LACKLAND AIR FORCE BASE, Texas –
The Lackland African American Heritage Committee Scholarship Banquet, held Feb. 27 at the Gateway Club, wrapped up this year's official African American Heritage Month base events.
Four scholarships totaling $5,000 were awarded during the banquet. Award winners were:
· Brittany Janae Smith - $2,000
· Kaylia Martin - $1,500
· Lorenzo Mireles IV - $1,000
· Zyaire Vaughn Jones - $500
According to Shirley Jones, the AAHC president and a contracting specialist with the 802nd Contracting Squadron, the committee works hard all year to provide scholarships because of the differences they make in the recipients' lives.
"The youth in our community are our future. Advanced education opens the door for them to make positive contributions that impact all of us and our country, as a whole. College expenses continue to rise and anything we can do to reduce costs is a tremendous help to students as they try to advance their education," Ms. Jones said.
She said African American Heritage Month went extremely well. The month's activities surrounded the theme "History of Black Economic Empowerment," and included a gospel concert, committee members reading to children at the base child development centers, a soul food tasting at all base dining facilities, and a fashion show. The committee also sponsored a youth basketball clinic, and burger burn.
The committee supports the community throughout the year and is gearing up for another great year, Ms. Jones said. In addition to planning a celebration picnic for those who supported the committee's goals this year, the committee is already planning next year's events and looking for new members.
"We welcome people of all backgrounds and experiences to come and join us in having fun and sharing great company in service of others," she said.
For more information about the committee, call Ms. Jones at 671-1756.