St. Petersburg College National Achievers community service project

BY JUNE KICKLIGHTER PETERMAN, Contributor

ST. PETERSBURG — The St. Petersburg College National Achievement Scholars (NAS) held dual community service projects earlier this month at the 18th annual African American Health Forum (AAHF). The group collected canned goods and non-perishable foods for donation to the Salvation Army. They also participated in The Links Memorial Walk to raise money for the forum.

The NAS is composed of local students, ages 11 to 18 called the Achievers and Believers, who have been identified as high academic performers. The program requires students to participate in academic competitions including math, history and cultural events with other chapters. They must also plan and complete local community service projects.

The National Trends facet of The St. Petersburg Chapter of Links, Incorporated invited the NAS members to conduct their canned food drive, and more than 20 NAS members and parents arrived with decorated boxes at the opening of the forum to carry out both projects. Three large boxes of canned goods were collected for the donation.

For a second year, The Links Health and Human Services aspect welcomed the NAS youth to participate in the day’s activities. The Achievers and Believers arrived at 7 a.m. to participate in the two-mile Memorial Walk. Dr. Nancy Bryant accepted the $100 donated to the AAHF for their participation in the walk.

NAS students are currently preparing for a statewide competition in early 2016 with youth from other NAS chapters across the state. Induction of new NAS members takes place in May of each year.

Esvicloria Blasingane is the coordinator of the St. Petersburg College Chapter of National Achievement Scholars. Information is available at www.spcollege.edu/NAS for prospective students and parents.  The current St. Petersburg College chapter of NAS has 70 members. Their next project will be preparing meals at the Ronald McDonald House.