Coastal advocacy group survives council’s wrath
September 18, 2012Extremists should be exposed by faith claims
September 18, 2012
The Terrebonne Parish NAACP handed out $31,000 in scholarships to high school graduates Saturday at its annual banquet, as Hollywood actress Vivica Fox lauded the winners, calling them “Generation Next.”
The local chapter of the national civil rights organization awarded a total of 27 $1,000 scholarships to students from all four Terrebonne Parish public high schools. Additionally, four students who attended Vandebilt Catholic High School, also received a $1,000 scholarship.
Fox headlined the 30th annual event, which was a 1,000-seat sell-out this year.
Jerome Boykin, Terrebonne NAACP President, estimated that this year’s $31,000 cash gifts would inch the organization closer to having given away more than $250,000 in educational stipends.
“This event is all about raising money to award our best in academics. And for a local non-profit organization to give away this kind of money, in this kind of economy, well, I think that speaks volumes,” Boykin said. “But of course, we could not be a blessing to our students without our corporate sponsors and this year’s large group of attendees blessing us.
“We are also blessed to have a very active Youth NAACP Chapter here in Terrebonne Parish, and a director, Diana Collins, who gives her all.”
Collins said Terrebonne High School boasts the most scholarship winners with 11.
They, and their colleges of choice, are: Kierra Bolden, Nicholls State University; Alexis Bonvillain, Xavier University, Cameron Diggs, University of Louisiana-Lafayette, Tremayne Diggs, Xavier University, Christopher Fakier, Nicholls State University, Kia James, University of Louisiana-Lafayette, Myra Jefferson, Louisiana State University, Meah Johnson, Nicholls State University, Geornessa McKinley, Louisiana State University, Sasha Scott, the University of New Orleans, and Jamie Triggs, the University of Louisiana-Lafayette.
The scholarship recipients from H.L. Bourgeois High School, and their colleges of choice, are: Kwanza Coleman, Xavier University, Kewann Conley, Xavier University, Bryanna Green, Millsaps College (Jackson, Mississippi), Brionne Jackson, Louisiana State University, Brian McGuin, Xavier University, Derian Moore, Nicholls State University, Donsshaunneek Sims, Southern University of Baton Rouge, and Michelle Turner, University of Louisiana-Lafayette.
The scholarship recipients from South Terrebonne High School, and their colleges of choice, are: Kendrea Harris, Southern University of Baton Rouge, Brionne Jackson, Louisiana State University, Heather Himel, Nicholls State University, Colin Marts, Harvard University, Ronald Robinson, Nicholls State University, Rona Sims, Dillard University, Kambre Stewart, Southern University of Baton Rouge, and Tevin Thomas, Southern University.
The scholarship recipient from Ellender High School is Haley LeBoeuf, who intends to study at Northwestern State University.
The scholarship recipients from Vanderbilt Catholic High School, and their colleges of choice, are: Marae Daigs, Louisiana State University, Seth Ward, Louisiana State University, Cecily Williams, Xavier University, and Trevor Williams, Louisiana State University.
Terrebonne Parish President Michel Claudet told the crowd that the English translation of Terrebonne needs to include the words good people, in addition to good earth.
Terrebonne Parish Sheriff Jerry Larpenter, who began his remarks by exclaiming, “I’m back,” cautioned the scholarship winners to set goals for what they want to do in life.
“You can go anywhere and do anything. You will be our next leaders. Listen wisely and choose wisely. Make sure you don’t do anything to embarrass yourself or your family,” he said.
Fox is best known for her roles in the films “Independence Day,” “Soul Food,” “Why Do Fools Fall In Love,” “Kill Bill” and “Juwanna Mann.”
From 2004 to 2006, Fox starred in and co-produced the Lifetime Network drama series, “Missing.”
Fox also participated in the third season of ABC’s hit television show, “Dancing with the Stars,” but she was voted off after the fourth week.
“There is an old saying that misery loves company,” Fox said. “Sometimes you have to go into a new chapter of your life for the Lord to bless you with a new chapter. You have to look forward and not backwards. Because if you keep looking back, you will not be able to see all of the blessings that are standing in front of you, and trust me when I tell you that.
“Generation Next – the choices you make in this next chapter of your life are very important. You all are our future leaders, preachers, teachers, lawyers, mothers, fathers – who knows, maybe presidents and first ladies. But remember – there are haters out there who hope you don’t pay attention, who hope you don’t realize you’re Generation Next, who hope you make bad choices. Don’t be afraid of change, a challenge. Don’t be a person who will say one day I wish I could have, or I should have done that. Whatever opportunities that come your way, go for it. There are so many chapters for you to live.
“And learn to get out of your own way, and if you’re standing in your own way, be honest with yourself. Before you do anything, make sure you get your spirituality right. And above all, love one another.”
La Supreme Court Assoc Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson accepts the 2012 Terrebonne NAACP President’s Award from Terrebonne NAACP Chapter President Jerome Boykin.
