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FLORIDA SENTINEL
FRIDAY, APRIL 28, 2017
‘Want To Know Greatness? You Define It’ Was Message At Bay Area Boulé Scholarship Program
BY KENYA WOODARD Sentinel Feature Writer
ST. PETERSBURG – Want to know the meaning of greatness? The answer is in the mirror.
James E. Payne, a Texas personal injury attor- ney and past Grand Sire Ar- chon of Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity, Inc., also called the Boulé, left those words of encouragement Saturday at the Bay Area Chapter’s Memorial Scholarship Pro- gram.
Hosted by the frater- nity’s Gamma Omicron Chapter, in conjunction with the Boys & Girls Club of Tampa Bay, Inc., the pro- gram honored five young men for their scholastic achievement.
Founded in 1904 in Philadelphia, Sigma Pi Phi is the oldest African-Ameri- can Greek fraternal organi- zation. Significantly, unlike the other African-American Greek-letter organizations, its members already have received college and profes- sional degrees at the time of their induction. The organi- zation is a social fraternity and an advancement organ- ization. Today, its member- ship boasts 5,000 members in more than 120 boulés, or chapters, throughout the country.
Atty. Payne, who re- ceived his bachelor’s and law degrees from the Uni- versity of Houston, tailored his remarks especially for the young men.
When reading their scholarship essays, which asked the question “What is necessary to achieve great- ness,” Atty. Payne said he was initially surprised that none of the scholars at- tempted to define the word.
After some thought, it was clear: greatness is an individual definition, Atty. Payne said.
It’s important to cast aside what others may think of what you are capable of and define greatness and success on your own terms.
“Do not let anyone de- fine what your greatness is,”
Guest speaker Atty. James E. Payne, a Texas personal injury at- torney and Past Grand Sire Archon.
The guest speaker, scholarship recipients and boulé members are: from left, Tim Keeley, II, Daryle Floyd, II, Dr. Kenyon Fort, Sire Archon, Atty. James E. Payne, Past Grand Sire Archon, Archon Kevin L. Scott, Samuel “Adam” Martinez and Nathan Larkins, Jr.
Attorney and Mrs. Fred
(Marlina) McClure attended Mr. and Mrs. Frank (Atty. Renee) the Scholarship Banquet. Lee were among the guests.
U. S. District Judge for the Middle District of Florida, Julie Sneed and her husband, Dr. Kevin Sneed, Dean, USF College of Pharmacy.
he said. “You are great when you say you are great.”
But pursuing greatness on your own terms still has certain requirements.
The first is to create a plan.
“You have reached a goal –— you’ve graduated. Now, it’s time to crank the goal up a little higher.”
Obstacles are sure to pop up when you are chasing your dreams. Having a plan in place helps to block dis- tractions, Atty. Payne said.
Additionally, train your mind and your body to stay focused also is helpful.
Writing down your plan is crucial as it makes you be very specific about what you want to do and how you’ll reach your goal, he said.
Just as there will be foes on your journey to great-
Mr. and Mrs. Andrrick (Atty. Rena) Frazier.
Drs. John and Juel Smith were among the guests.
ness, you’ll also have people who are investing in your life.
“Use those resources,” Atty. Payne said.
Lastly, don’t forget to give back.
“If you can’t do anything for yourself, do something
for someone else,” he said. “That is greatness, too.”
The 2017 Gamma Omi- cron Boulé Memorial Scho- larship recipients will receive $1,000 per semester for four years. The scholars are: Daryle Floyd, II, Wharton High School;
Timothy Keeley, II, Berkeley Prep; Nathan Larkins, Jr., Boca Ciega High School; Samuel Adrian Martinez, Gibbs High School; and Altorian Salary, Jefferson High School. (Photos by BRUNSON)