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On this very special evening, high school seniors from Austin-East and Fulton High Schools will be recognized for their accomplishments in meeting all of the requirements to earn the Project GRAD scholarship. Celebration will be held at the Knoxville Convention Center on Sunday, April 28th. Doors open at 4:30.
Time is drawing near to celebrate this year’s scholarship recipients at the Annual Scholars Celebration Dinner scheduled for Sunday, April 28, 2013 at the Knoxville Convention Center. Doors open at 4:30 and the program begins at 5:00 p.m.
An exciting evening has been planned as several GRAD Scholars who have graduated from college return to participate in program. Lori Tucker will once again serve as the Mistress of Ceremonies for the dinner which she has done for every Celebration Dinner to date.
Lori Tucker (WATE News Anchor) opened the program and introduced Larry Mauldin (Project GRAD Board Chair) who welcomed the more than 600 people to the Annual Scholars Celebration Dinner. Larry then introduced Jack Miller (Class of 2005 GRAD Scholar, Fulton High School) who came to the stage to perform the Invocation. Prior to offering his prayer, Jack shared his experiences with Project GRAD with those in attendance. Jack spoke of his decision to attend college, left to go to work and then returned when he discovered that education is important.
Following dinner, a video was shown that highlighted “Teachers of the Year.” this video was created by staff members Kelly Headrick and Michelle McArthur (School Climate Coaches). The video was reflective of teachers who were nominated by their peers for “Teacher of the Year” in Knox County Schools. As the video played, teachers in the audience clapped for their peers as GRAD scholars also expressed their appreciation.
Scholars who spoke to the audience and shared their reflections were Jessica Tarver (Class of 2012, Fulton High School) and Cordy Cox (Class of 2012, Austin-East high School), Jessica reflected on her high school experience and GRAD experience. She shared that by attending the Summer Institutes she made up her mind about attending college and decided to pursue a major in journalism. Cordy Cox reflected on his school years as he thanked those who had helped him in elementary, middle and high school. He also thanked his parents, members of Knox County Schools, Project GRAD Knoxville staff and the Project GRAD Knoxville Board of Directors. Cordy also shared his Summer Institute experiences as he talked about rising early to attend classes and how much the Institutes helped to prepare him for college. Cordy plans to attend college and major in mathematics.
PGK College Graduates didn’t speak this year but those in attendance were recognized. During the recognition, a special video was played that pictured several graduates in their cap and gown. The video also included testimonials from parents and students who have been impacted by Project GRAD. The video was powerful as the audience heard from parents and students about their experience with Project GRAD and all of the support they receive from College Support Coach Ms. Annette Long.
This year’s “Caught Doing Right For Kids” Award was given to an outstanding educator and longtime community member who is very deserving of the honor. Reverend Dr. Montina B. Jones was named the award winner and received a standing ovation as she made her way to the stage accompanied by her husband to receive the award. As Dr. Jones received this award, she spoke to the audience and shared some of her life story as she told scholars about her parents not having the money to send her to college and their disappointment. Dr. Jones persevered and paid her way thru college by working and going to school and has now earned her Ph.D. Dr. Montina Jones is Senior Advisor for High Needs Schools for Knox County Schools and began working within the school system as a Math and Science teacher at Beardsley Middle School, a teacher a Eastport Elementary, Assistant Principal at South Doyle Middle School, Assistant Principal at Austin-East High School and Principal at Vine Middle Magnet School before being promoted to Central Office in 2003 as Director of Urban Schools. Dr. Jones has received awards in education and for community service. She serves as a Board member for Project GRAD Knoxville, Emerald Youth Foundation, Knox Area Urban League and KCDC. Congratulations Reverend Dr. Montina B. Jones – you have been “Caught Doing Right For Kids.”
It was an honor to have Ms. Betty Jo Hamilton as the mace bearer for the Scholars Procession this year. She was very proud and thoroughly enjoyed leading the Scholars thru the ballroom to receive their medallion and certificate. Ms. Hamilton has been a teacher with the Knox County School system for 56 years.
The program closed with a special spoken word selection performed by Mrs. Rhea Carmon (Teacher, Austin-East High School) aka “Rhea Sunshine.” The selection performed by Rhea was written by her exclusively for this year’s Scholars and she told them “It’s Your Time!”
