For Immediate Release
Contact: Lea Ann Scales
Assistant Vice President of
Public Relations and Marketing
Phone: 508-929-8018
January 19, 2011
(Worcester, Mass.) — Over 300 local students and their families and friends attended the 17th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Youth Breakfast at Worcester State University last Saturday. TD Bank sponsored the 2011 MLK Youth Breakfast.
The event showcased local students' talents and raised awareness of the principles and philosophy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The prevailing theme of the event was youth taking a peaceful stand against violence, especially youth violence. “This event has become one of the premier community events for local youth,” said Worcester State University President Janelle Ashley. “What makes this event so special is its strong youth focus. It truly is ‘for youth, by youth.’ This is the clear vision established by the MLK Committee and I commend them for their vision,” Ashley added.
Worcester State University Trustee Ronald Valerio presented President Janelle Ashley, who will be retiring this June, with an award on behalf of the MLK Committee, honoring her for her commitment to youth during her tenure at WSU. “Dr. Ashley has been a strong supporter and advocate for youth,” said Valerio. “She has supported programming efforts for access programs, multicultural affairs programming, the Upward Bound program, the student-led Third World Alliance, Courageous Conversations Series, Planting a Seed Foundation and Latino Education Institute—to name just a few. Dr. Ashley is a woman of great vision--and great heart--and I am proud to present her with this plaque today.”
This year’s honorees include:
MLK Youth Service Award: Alexander Diaz and Winthrop De Boise
MLK Community Service Award: Jessica High
Worcester State University President’s Scholarship: Donald E. Cross and Elizabeth Theresa Raymond
Poetry Contest Awards:
Nicole DeFeudis, Grade: 8, Sullivan Middle School
Bianca Dintino, Grade: 12, Holy Name High
Justin Dobson, Grade: 9, Holy Name High School
Joe Ferrarone, Grade: 10, St. Peter Central Catholic High School
Britt Golas, Grade: 10, St. Peter Marian High School
David Judkins, Grade: 7, Sullivan Middle School
Kathryn Probst, Grade: 9, Holy Name High School
Patrick Shea, Grade: 8, Sullivan Middle School
Zuran Somonte, Grade: 7, Sullivan Middle School
Brielle Stovall, Grade: 8, Sullivan Middle School
Megha Sudheendra, Grade: 7, Sullivan Middle School
Thanh V, Grade: 9, Holy Name High School
For more information on the WSU MLK Youth Breakfast, call (508) 929-8049.
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