The 2010-2011 Recognition Ceremonies took place on the last day of programming for the Scholars to College 9th through 11th graders, and the Pioneer Scholars in grades 1 through five. After a celebration of pizza and ice cream, Executive Director Adam Eigenrauch summed up the fantastic accomplishments of the Emily K Students and then led the students and their parents in rousing thank you applause for their lead counselors, tutors and volunteers. The highlight of the programs, however, was the announcement of the Dream–Do-Achieve winners. Six Pioneer Scholar students received recognition in three different categories and three Scholars to College students received awards as well.
Fourth grader, Justice Hope, and Alejandra Luna Paez, who is in fifth grade, were honored for their leadership. Coordinator of Educational Programming, Heather Hindin, heralded both students for their positive impact on the program, as well as their ability to use leadership skills to influence fellow students. “Justice actively seeks to improve the atmosphere of any group she works with,” says Hindin, “and Alejandra leads through example by always having a positive attitude and then encouraging other group members to do the same.”
A second group of awards were presented to students who exhibited outstanding character. Adrienne Poole and Alexis Wilkerson were the recipients in this category. Adrienne, a fifth grader, was recognized by his instructor as having particularly high integrity and high standards and being especially courteous. Alexis Wilkerson, who is in the eighth grade, was characterized as being, “enthusiastic, trustworthy and hardworking.”
The final group of Pioneer Scholar award winners was acknowledged for superior academics. “It is an honor to receive any award, but this one in particular recognizes the students who are completely aligned with the mission here at Emily K, to work on perfecting those academic skills,” said Hindin. Third grader, Oyinka Ajasa, and Lizet Hernandez of the sixth grade received the coveted academic awards for having a commitment to school achievement, pursuing academic interests with passion and showing a genuine interest in improving themselves intellectually.
The Scholars to College celebration began with a keynote address by Devin Brown, President of the Greater Durham Black Chamber of Commerce. He focused his remarks on the importance of choices – not just making good choices but also pursuing opportunities that would open up more choices. Following the talk the three Dream-Do-Achieve winners were announced. Sophomore Edmi Cornejo was recognized for the character award while Juniors Vianey Martinez and Carey Cabrera were recognized for academics and leadership.
Emily K students will take a break from their school year routine and then a large portion of them will return and focus on skills building during a Summer Scholars Program which begins in June.
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While Miami fans were sweating the Heat, and Dallas fans were praying there wouldn’t be a repeat of 2006, The Emily K Center gym was filled with fans cheering on Durham’s Finest police officers and firefighters as they hooped it up to raise money for tornado relief victims. Five teams of men and women, whose day job is to serve and protect, met at Emily K for three Showcase basketball games all in the name of charity. Investigator Corey Cook organized the event, asking for $3-5 donations, with all proceeds going to the American Red Cross. In addition to being able to watch some great games, the officers handed out Police Packets of coloring books and crayons to the kids in attendance. As the day’s ‘go to’ guy, Cook was happy with the turnout and hopes to hold similar fundraisers in the future. The teams, including the Durham Police Department, the Duke University Police Department, the Raleigh Police Department, the Durham City Fire Department and the Durham County Sheriff’s Office all delivered in the clutch and raised more than $400. Way to finish guys!