Page 10 - Florida Sentinel 3-11-16 Edition

Local
Police Celebrate Black History With Teen Awards And Dance Program
Chief Eric Ward is shown with Alexis Wheatley, 1st Place Winner in the “Academic Excellence” category.
Recently, the members of the Tampa Police Depart- ment’s Black History Committee held their 28th Annual Program. The event took place at the Robert W. Saun- ders, Sr., Public Library, 1505 N. Nebraska Avenue.
In past years, the department has paid tribute to members of the community. This year, the Committee focused its attention on teenagers in the community and their accomplishments. In some instances, many of them have overcome obstacles in order to success.
This year, several teenagers were recognized during the First Teen Excellence Awards Ceremony And Dance. Chief Eric Ward opened the program by thanking the sponsors who made the event a success. Turning his attention to the teenage participants, Chief Ward re- minded them that education is the key to success and that they are all important members of the community. He also encouraged parents and other adults to em- power their children. He ended his remarks with a quote from Frederick Douglass that states, “It is eas- ier to build strong children than to repair broken men.” Major Rocky Ratliff serves as the Chairman for the Tampa Police Department’s Black History Commit-
tee.
“One of Chief Ward’s visions for the police depart-
ment is to focus on strengthening our relationship with the young people in our community. We, as the depart- ment’s Black History Committee, felt it was important for our annual event to reflect the Chief’s vision.”
“This celebration gave the teens a chance to see law enforcement in a different light. Before the event, many of the young people had never pictured themselves in an atmosphere where they would be recognized by po- lice officers and have an opportunity to enjoy a meal and
Chief Eric Ward and Robert Schofner are shown at the awards ceremony. Schofner won 1st Place in the “Volunteerism Category.”
Chief Eric Ward is shown with Alexis Powell, who won 1st Place in the “Leadership Category.”
conversation with them.
“The teens also had a great time watching the offi-
cers on the dance floor. I think they were impressed that they knew some of the latest dance moves, too. Now, we want the teens to take this experience and the knowledge they received back to their peers,” Chief Ward said.
Teenagers presented First Place prizes were: Alexis Wheatley, Academic Excellence Award; Robert Schofner, Volunteerism Award; Negus Dowling, Overcomer Award; Alexis Pow- ell, Leadership Award; and Alexandria Moore, Citizenship Award. Each was pre-
sented a check for $200. Second Place Winners re-
ceived $150 and Third Place Winners won $100.
Other members of the Black History Committee are: Detective Sonja Wise, Offi- cer Veronica Hamilton, PIO Janelle McGregor, Crystal Sampson, Earl Silas, Detec- tive Talley Cooks, Deirdre Joseph, Lydia Pizarro, Zalavia Brown, Captain Calvin Johnson, Lieutenant Randy Peters, Captain Ron McMullen, Officer Gig Brown, Officer Susan Bow- ers, and Ida Walker, Admin- istrative Assistant to the Chief of Police. (Photography by BRUNSON and Tampa Po- lice Department).
Chief Eric Ward is shown with Alexandria Moore, recipient of the “Citizenship Award.”
Chief Eric Ward was photographed with Negus Dowling, who captured 1st Place in the “Overcomer” Category. This category was designated for students who were able to overcome difficult challenges in life.
Chief Eric Ward is shown with Erica Holland, the 2nd Place winner in the “Volunteerism Category.”
PAGE 10-A FLORIDA SENTINEL BULLETIN PUBLISHED EVERY TUESDAY AND FRIDAY FRIDAY, MARCH 11, 2016