Page 24 - Florida Sentinel 8-28-15 Edition

Polk County National
Condolences And Prayer Requests
Shaw-Nuf Talk extends heartfelt condolences to Elder Ricardo Welch, Pastor of Prayer Tower Church of God in Christ in St. Petersburg, Florida, the Welch family and friends of three beautiful young ladies who were his daughters: L’Amour Welch, India Welch and Tehira Welch.
The Welch sisters passed away in a tragic automobile ac- cident on August 9th. L’Amour was the mother of three chil- dren. To lie to rest three chil- dren, at one time, I can only imagine the emotions that Pas- tor Welch has experienced. Condolences are also extended to the parents, family and friends of musician friend of the Welch sisters, Antwayne Robinson of Garner, North Carolina. He was a passenger in their vehicle. Shaw-Nuf extends condolences to Minister Marte’ Wilson of Church of God by Faith in Waverly, Florida, his wife, LaCorsha, family and friends in the passing of your loved one, Otheil Wil- son; and to Thomas Hall and the family and friends, in the passing of his Mother, Shawn Simon of Lakeland. Let us re- member all in our prayers that the Lord will comfort, strengthen and heal the hurt and pain of all who are touched by these circumstances.
Former NBA Star McGrady Inducted To 2015 Hall of Fame
Polk County’s Tracy Mc- Grady, Jr. was recently among the 2015 inductees to the Polk County Sports Hall of Fame. During his 15 year career span, McGrady, a product of Auburndale High School, is a seven-time NBA All Star and seven-time All NBA choice.
In recognition of this accom- plished athlete, the Auburndale High School Gymnasium was named in his honor.
Other 2015 inductees were: Bobby Downs, (Winter Haven); Collins Lee Smith (Mulberry); John Dunlap (Warner); and George W. Harris Jr. The host-site of the Polk County All-Sports Awards Ceremony was The Lakeland Center. Congratulations to each of you!
Congratulations!
Shaw-Nuf extends con- gratulations to Minister Nedra Butler and her daugh- ter, Uriah. Minister Butler, you are an awesome Mother. Uriah will enter the halls of Lakeland High School with an outstanding GPA and as a cheer- leader for the Lakeland Dread- naughts.
Lakewood High School Class of 2015 Commencement Held
Recently, Tropicana Field was buzzing as hundreds of par- ents, siblings, family members and friends arrived to witness a life accomplishment of the stu- dents of Lakewood High School Class of 2015 receiving their high school diplomas.
Among the excited family members were Ms. Karen Johnson, formerly of Lake- land, and some of her Polk County family members: Myr- tle Smith, Sandra Johnson, Michael Shaw, Michael Johnson, Corneshia John- son and Yours Truly who trav- eled to celebrate graduate Evan Rashod Samuel.
The commencement opened with the traditional processional Elgar Pomp and Circumstance. Latania Barnes, Salutatorian extended a warm welcome, then led everyone in the Pledge of Al- legiance; after which, Kenneth Goolsby, Jr. rendered an awe- some saxophone rendition of The National Anthem.
The special guests: Ms. Renee Flowers, School Board Member, Dr. William Cor- bett, Deputy Superintendent, Mr. Robert Poth, Area 2 Su- perintendent, Mrs. Pamela Moore, Associate Superintend- ent, and Peter Obert, CAT As- sistant Principal were introduced by Robert Vicari, Principal. The graduation ad- dress was delivered by Kalya Subramanian, CAT Valedicto- rian.
A tribute to faculty was ren- dered by Erica Wells, LHA Valedictorian. Rachel Panico, CAT Salutatorian gave the Farewell Address. The awarding of diplomas was carried out by Robert Vicari, Principal and Peter Oberg, CAT Assistant Principal. As the sounds of John Williams’ Olympic Fan- fare and Theme filled the air,
the Class of 2015 graduates ex- ited to celebrate with their fam- ilies.
Congratulations to: Evan Rashod Samuel, Tysheira Dezi Adams, Diamond Lashe’ Brown, Alexus Mar- shae Byrd, Anilea Beonfaye Calloway, Corinna May Cooper, Evan Curren, Tyrae Rashawn Curry, Monica Day, Jah’varis Ja’Vonte’ Dukes, Romello A. Presley, Quinesha G. Smarr, Imari Nia Hill, Tyrell S. Gordon, Lu’Kyah Tishae Oliver, Nas- tassja Nicole Sielchan, Austin L. Tavares, Jeremy Isaac Valencia, Markeith L. Williams, Jr., Kevon Al- fonso Woods, and to all of the graduates (and their parents/guardians) of the Lake- wood High School Class of 2015! Go, Spartans! You made it... ..Yes, you did!
