It just keeps growing and growing.
We stated the same thing last year, but the numbers don’t lie.
Each year, members of the Delta Sigma Lambda chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., in conjunction with the Southeast Arkansas Jewel Foundation, host a black-tie gala at the Pine Bluff Convention Center while giving out scholarships to high school seniors. And each year, the group tops what they did the previous year.
At one time, the scholarships were $500. Now they are $1,000. Two years ago, there was enough money raised to give each of 14 students a scholarship. Then last year, the number jumped to 18.
This year’s event saw 26 students walk up to be honored. And while Saracen’s Carlton Saffa was raising more money for scholarships by way of matching what 21 people had pledged, he let it be known that next year, 10 of the scholarships would be funded by the casino.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
These students run the gamut in what they want to do with their lives. Many said one profession or another was for them. Some simply said they wanted to be successful. Yes, that could include any number of pursuits. While some youngsters know at 13 they want to be veterinarians, many will take years to understand fully what they want to be when they grow up, so to speak.
One thing the students do have in common is taking life seriously at this moment in time, handling sometimes many extracurricular activities while keeping a close eye on their grade point averages. It’s a grand thing that the fraternity and the hundreds in attendance think enough of these promising young people to honor them with a check that will jump start their next academic adventure.
“This evening served as a testament to the unity and generosity of the Pine Bluff community, showcasing how collective efforts can uplift and inspire individuals to reach their full potential,” stated the organization. “As we reflect on the success of this event, it is clear that the impact of these scholarships will resonate for years to come, paving a way for a brighter and more promising future for all those who benefit from them.”
Well said.
Congratulations to the organizers for pulling this together for another year. In many ways, the event is one of the most consequential that takes place each year in the city. Long may it happen.