees in the arts. This year, eligibility for the scholarship was expanded to all public high schools in Chesapeake, resulting in three $5,000 scholarships awarded to students from Grassfield, Indian River, and Western Branch High Schools.

\  Phoenix Honoree was Mr. James L. Frye, Sr. Mr. Frye, who retired from the Chesapeake Public Schools District,  had been an educator in schools all around the city where he was known for his unique style and passion for his students. His last position was principal at Indian River High School, from July 1987 until November, 2024.

A series of short emotional videos were shown from other educators who knew him best, and were very touching to see. A proclamation by Delegate Cliff Hayes was presented to Mr. Frye for his outstanding commitment to the Chesapeake schools and community at large. Jay Pharoah was beside Delicate Cliff Hayes as they were both students and graduates of Indian River High School.

The Pharoah  Phamily Phoundation is a 501(c) (3) not for profit charitable organization. Over the last 10 years the Phoundation has raised an upwards total of $65,000.00 in awards scholarships to graduating seniors in Chesapeake, Virginia.

Jay Pharoah spent six seasons on “Saturday Night Live” and continues to headline comedy clubs across the country. He is hosting FOX’s game show, “The Quiz With Balls” and has appeared in a number of films.