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Alpha Phi Alpha Recognizes High School Seniors
Special to The Truth
On Wednesday, May 21, 2014, the Alpha Xi Lambda Chapter of
the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc awarded $5,000 in
scholarships to five local male high schools seniors during
a ceremony at the Heatherdowns Country Club.
The event opened with a welcome by the Scholarship Committee
Chairman Jose G. Rosales, director of Educational Affairs
for the Toledo chapter. Scholarship Committee members, Andre
Page and LaMar Anderson, bestowed the awards on the
recipients who are as follows:
Jordan Bush
is a graduating senior from Lakewood St. Edwards High
School. During high school, Bush has been involved in
varsity football, Mock Trial, and Film Society. In
addition, he volunteered in his community with organizations
such as Jack and Jill of America, Cleveland International
Film Festival, and the 2013 Presidential Inauguration.
The phrase, “Be the Best” is something that has been passed
down from generation to generation in Bush’s family. He is
continuing the family tradition of obtaining a college
education, by attending Loyola Marymount University to
pursue a bachelor’s degree in Business.
Bush stated in his essay that this scholarship will help him
achieve his academic goal, in turn, it will allow him to
fulfill a personal dream of one day being able to help a kid
like him pursue his or her educational dreams.
Solomon B. Collins
is a graduating senior from Maumee Valley Country Day
School. During high school, Collins has participated in
Maumee Valley Country Day School and AAU Basketball, Global
Scholars Program, Creative Writing Club and several other
extracurricular activities. In addition, he has volunteered
through the Swan Creek Care Center, Toledo Food Bank, and
People to People community service in Australia.
Collins has had the opportunity to travel abroad, and
observe firsthand some of the differences between cultures
and to understand the need for people to adopt a more global
perspective. When asked why he wants to give back to the
African-American community, Collins simply replied, “Why
Not?”
“My goal is to voice to showcase the kind of
African-American males that make up my life, those who are
strong pillars in their families and in our community,
working to make life better for themselves, their families
and our collective community.”
In the fall, he will attend Loyola University to pursue a
bachelor’s degree in International Relationships, Economics,
& Journalism.
Keith Pace, Jr.
is a graduating senior from St. Johns Jesuit High School.
During high school he has been very active in his community
through the King Academy, Jeremy Lincoln Program and as a
worship leader and usher at his church.
Pace enjoys helping the youth and people in need, as he
feels passionate about becoming a role model for the next
generation. His future plans include attending Otterbein
University to earn a bachelor’s degree in Physical Therapy.
Upon graduation, Pace plans to attend graduate school and
intern for a team in the National Football League.
Pace is certain that by attending college and graduate
school, he will have the education, skills, and expertise
required to be a leader in the field of physical therapy,
which will permit him to use those skills to assist those in
need in the African-American community.
Torrence P. Price
is a graduating senior from Central Catholic High School.
During high school, he participated in football, Toledo
EXCEL program, and has maintained a part-time job at
McDonald’s. In addition, he has volunteered in various
capacities to include: Summer Camp Counselor at the
Frederick Douglas Center, Habitat for Humanity and Nurturing
Hearts Homes.
In a Letter of Recommendation, he was described as “humble
and kind”. He has the kind of humility that will advance him
in all that he attempts in life. He invites his friends over
for dinner, and is always concerned whether or not they have
lunch money on any given day.
In the fall, Price will attend Hampton University to start
his journey to earn the Doctor of Pharmacy degree, which
requires six years of study. He does not only want to
dispense medication, but he wants to provide advise to his
community and to be a liaison between community members and
insurance companies.
Keon Rayford
is a graduating senior from Rogers High School. During high
school, Rayford has participated in Varsity football, The
University of Toledo Upward Bound program, and worked a part
time job. He has also given back to his community at the
Cherry Street Mission, Life Bridge, and through his efforts
in a Book Bag Drive.
Rayford is the older of three in his house, and his biggest
motivation to pursue a college degree is to lead by example
for his two younger brothers. Growing up near the City Park
neighborhood, he has witnessed firsthand the negative impact
of having little to no positive black male influence in his
community. In his letter of recommendation, Rayford is
described as a “great example of what we aspire to see each
of our program participants do. His potential for excellence
is unlimited.”
In the fall, Rayford will attend Kentucky State University
to earn a bachelor’s degree in accounting. His biggest
source of motivation is being able to give back to those
that have given him so much, from his mother, his two little
brothers, and those mentors that he has gained through
programs such as Upward Bound.
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