WS Chronicle

Photo by Tevin Stinson

BY TIMOTHY RAMSEY 

FOR THE CHRONICLE

The YMCA is not just for working out. Ask Andrea Hicks, who has been working to make a difference there.

“I’ve been working with the Winston Lake YMCA for 13 years and I found through working with the students, I had a passion for youth development and helping them reach their potential,” said Hicks, Winston Lake Family YMCA Youth and Family Services director.  “I just truly enjoy working with the Black Achievers because it’s good to help them set goals and let them know whatever dreams or aspirations they have, they can get there, and we are here to help.”

Community and business leaders along with graduating high school seniors were recognized at the 19th annual Winston Lake Family YMCA Black Achievers Gala at the Hawthorne Inn and Conference Center.

The Achievers program emphasizes academic and career development for high school youth. The program provides different soft skill workshops such as resume building and public speaking to help graduating teens navigate the next steps after high school.  Eight of the graduating teens in the program received scholarships during the gala.

Atkins Academic and Technology High School senior Angel Williams said she joined the Black Achievers because she is shy and thought the club would open her up. She has been in the program for two years and said, “I wanted to be involved in an extra-curricular activity and thought the program would help my communication skills.

“I am really honored to have received the scholarships,” she said.  “I was kind of worried about going to Hampton with their tuition cost, so this helps a lot with my financial obligations freshman year. I am really excited and appreciative.”

Williams received the Moses H. Lucas Scholarship, named for the Winston Lake YMCA beloved former youth director. She also received the Winston Lake Family YMCA Merit Scholarship for her leadership and academic excellence. Her plans are to attend Hampton University in the fall to study pre-pharmacy and wants to pursue a career as a pharmacist upon graduation.

Other scholarship winners were Jada Moore, Chardonoett’e Campbell, Amber Peppers, Davont’e Wilson, Kiana Carter, Tracy Powell, and Keaira Green.

City Council member Derwin Montgomery was the May 12 gala’s keynote speaker.  In 2009 Montgomery was elected to the City Council, becoming the youngest council member in the city’s recorded history and the youngest African-American elected official in the United States.

Montgomery spoke about how life is full of struggles and they make us better because we endure them.  Quoting Frederick Douglas, Montgomery said, “If there is no struggle, there is no progress.” He wanted all the young people in attendance to understand that no one is going to hand them a “golden ticket” and some fail on their first attempt in life. But when adversity comes, they have to persevere and strive to achieve their goal and cannot give up.  Montgomery recalled the time he failed in his attempts at SGA president while at Winston Salem State University, but continued in his efforts to serve and eventually won the City Council seat.

Dr. James D. Branch, M.D. was presented with the Lifetime Service Award for his almost 40 years of service practicing ophthalmology.

“I am honored and humbled to receive this award,” said Branch.  “I am a strong advocate for academic achievement and I recommend youth be ambitious, work for the best, give back and add value to your community and pray.”

Winston Salem State University Director of Athletics Tonia Walker was also honored with the Distinguished Service Award.  Walker is in her second year as Director of Athletics and said, “When you are nominated by your peers, it is a great thing. Any time that I’m able to pour into the lives of young people and share my experiences, I’m always willing. I am very honored, blessed and humbled to have won this award.”

The 2015 Adult Achievers who serve as role modes for the youth and provide support for the Black Achievers program were recognized. They included Shirley Gathier, Ashley Mungo, Justin Ramsey, Heather Davis-Riddick, Danielle Smith, and Letitia Simmons of PepsiCo; and Johnetta Huntley of JDL Castle.

The Minority Business Award went to the Ote’sha Creative Arts Ensemble. Hashim Saleh is the executive director and founding musician.  He says that his purpose and mission is to educate, inspire and uplift our community through cultural dance, music and theatre.