The Whitney M. Young, Jr. Memorial Scholarship
Dear Class of 2011,
One of the things I love the most about New York is discovering the city’s wonderful traditions. One of my favorites takes place each June as people everywhere – in subways, restaurants, or on the street – applaud when they see graduates pass by in their caps and gowns. If I could, I would give each and every high school graduate a standing ovation.
To those of you who have struggled through high school as well as to those of you who are graduating with top honors, congratulations on achieving what is likely one of the greatest milestones of your life so far. With your diploma in hand as proof of your determination to better your future, I salute you.
As President and CEO of the New York Urban League, I have the good fortune to interact with many of the young people that we advocate for and I believe that your future is bright. I’m not saying it will be easy – youth unemployment rates are high and higher education is increasingly expensive – but I have every faith that each of you can choose a career path suited to your unique talents and leave the world a better place.
While we know that a solid educational foundation will best prepare our future leaders for competitive careers, we realize that there are different paths to reach your goals and education does not always have to take place in a classroom. While some of you will pursue your professional careers directly out of high school, some of you will continue your academic careers in college. Whatever your decision, we look to you to write the next chapters of the country’s legacy. I challenge each of you commit to excellence no matter what you plan to do in life. I hope that you will never stop learning and will never stop dreaming big. As you embark on this next chapter of your life, I’d like to share some advice with you that I am sure will help you on your journey.
Be Connected and Stay ConnectedAs you prepare for the next chapter of your life be purposeful about being connected. If you are working you can join young professional groups, industry associations, chambers of commerce, or volunteer at community organizations. If you are in college, you can learn a language, study different disciplines, try new sports, join a club or study abroad. This is a special time in your life – be connected to the opportunity. Also be connected to the people you meet along the journey.
Find Someone Who Will Tell You What You Don’t Want to Hear
No matter your age or station in life it is so important to have mentors. Mentors help guide you in life’s journey, helping you to see opportunity where sometimes you might have only seen obstacles. As you progress on your life’s path, you will also need sponsors. Sponsors are the people in your life that speak up and out for you when you are not in the room. Mentors and sponsors can be found at your workplace, in a professor, an older colleague or student, an alumni association, a club or a house of worship.
Find Your Passion
It’s an old cliché, but it still rings true. Find your passion, and you will never work a day in your life. Think about what you want for your personal life, and seek a career that helps you fulfill it. Also remember that we live in a much more fluid world than your grandparents did, so you can have many different careers in your lifetime.
Don’t Be Ordinary When You Can Be Extraordinary
We are living in an incredible time! Dare to dream big, hairy and audacious goals. There are plenty of people who will tell you what you can’t do, but surround yourself with people who are going to lift you higher.
Don't allow fear to keep you from going after what you really want.
To the Class of 2011 - take a bow, you deserve it.
Arva R. Rice
President & CEO
New york Urban League
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The New York Urban League ••• |
| Adenike Alice Adeagbo | YP Emerging Leader Scholar |
| Lizette Alexander | Whitney M. Young, Jr. Scholar |
| Nadya F. Antoine | Whitney M. Young, Jr. Scholar |
| Petroni Bascombe | YP Emerging Leader Scholar |
| Sakinah Benjamin | Whitney M. Young, Jr. Scholar |
| Terrell Bobb | YP Emerging Leader Scholar |
| Imani Reginald Bruno | YP Emerging Leader Scholar |
| Brianna Cloud | Whitney M. Young, Jr. Scholar |
| Amanda Cordero | Whitney M. Young, Jr. Scholar |
| Karina Encarnacion | YP Emerging Leader Scholar |
| Briana Hamilton | YP Emerging Leader Scholar |
| Ashley Hanooman | Whitney M. Young, Jr. Scholar |
| Kiera Harris | Jordon Brand Scholar |
| Roberto Huie | Whitney M. Young, Jr. Scholar |
| Jaenique Hurlock | YP Emerging Leader Scholar |
| Deja Jackson | YP Emerging Leader Scholar |
| Alicia Johnson | Whitney M. Young, Jr. Scholar |
| Stephan Johnson | Whitney M. Young, Jr. Scholar |
| Saba Khalid | Whitney M. Young, Jr. Scholar |
| Cynthia LaBrocco | Jordon Brand Scholar |
| Victoria Lee | YP Emerging Leader Scholar |
| Alicia Leitch | YP Emerging Leader Scholar |
| Ramelle Liverpool | YP Emerging Leader Scholar |
| Gabriela Lopez | Whitney M. Young, Jr. Scholar |
| Karina Montenegro | Whitney M. Young, Jr. Scholar |
| Rayven Moody | Whitney M. Young, Jr. Scholar |
| Aliyah Muhammad | Whitney M. Young, Jr. Scholar |
| Christina S. Nam | Whitney M. Young, Jr. Scholar |
| Wai T. Ng | YP Emerging Leader Scholar |
| Elizabeth A. Odunaiya | Ann Kheel Scholar |
| Trishorn Plummer | Whitney M. Young, Jr. Scholar |
| Joshua Rodriguez | Whitney M. Young, Jr. Scholar |
| Fabien Smallwood | YP Emerging Leader Scholar |
| Stephanie Tituana | Jordon Brand Scholar |
| Corey Walker | Whitney M. Young, Jr. Scholar |
| Tequilla White | YP Emerging Leader Scholar |
| Shaniece Williams | Whitney M. Young, Jr. Scholar |
| Alex Williams | YP Emerging Leader Scholar |
| Shaniqua Williams | YP Emerging Leader Scholar |
| Malik Williams | YP Emerging Leader Scholar |
| Christasia Wilson | Whitney M. Young, Jr. Scholar |
| Tanacka Wilson | YP Emerging Leader Scholar |
| Zi Hua Wu | Whitney M. Young, Jr. Scholar |
Veiw pictures from the Scolarship Reception
