The Annual Scholarship Awards Program

CAYF RECOGNIZED EXCELLENCE

The Coleman A. Young Foundation (CAYF) hosted its 29th Annual Awards Program at the Greektown Casino-Hotel on May 17, 2011 at 5:30 p.m.  At the Awards Program, CAYF honored scholars who have received CAYF scholarships and are now college graduates.  CAYF introduced new scholars who graduated from high school this year and received college scholarships beginning with the 2011-12 school year.  CAYF also honored REAL Skills Program participants who graduated from high school this year and preparing to attend college beginning with the 2011-12 school year.  This year's educator of the year award was given to James A. Hearn (Akiba Nkosi), Principal, Marcus Garvey Academy. 

"We pride ourselves on helping cultivate Detroit's next leaders," said Dr. Claudette Y. Smith, Executive Director of CAYF.  "We are confident that our graduates will continue the legacy of Coleman A. Young."

Two college graduates were recognized:

• Delia Graham graduates from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor with a mojor in Spanish/Sociolgy. Delia plans to conduct health care research in Latin American and Latino Communities in the US.

• Lonnie Johnson graduates Cum Laude from Western Michigan University with a major in Aviation Administration. Lonnie maintained a 3.5 or above GPA each semester throughout his four years at Western. Lonnie plans on working for an air carrier, airport, or the government and he is currently seeking internships for the summer.

CAYF announced two 2011 scholarship recipients:

• Jalen Dann, graduate of Southeastern High School; will matriculate at Michigan State University, major Journalism.

• Drew Alexis Reed, graduate of University Preparatory High School; will matriculate at Michigan State University, major Nursing.

CAYF announced four 2011 REAL Skills Program (RSP) high school graduates:

• Ruby Dockery, graduate of Detroit School of Arts; will matriculate at Grand Valley State University, major in Pre-Medicine.  Ruby participated in the CAYF REAL Skills Program for four years, one year as a Peer Leader and two years as a Youth Leader.

• LaRonica Horton, graduate of Detroit School of Arts; will matriculate at Wayne State University, major in Education with a minor in Dance.  LaRonica participated in the CAYF REAL Skills Program for four years, one year as a Peer Leader and two years as a Youth Leader.

• Ta’Myra Melton, graduate of Cass Technical High School; will matriculate at the University of Toledo, major in Criminal Justice.  Ta’Myra participated in the CAYF REAL Skills Program for four years, one year as a Peer Leader and one year as a Youth Leader.

• Jovon Phillips, valedictorian and graduate of Detroit Academy of Arts and Sciences; will matriculate at the University of Michigan -Dearborn, major in Engineering.  Jovon participated in the CAYF REAL Skills Program for three years, one year as a Peer Leader and one year as a Youth Leader.

Six CAYF scholars were recognized:

• Patricia Bynum currently attends the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor with a major in Anthropology. Patricia received the 2011 CAYF Scholar Academic Achievement Award-Freshman for attaining a 3.75 GPA.

• Johnetta Williams currently attends Wayne State University with a major in Criminal Justice.  Johnetta received the 2011 CAYF Scholar Academic Achievement Award-Freshman for attaining a 3.70 GPA.

• Eduardo Salas currently attends the University of Michigan, Dearborn with a major in business.  Eduardo received the 2011 CAYF Scholar Academic Achievement & Community Leadership Awards-Freshman for attaining a 3.80 GPA and excellent community leadership.

• Megan Smith currently attends Spelman College with a major in Political Science.  Megan received the 2011 CAYF Scholar Academic Achievement Award-Junior for attaining a 3.50 GPA.

• Lonnie Johnson graduates Cum Laude from Western Michigan University with a major in Aviation Administration. Lonnie received the 2011 CAYF Scholar Academic Achievement Award-Graduate for maintaining a 3.5 or above GPA each semester throughout his four years at Western.

• D'Juana Jackson currently attends Northern Michigan University with a major in Health Management & Administration. D'Juana received the 2011 CAYF Scholar Most Improved Award-Sophomore for increasing her GPA from 3.10 to 3.30.

The Foundation also recognized its current scholars including participants of its Named Scholars Program and its after-school program, REAL SKILLS, formally known as the Post-Secondary Readiness Planning Program (PSRP).

REAL SKILLS is an after-school life skills program for city of Detroit 6th through 9th graders along with their parents. The program's purpose is to prepare youth for academic success and social well being.

The CAYF Named Scholars Program is supported by individual and corporate sponsors.  Each sponsor provides a four-year college scholarship at $5,000 per annum, plus $500 per year towards the administrative cost of the program for mentoring the student to adapt to college life and for monitoring the student's academic performance.

As a part of the Named Scholars Program, some sponsors provide their student with summer internship opportunities and the prospect of becoming a full-time employee of the sponsor's organization upon graduating from college. 

Contact CAYF for information on Named Scholar sponsorships.

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