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“I want to thank every individual who supported this
organization today. Look at our children. TPS is an awesome
school system. Thank you, sponsors,” said Yvonne Harper,
club president and Toledo City Council member.
The program opened with the Negro National Anthem, led by
Jones Leadership Academy student, Whitney Hughes. Nyasia
Kynard of Old West End Academy led the audience in the
Pledge of Allegiance and, then, a special recognition of
guests by students. Presentations included a Hidden
Figures-inspired poem recited by Ella P Steward Academy
for Girls students; flowers, gifts and a school-rhyme
introduction by Rosa Parks students and words of
encouragement by girls from Groomed for Greatness.
“I cannot imagine what it’s like to be the first
African-American female mayor in Toledo. We present you with
pearls, you are an exceptional role model,” said eighth
grader Kayleigh Wilkes of Hicks-Hudson.
“Ms. Bowman-English’ actions have shown that I can be a
leader one day. We’re encouraged to chase our dreams,”
shared eighth grader Aliyah Johnson.
Immediately following gift presentations, the invocation was
led by Brenda Oliver and the National Anthem was led by
three Scott High School students, Aniya Burrell, Jeremiah
Duncan and Tanaysia Young.
“I applaud the students and staff that are here today. Our
students look beautiful and represented their families, and
communities well. We appreciate the support from our
sponsors and Perry Burroughs for this opportunity today.
There presentations today inspired me, gave me goosebumps,
these young people lead today. I’m TPS proud and Toledo
proud,” said TPS Superintendent Romules Durant, EdD.
Then Harper introduced the two guest speakers: Hicks Hudson
and Bowman-English.
“There are opportunities. Your life can change in an
instant. Its’s about actions. My time in the mayor’s office
is sometimes challenging, but it’s not about me but this
city,” said Hicks-Hudson during her brief speech.
“We sometimes wait for others to acknowledge us, including
family, friends and neighbors. That isn’t the measure, you
have to define your measure of success. I’m excited about
the young people in this room,” said Bowman-English during
her speech.
Various champions for education-sponsored tables for youth
who wanted to attend this event, included: Andre’ Washington
sponsored Grove Patterson Academy; Judge Ian English
sponsored Robinson Elementary; Hicks-Hudson and Judy Stone
Gaynor sponsored Pickett Academy; Ohio State Senator Edna
Brown sponsored Navarre Elementary; George Gussess, Esq and
John Moore sponsored Woodward High School; UAW Local 14
sponsored Toledo Early College High School; Scott Boosters
and Labors Local 500 sponsored Scott High School;
Neighborhood Health Association sponsored Jones Leadership
Academy; Toledo Federation of Teachers sponsored Ella P
Steward Academy for Girls; Lucas County Auditor Anita Lopez,
Esq. sponsored Rosa Parks Elementary; Northwestern Ohio
Building & Construction Trades Council sponsored Old West
End Academy; Labors Local 500 sponsored Bowsher High School;
Sheet Metals Workers Local Union #33 sponsored Toledo
Technology Academy; Competition Corvette Club sponsored City
of Toledo Youth Commission; Rev. John Roberts sponsored
Indiana Avenue Missionary Baptist Church; the Law Offices of
Wittenberg, Phillips, Levy & Nusbaum; John Chapman, and
Judge Ruth Ann Franks sponsored Sherman Elementary; Judge
Myron Duhart, Local 45 and Heat & Frost Insulators &
Asbestos Workers sponsored Martin Luther King Academy for
Boys; Oregon Democratic Club, Maumee Democratic Club,
Michael Alexander, Kenyetta Gable-Jones, Gary Johnson,
Angelita Cruz Bridges and United Brotherhood of Carpenters
Local 351 sponsored Groomed for Greatness.
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