Currents in Education
Area branch of the NAACP awards scholarships
PORTSMOUTH, N.H. - The Portsmouth Branch of the NAACP recently awarded scholarships to Jamaul Drew of Portsmouth and Rosendry Gonzalez of Somersworth.
The NAACP has a long history of promoting the educational advancement of students who have historically been under-represented in post-secondary education. The Portsmouth Branch supports this tradition locally by awarding scholarships to deserving students who are residents of the Seacoast region of New Hampshire and Maine.
The purpose of the scholarship is threefold - to encourage the kind of academic success that develops the skills and competencies that make possible success in the workplace and community; to encourage community activism and engagement in community issues during candidates' young-adult years; and to provide financial support for the many costs a student will incur during one year in college.
Recipient Jamaul Drew attended Portsmouth High School and will enroll at Wentworth Institute of Technology in Boston where he will study engineering. While in high school, he was involved with the Peer Leadership Program and the basketball and football programs. He also works part-time throughout the year and presented a compelling academic record during his high-school career. Jamaul is the grandson of Catherine Johnson of Portsmouth.
Rosendry Gonzalez attended Somersworth High School and will enroll at Simmons College in Boston where she will study business administration. While in high school, she was involved with the Peer Mediation program, student government, the National Honor Society, works part-time throughout the year and was a Social Skills Coach to middle-school students. Her involvements with both the school community and Somersworth community are extensive and academically, she ranks near the top of her graduating class. Rosendry is the daughter of Rosario and Justo Badia of Somersworth.
The NAACP works to improve the political, educational and social-and-economic status of minority groups, seeks to eliminate race prejudice and make the public aware of its adverse effects, and, where necessary, take lawful action to insure its elimination. Membership is open for a nominal annual membership fee.
Meetings are open to all and are held the first Monday of the month (or the second Monday, in event of a holiday). More information can be obtained from NAACP Portsmouth Branch president Fred Ross at 749-6362 by emailing naacpnhseacoast@aol.com, or visiting http://www.seacoastnaacp.com/.