One hundred forty two (142) Scholars of the Class of 2012 have earned the Project GRAD Scholarship. Congratulations Scholars!
Thank you to everyone who helped to make this year’s dinner a success.
MEDIA COVERAGE
WBIR – http://www.wbir.com/news/article/217487/2/College-bound-Project-GRADs-receive-scholarships
Excitement is building as time draws near for this years “Celebration of Stars” dinner to honor graduating seniors of the Class of 2012. Approximately 146 Scholars will be honored for their achievements on this very special evening. The Dinner will be held at the Knoxville Convention Center on Sunday, April 22, 2012 with doors opening at 4:30 p.m. and the program beginning at 5:00 p.m. It will be a great evening.
Project GRAD Knoxville held it Annual Scholars Celebration Dinner on Sunday, April 17, 2011 at the Knoxville Convention Center. This year marked the seventh year that Project GRAD has held this exciting dinner to honor high school seniors graduating from Austin-East and Fulton High Schools who have successfully met all requirements to graduate and earn the $4,000 scholarship.
One hundred thirty-four (134) scholars attended the dinner accompanied by their family. As the program began, Lori Tucker (WATE News Anchor) greeted the more than 750 people who were in attendance. Lori introduced Larry Mauldin (Project GRAD Board Chair) who officially welcomed everyone.
As part of Project GRAD’s 10 year celebration, teachers were recognized during the dinner for their hard work and dedication. A video (“Tribute to Teachers”) was created and played for the audience to enjoy before dinner. Following dinner, Dr. Jim McIntyre (Superintendent, Knox County Schools) introduced Governor Bill Haslam who returned to Knoxville to participate in this year’s dinner as Project GRAD celebrates 10 years of serving kids and families. During the Governor’s remarks, he spoke of his involvement with Project GRAD from the beginning and then addressed the 2011 GRAD Scholars.
High school reflections were shared by Amanda Snow (Fulton) and Charles Holland, Jr., (Austin-East). Both speakers reflected on the difference Project GRAD made in their decision to continue their education and attend college. Their Summer Institute experiences were invaluable and also contributed to their decision and exposed them to college life. Both Amanda and Charles talked about the support they each receive from the Project GRAD staff at their schools.
Following high school reflections, Jerry Hodges (Executive Director), presented Governor Bill Haslam with the 2011 Caught Doing Right For Kids award. Governor Haslam was selected as this year’s award recipient because of his leadership and involvement with Project GRAD since it began in Knoxville 10 years ago. Governor Haslam was also recognized as Founding Board Chair Emeritus.
The highlight of the dinner each year is the ‘Scholars Processional’. This is the “red carpet” moment for the scholars who process through the ballroom and walk across the stage as their name is called to receive their medallion and certificate. This years class had the honor of having their medallion presented by Governor Haslam and their certificate presented by Dr. Jimmy Cheek (Chancellor, University of Tennessee).
GRAD College Scholars were invited to the dinner and were in attendance to include members of the College Board. Several of the College Scholars have completed college and are presently working on their Master’s degree. Malcolm Marsh graduated from Fulton in 2010 and is attending college. Malcolm addressed the scholars briefly as he told them to do something great with this opportunity. He also told them that they can make it even though there may be struggles they “can make it.” Malcolm became emotional as he talked about the support he received from Ms. Terreka and Ms. Annette while in high school and now in college. Another GRAD college scholar, Kensey Parker, is a Fulton graduate, Class of 2006 and closed the program with a song called “The Prayer.” Kensey was accompanied by Cory Zimmerman and together, the closing selection was unbelievably power and the perfect way to conclude the program as the scholars were congratulated.
As part of the 10 year celebration, Lori Tucker interviewed GRAD Scholars who have gone on to college and are now in the workforce. Four scholars were selected and Lori interviewed each of them at their workplace. Derrick Smith is now an Academic Advocate who returned to work for Project GRAD, Zackea Harris who is now a teacher, Joel Brown who is now a highly skilled auto mechanic and Anthony McCallister who is now working at the high school that he graduated from in the area of counseling and social work. These interviews played throughout dinner for all to enjoy.
You can follow events from the dinner on twitter.com/projectgrad #PGK2011CelebrationDinner.
Project GRAD Knoxville
700 E. Hill Avenue, Suite 100
Knoxville, TN 37915
tel (865) 525-4030
fax (865) 934-0194