The Annual Scholarship Awards Program

CAYF RECOGNIZED EXCELLENCE

The Coleman A. Young Foundation (CAYF) hosted its 28th Annual Awards Program at the Historic Gem Theatre and Century Grille on May 18, 2009 at 5:30 p.m.  At the Awards Program, CAYF honored scholars who have received CAYF scholarships and are now college graduates.  CAYF introduced new scholars who graduated from high school this year and received college scholarships beginning with the 2010-11 school year.  CAYF also honored REAL Skills Program participants who graduated from high school this year and preparing to attend college beginning with the 2010-11 school year.  This year's educator of the year award was given to Steven McGhee, Principal, University of Central Preparatory High School (Central High School). 

"We pride ourselves on helping cultivate Detroit's next leaders," said Dr. Claudette Y. Smith, Executive Director of CAYF.  "We are confident that our graduates will continue the legacy of Coleman A. Young."

Five college graduates were recognized:

• Angelina J. Jordan graduates Magna Cum Laude from Hampton University with a major in Business Management. Angelina maintained a 3.5 or above GPA each semester throughout her four years at Hampton.
  
• Angela Mew graduates from Wayne State University with a major in Political Science.  She plans to pursue a career in law. She plans to be a role model for the youth of Detroit by being a successful business woman and demonstrating that with hard work and perseverance anyone can make it.
• Shahaan Smith graduates from Wayne State University with a major in Biology.  He worked full time and maintained a 3.0 overall GPA.  Shahaan plans to attend medical school beginning in 2011. Shahaan volunteered for many health programs, coordinated a Community Service Project where he demonstrated excellent leadership skills in planning and organizing fellow-scholars to volunteer at the Coalition of Temporary Shelter (COTS) soup kitchen.  He served as the chair of the Youth Advisory Committee.  Shahaan’s determination and focus on his goals kept him motivated to graduate.
• Jennifer Williams graduates from Michigan State University with a major in English/Special Education. Jennifer maintained 3.0 GPA throughout her undergraduate program at Michigan State.  Jennifer is excited to give back to Detroit and the community and will continue her education by attending Michigan State University to pursue graduate studies in Special Education.
• Darryl Woods graduates from Michigan State University with a major in Economics.  His goal is to pursue a master's degree in business administration.  Darryl plans to be a role model to the youth of Detroit by being a successful business man and demonstrating that with hard work and perseverance anyone can make it.

CAYF announced ten 2010 scholarship recipients:

• Kathy Almansoob, graduate of Universal Academy High School; will matriculate at the University of Michigan, Dearborn, major Premed.
• Patricia M. Bynum, graduate of University Preparatory High School; will matriculate at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, major Anthropology.
• Jahnia Uloma Estwick, graduate of University Preparatory High School; will matriculate at Michigan State University, major Veterinary Science.
• Theresa Simone Ford, graduate of University Preparatory High School; will matriculate at Michigan State University, major Computer Engineering. Theresa participated in the CAYF Real Skills Program for over three years.
• Ahmedul Islam, graduate of Martin Luther King High School; will matriculate at Wayne State University, major Electrical Engineering.
• Eduardo Salas, graduate of Western International High School; will matriculate at the University of Michigan, Dearborn, major Accounting/Business.
• Cordaro Smith, graduate of Detroit Community High School; will matriculate at Wayne State University, major Business/Engineering.
• Nakeisha D. Waugh, graduate of University of Central Preparatory High School; will matriculate at Grand Valley State University, major Pre-Law.
• Brian Williams, graduate of University Preparatory High School; will matriculate at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, major Biochemistry.
• Johnetta L. Williams, graduate of Thomas M. Cooley; will matriculate at the University of Detroit Mercy, major Criminal Justice.

The Foundation also recognized its current scholars including participants of its Named Scholars Program and its after-school program, REAL SKILLS, formally known as the Post-Secondary Readiness Planning Program (PSRP).

REAL SKILLS is an after-school life skills program for city of Detroit 8th and 9th graders along with their parents. The program's purpose is to prepare youth for academic success and social well being.

The CAYF Named Scholars Program is supported by individual and corporate sponsors.  Each sponsor provides a four-year college scholarship at $5,000 per annum, plus $500 per year towards the administrative cost of the program for mentoring the student to adapt to college life and for monitoring the student's academic performance.

As a part of the Named Scholars Program, some sponsors provide their student with summer internship opportunities and the prospect of becoming a full-time employee of the sponsor's organization upon graduating from college. 

Contact CAYF for information on Named Scholar sponsorships.

• 
•