Page 9 - 6-24-16 Friday's Edition

Local
1st Class Of 8th Graders Graduate From Charter School
BY IRIS B. HOLTON Sentinel City Editor
Throughout the month of June, schools throughout Hillsborough County are hosting graduations. The schools hosting the gradua- tions are on all levels includ- ing kindergarten, middle schools, traditional high schools, charter schools, pri- vate schools, trade schools, colleges and universities.
This year, the Village of Ex- cellence Charter School held its inaugural graduation exer- cise. The school graduated 25 eight grade students during its first graduation ceremony.
Dr. Cametra Edwards, Ph.D., Principal of the Vil- lage of Excellence Charter Middle School said, “We are so proud of all this class has achieved. The sky’s the limit for them now.”
Dr. Edwards further said the Village of Excellence fo- cuses on creating a safe, nur- turing environment for students who come from the City’s most economically chal- lenged neighborhoods with high crime rates. She further said that 99% of the students who attend the charter school live below the poverty thresh-
Shown on the first row from left to right are: Jacob Gallman, Sudai Mills, and Verlena Smith. Shown on the second row from left to right are: Maranda Allen, Alani Johnson, Anthony McFarlane, Adecia Richardson, Ah’Xaviaus O’Neal, Xavier Martin, Jeremiah Alexander, Allysia Kirnes, and Ronisa Davis. Shown on the third row are: Cateira Marshall, Zamya Grier, Aniyah Nelson, Corey Johnson, Renecia Blair, and Tavonta’e Spencer. Not shown in the photograph are: Zamaydailiss Moreira, Earl Mason, III, Britney Colon, Darlyn Febus-Ortiz, Shabrea Turner, JaNanda Brown, and Shamya Lloyd.
old.
Many of the students at-
tending the charter school have overcome seemingly in- surmountable odds. All 25 students have been accepted into baccalaureate high school, an accelerated magnet program, a charter high school, or a private school.
The graduates are: Jere- miah Alexander, Maranda Allen, Rececia
Blair, JaNanda Brown, Britney Colon, Ronisa Davis, Darlyn Febus- Ortiz, Jacob Gallman, Zamya Grier, Alani John- son, Corey Johnson, Allysia Kimes, and Shamya Lloyd.
Earl Mason, III, Za- maydailiss Moreira, Cateira Marshall, An- thony McFarlane, Xavier Martin, Sudai Mills,
Aniyah Nelson, Ah’Xavi- aus O’Neal, Adecia Richardson, Verlena Smith, Tavonta’e Spencer, and Shabrea Turner were also among the graduates.
Dr. Edwards said the key
to success was to build self- confidence in the students. “Once the students feel safe and supported, we’re able to build their self-confidence, help them set goals and chal- lenge them with a rigorous curriculum.”
Annual Blue Hat Tea Planned
BY IRIS B. HOLTON Sentinel City Editor
On Saturday, June 25th, the Annual Blue Hat Tea will be held at the 34th Street Church Of God, 3000 N. 34th Street. The theme for the tea this year is “The Time Is Right Now.”
The program will feature
Minister Issac Ruffin, Mrs. Nell Stennis, of First Union Missionary Baptist Church, and Mrs. Belinda Womack Christy, who will deliver the keynote address.
MRS. BELINDA WOMACK CHRISTY
Mrs. Womack Christy
is a popular vocalist and out- standing speaker. She is a na-
DAUGHTER ANN JENKINS Worthy Matron of Unity Chapter 164
tive of Augusta, Georgia.
Mrs. Womack Christy
is known for her perform- ances of gospel and jazz. However, she appreciates all forms and genres of music. During her performances she offers a special blend of gospel, jazz, R&B, and blues to appeal to diverse audi- ences.
She has established herself as a solo artist, but also sings with fellow musicians throughout the United States and other countries.
Her life experiences in- clude serving as an educator, Worship Director, Worship Pastor, and Arts Director.
She appears in the newly released Hip Hop video on YouTube entitled, “Becom- ing a Humble Beast.” Her co-star is Pastor Tommy Kyllonen, aka Urban Dis- ciple.
She is married to NFL alumnus Earl Christy.
FRIDAY, JUNE 24, 2016 FLORIDA SENTINEL BULLETIN PUBLISHED EVERY TUESDAY AND FRIDAY PAGE 9-A