Twelvth Annual Scholarship Awards Dinner
On April 9, 2005, Sarah Woode Foundation celebrated its Twelfth Annual Scholarship Awards Dinner at the New York Marriott at the Brooklyn Bridge. This year's Awards Dinner really exemplified the meaning of being a Sarah Woode Scholar. It was a night filled with passion, zeal, and enthusiasm to help each new student achieve his or her full potential.
There were about three hundred guests in attendance, including seven new
scholarship recipients: Allison Gordon (St. Fortunata School), Lauren Marfo
(Nazareth Regional HS), Harry Nonez (Our Lady of Miracles School), Olivia
Obicheta (Isaac Bildersee I.S. 68), Fabian Sanna (Nazareth RHS), Kadeem
Thomas (Ebenezer Preparatory School), and Danielle Williams (St. Michal's
School). Testimonials were delivered by current scholars, Gayle Watson,
Christopher Chapman, and Stacyann Johnson and Sarah Woode parent, Mrs.
Shahmet Alexander. Special Guest Speaker, Dr. Aaron James Ferguson gave
a resounding speech. He stated that it was a night to start a revolution.
A revolution that will get students involved and interested in the sciences,
get them motivated to try and explore more topics, but most of all a revolution
to give deserving students an opportunity.
New Scholarship Recipients (L-R): Mr. Peter Doran (Principal, Nazareth HS), Lauren Marfo, Fabian Sanna, Danielle Williams, Olivia Obicheta, Kadeem Thomas, Harry Nonez, Allison Gordon
Special Recognition Awards
Dr. Aaron James Ferguson, Guest Speaker
Special Recognition Awards were given to current Sarah Woode Scholars
Cynthia Francois, Marsha Sommervil, Leonard Smith, Justin Cadet, Nana Sintim-Misa,
Gillian Flowers, Sherrell Gaillard, Alicia Hinkson, Ernst Etienne, Colleen
Hinkson, and Dillon Charles. Distinction also went to Mr. and Mrs. Keith
Hinkson as the Parental Awardees, to Mr. Anthony DeSimone for Community
Service, and Dr. Aaron Ferguson for Science Educator of the Year. Much
respect and attention was given to all the awardees and scholarship recipients,
but the night would not have been the same without all of the proud parents,
family members, and friends. Each of them had an amazing glow of encouragement
and dedication that filled the atmosphere.
Mr. Anthony P. DeSimone, Community Service Award Mr. and Mrs. Hinkson,
SW Parental Award
The entire night ran smoothly and eloquently. The dinner was quite delightful with something for everyone. It was rather enjoyable to eat dinner with such sophistication; dim lighting and elaborate table settings really accentuated the room. However, the dinner segment was not complete without the light music playing in the background. The music added a soft, relaxing tone to the dinner - a tone that would carry through the rest of the night.
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Allison Gordon - St. Fortunata School (8th Grade)
"I intend to reach my goals through hard work at school and by staying
focused. Science teachers continue to inspire me. They have encouraged me to
go to college and become a Marine Biologist."
Lauren Marfo -Nazareth Regional High School (11th Grade)
"I am a hard working person, and a very diligent and persistent individual.
Everyday I see people that are less fortunate than I who cannot afford an education.
Therefore, I will not take for granted what I have, but instead take advantage
of every moment·"
Harry Nonez - Our Lady of Miracles (8th Grade)
"I think a scientist can be anyone who has a natural curiosity about the
way things work. It is the drive to discover the truth· that is what
makes them scientists."
Olivia Obicheta -Isaac Bildersee I.S. 68 (8th Grade)
"My parents are constantly telling me that nothing is for free. If I want
to be successful· [I cannot] take any short cuts. In school I will keep
my eyes and ears open, ask questions when something isn't clear to me, come
to school to learn and get good grades."
Fabian Sanna - Nazareth Regional High School (10th Grade)
"Each achievement in science, whether it is a new vaccination or a solar
powered car, helps make our lives easier. Before we can make our lives easier
we must be able to understand it. To accomplish this, science must be our key."
Kadeem Thomas - Ebenezer Preparatory School (8th Grade)
"I've always wanted to be a doctor. I did not know what field I wanted
to specialize in until I read about Dr. Ben Carson, a neurologist. I want to
be a neurologist because I believe that I can help those who suffer from brain
disorders and injuries."
Danielle Williams - St. Michael's School (8th Grade)
"One experiences new discoveries everyday, unexpected mysteries are solved,
and new hypotheses are formed. This is the meaning of science."
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THE NEW YORK STATE SENATE CONGRATULATES SWF
On April 12, 2005, the Senate of the State of New York congratulated the
accomplishments of the Sarah Woode Foundation through a Legislative Resolution
sponsored by State Senator John Sampson (19th District). View the actual
resolution below.
Click to view larger image
MARTY MARKOWITZ, BROOKLYN BOROUGH PRESIDENT,
PROCLAIMS SWF DAY
Marty Markowitz, Brooklyn Borough President, proclaimed April 9, 2005 (the day of the 12th Annual Scholarship Awards Dinner) Sarah Woode Foundation Day in Brooklyn. View the actual proclamation below.