Birthday Greetings
Shaw-Nuf Talk extends happy birthday wishes to some end of July and August birthday celebrants: George London, Sr., Nedra Butler, Pastor H.B. Holmes, Dexter Phillips, Yvette Landers, Diane Dukes, Janet Taylor, Patricia Jenkins, Clairetha Carr, Courtney Phillips, Tenae Allen-Green, Vanessa Johnson, Earl W. Haynes, Isaline Boston- Boyd, Diana McGill, Gwen Collins, Sharonda Strong, Tyler Strong, Willie Mae Harvey, Stacy Campbell- Domineck, Theaurri Cal- houn, Minister Anthony Landers, Portia Howard, Francis Calhoun, Doris Wil- son and Mae Miller. May the Lord continue to bless you with many, many more years of life!
Shaw-Nuf Shout-Out
This week’s Shaw-Nuf Shout-Out goes out to all of the students of Polk, Hillsborough, Pinellas and surrounding coun- ties as you return to school. Praying that the protection of the Lord will cover you every day. Remember to make good choices, study and stay focused.
Talk To Shaw-Nuf Shaw-Nuf Talk wants to hear from you. Share news and/or photos of your celebra- tions, special events, birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, family reunions, etc., with the reader- ship of the Florida Sentinel Bulletin with Shaw-Nuf Talk by sending an e-mail to: shawnuftalk@yahoo.com or calling (863) 513-8437. Shaw- Nuf Talk will share your excit-
ing news with the readership!
FAMU Ranked Top HBCU In Research And Development Expenditures By NSF
TALLAHASSEE --- A Na- tional Science Foundation (NSF) report lists Florida Agri- cultural and Mechanical Uni- versity (FAMU) as the No. 1 historically Black college or university (HBCU) in the na- tion for total research and de- velopment (R&D) expenditures.
The NSF recently released data from its Federal Science and Engineering Support to Universities, Colleges, and Nonprofit Institutions study, which reveals that the top 20 HBCUs combined, had total R&D expenditures of $455.1 million, while FAMU alone ac- counted for a staggering $51.1 million of that amount.
The recently released data was collected during a 2013 survey.
Vice President for Research Timothy Moore, Ph.D. said, “I am exceptionally proud of Florida A&M University and our top ranking.
“However, there is a lot more work ahead. FAMU is committed to securing our place as a leading research en- terprise among all universities and colleges.”
Moore explained that while FAMU is one of the younger research universities in the nation, as many HBCUs are, he is committed to build- ing a premier, nationally com- petitive research program.
“We are focused on leverag- ing new and existing relation- ships to help us achieve our vision of becoming a best-in- class university with a global reach. Rebranding the research enterprise is a given – an inter- disciplinary task—arduous per- haps, but certainly doable.”
He added, “The FAMU Di-
DR. TIMOTHY MOORE
... V. P. for Research at FAMU
vision of Research is commit- ted to enhancing the Univer- sity’s approach to addressing and helping to resolve national and global challenges.”
Commenting on the Uni- versity’s ranking as the top R&D HBCU, President Elmira Mangum, Ph.D., said, “I congratulate Vice President Moore, his prede- cessor K. Ken Redda, Ph.D., and our dedicated research fac- ulty and staff for achieving this most important milestone.
“The work exhibited by this esteemed group of scientists, experts, and innovators is a vivid example of the great things that are happening at FAMU every day. Under the stewardship of Dr. Moore, we are poised to rise to even greater heights in research and innovation in the coming months and years.”
The work of FAMU’s re- search community will be on display this fall during the In- augural Discovery on Parade Showcase, a collaborative ef- fort between FAMU, Florida State University, and Tallahas- see Community College. The event is scheduled for Dec. 1 at 5 p.m. at the Augustus B. Turn- bull Florida State Conference Center.
Polk County Public Schools’ Dropout Rate Hits Lowest Level In 12 Years
Polk County Public Schools’ dropout rate has declined to a 12-year low, according to the most current data from the Florida Department of Education.
In 2013-14, the dropout rate was 3.4 percent. This is a 2.5 percent decrease from the prior year, and represents a significant turning point.
“This is very exciting news and continues the trend that we have seen thus far with other results,” said Polk County Superintendent of Schools Kathryn M. LeRoy.
“Our schools have worked extremely hard to make these improvements. Kudos to our schools. They are doing amazing work!”
The current rate of 3.4 percent is the lowest since 2001-02, when it was 2.9 percent.
The most current dropout rate exceeds the goal of 4.2 percent for 2013-14 set in the School Dis- trict’s Strategic Plan. This districtwide plan aims to increase achievement for all students and estab- lishes benchmarks on a variety of objectives, including lowering the dropout rate.
With its latest dropout rate, Polk County Public Schools has climbed eight spots among the other districts statewide. Polk County Public Schools improved its district ranking in Florida from 67th in 2012-13 to 59th in 2013-14.
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