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The Savannah Tribune • Wednesday, August 20, 2008 - 13
SOCIAL AND COMMUNITY NEWS
Mr. Black Teen’s Inaugural
Ceremony: “A Night to Remember”
Anthony O. Williams receiving contest prices which includes a $1000 Scholarship check. Pictured
(1-r): Superior Court Judge Perry Brannen, Jr., Alderman Van R. Johnson, Anthony Williams, 1st
runner up James Pennington, 3rd Mr. BTS Damen Scott, Lester L. White and Alvin Edwards, Jr.
Photo by: George Punchee ’Howard, III.
Rosemary Williams, Anthony’s mother, receives the ‘first’
Alvin C. Edwards, Jr. “Exemplary” Award. She was nomi
nated by her son for being the driving force in his life. She is
picturd with Alvin Edwards.
Subsequent listening at
motivational words of empow
erment, the city's 5" 1 Mr. Black
Teen of Savannah, Anthony O.
Williams, was speechless as
he nodded his head to show
gratitude to each guest that
took the podium on his behalf.
They included school board
member Irene Gadson Hines,
Alderman Van R. Johnson,
Attorney Gwendolyn Fortson
Waring, former Mr. BTS win
ners Alvin Edwards, Jr. and
Damen Scott, (Kenneth
Wright called in from Atlanta),
members of the Chatham
County Youth Commission
and program founder Lester
Lec'k White.
In addition, correspon
dences from the Governor of
Georgia, Sonny Perdue, and
U.S. Congressman Jack
Kingston contributed in mak
ing the occasion notable. Well
wishers kept Williams occu
pied with handshakes, pats on
the back, and congratulatory
expressions. All of the local
media were there and kept
politely, interrupting the
moment for interviews. One
reporter queried, "What do
you make of all of this?" The
18-year-old Jenkins High
School recent honor graduate
responded, "An historic night I
will always remember."
During his inaugural
speech Williams commented
on his many awards and acco
lades, which are responsible
for thrusting him into the spot
light. However, he was precise
when disclosing his most
rewarding aspect of being
there. "To know that kids look
up to me and dare to dream
big," the young lifeguard and
swim coach said. "For them to
tell me 'thank you' because I
did or said something to
change their lives is worth
every minute of the sacrifice
and I would do it over again if
had to."
It was apparent that the
highlight of the "night to
remember" for Williams was
not the $1000 scholarship, the
engraved trophy, nor the high
ly regarded remarks coming
from Chief Superior Court
Judge Perry Brannen, Jr., who
presided over the ceremony.
But the heartfelt bonding of a
father and son, which appeared
to have been long overdue.
With watery eyes, Samuel
Winzo extended open arms as
he confessed, "I always knew
you were gonna' make it son. I
love you!" As a hush came
over the audience, both souls
exhaled in each other's arms
for what seemed like an eterni
ty
The emotions continued
as Williams called his mother,
Rosemary Williams, to the
stage. He then presented the
"driving force in my life" with
the Alvin C. Edwards Jr.
'Exemplary' Award, named
after the first Mr. BTS for set
ting standards for other teens
to emulate. She proudly held
up the plaque and through
tears of joy declared that she
was "privileged" to be the 'first'
recipient of this prestigious
award. Williams selected his
mother for the accolade
because of her exemplary in
parenting him and his sister.
Before leaving the
lectern, Williams thanked
Lester Lec'k White for
"dreaming a dream that would
forever change lives." Also for
becoming a part of that dream
when he became the city's 5th
Mr. BTS. In conclusion, he
divulged; "to all of those indi
viduals that taught me, men
tored me and nourished me in
life, your work paid off."
My Dreams Productions
Inc. sponsors the annual event
that salutes African-American
males who are striving to
make a difference. Co-spon
sors this year included:
Believers in the Word Full
Gospel Ministries Inc. (Pastor
Alvin Edwards Sr. & First
Lady Doris Edwards), Joe
Addison Motors Inc. (Joseph
& Alma Addison), Rep. Jack
Kingston & Friends,
Collaboration Photograph &
Video (George :Punchee”
Howard, III), Lester's Florist
and On Time Fashions. Also,
Savannah State University for
opening their doors to this
event.
5548 Ogeecfiee Road, Suite J
Hwv 17 West of Dean Forrest Road)
912-234-0106
Cosmetology Institute of Hair Design
holds First Graduation Ceremony
Graduates Pictured (L-R): Cheryl Gadson, Jesica Daniels, Shardl Weston, Trania
Johnson, Startavia Johnson, Johnequl Fraizer, Shaneta Carey, and Jawanna Mason.
Instructors (front center): Felicia D. Olivier, and Antionette Q. Wright.
The Cosmetology
Institute of Hair Design,
1904 Pennsylvania Ave. in
Savannah, Ga., held its first
Graduation Ceremony on
August 10, 2008 at 3:00pm.
The guest speaker was
Pastor Lee Wright Senior
with special guest Katherine
O. Beeton.
The Cosmetology
Institute of Hair Design is
the first Hair Designer
School in the South Eastern
Region. The Institute opened
on November 27, 2007 with
the motto, "Experience
Learning Excellence."
The Hair Design
Program is a 7-month course
which allows individual to
gain licensure in the field of
cosmetology. Full and part
time classes, as well as hair The next class begins
care services are available. August 25, 2008.
"A H . nm ydu Um, Ahamt You Trust:
- Now Construction - Commercial & Residential
204 West Hall Street
Call Day or Night
Business Phone: (912) 233-2175 or (912) 233-2176
Fax Number: (912) 234-9343
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Mrs. Frenchye M. Bynes, President
Mr. Raleigh D. Bynes, Vice President / General Manager
Mrs. Frenchye Bynes-Jones, Treasurer/Secretary
Mr. Alfred L. Mullice, Manager
Mrs. Olga F. Williams, Senior Director of Administration
Mrs. Tara Bynes-Jackson, Human Resources Director
Mr. Edward Musgrow, Funeral Service Apprentice