Vyrle Davis Student Achievement Awards

BY RENE ROBINSON-FLOWERS, Contributor

For many years, Ebony Scholars was only a dream until Vyrle Davis made that dream a reality.  As a former Alpha Phi Alpha Leadership Program participant and parent of three Ebony Scholars, I felt it was only proper to honor a leader and lover of education just as he honored and loved our students!

Won’t you join me, School Board member Rene Flowers, my colleagues, Pinellas County Schools staff and the City of St. Petersburg in recognizing students who have and continue to live up to the demanding educational standards that are befitting of Mr. Davis’ memory.

Daniel Sanders Jr., a student attending Gibbs High School in the Pinellas County Center for the Arts, will serve as Master of Ceremony and Drew Johnson hailing from The Boca Ciega High School will serve as the speaker.

Students will be honored from South County elementary, middle and high schools based on the following criteria and selected by the schools’ advisor:

1. Must have completed a minimum of 25 community service/volunteer hours

2. A graduating high school senior, with an acceptance letter from an accredited college or university

3.  GPA of at least 3.5 (4.0 scale)

4. Must be an African-American student nominated to receive the Inaugural Vyrle Davis Awards

In addition, the selected seniors have been afforded the opportunity to compete for scholarships in the amount of $500.00. The essay topic is “Standing on the Shoulder of Giants: What does this mean to you as it relates to individuals who have impacted your path/endeavors?”

To apply, you must complete a 500-word essay typed and double spaced. The essays will be reviewed, scored and ranked. The announcement of the winners will occur at the awards celebration.

Scholarships were made available by the generosity of individual staff and board member donations from the Pinellas County Schools Leadership Team, R’Club and the City of St. Petersburg.

You can further support and honor this endeavor by contacting the Pinellas Education Foundation at (727) 588-4816 to purchase a ticket in the amount of $10.00 to attend. Your ticket purchase covers a full breakfast.

The event will be held at the historic Coliseum, 535 4th Ave. N, Friday, April 8 from 8-10 a.m.

For additional information, please contact School Board Member Rene Flowers at flowersre@pcsb.org