Atlanta

Great Trek to Georgia Tech 2011
 
As we travel on the path of life, we have choices. The scholars of Georgia and Tennessee, who were joined by their peers in North and South Carolina, all made the choice to Think Big and work hard to become first time Carson Scholars. These bright young scholars made the trek to Georgia Tech in sunny Atlanta on Sunday, April 17 at 2pm. The Grand Ballroom's tables were alternating royal blue and white. Twelve rectangular recessed ceilings had outer rims in blue with a focal point in each of a crystal boat shape, perhaps signifying life’s journey over sometimes calm, but sometimes troubled waters.

Proud parents snapped photos amidst heartening applause as the students marched in double file.
 

Emcee, Portia Bruner, news reporter of Fox 5 Atlanta brought 5th grader Osaze Tisdale of Garden Hills Elementary in Atlanta to the podium. Osaze had us rise to recite with him the Pledge of Allegiance, after which he paused as we all reflected on the importance of the statements. His timing had us chuckling as the pause lengthened while he gazed this way and that, before he finally stated, "and now you may be seated." 
 

Atlanta Chapter Co-manager Mike Mosquito welcomed and thanked sponsors, donors, volunteers, and chapter members.  The blessing was ably done by 2011 scholar, Bethany Burns, a 7th grader at Signal Mountain Middle-High School in Tennessee.  Then, Daniel Rose, the first scholar from Memphis, Tennessee performed selections by Kuhlau and Chopin on keyboard brilliantly after only 2 years of piano lessons! The day of the event also happened to be Daniel’s 15th birthday!

After dinner, the program continued with Tykeria West, a two-time Carson Scholar, and freshman at Georgia Tech who gave a stirring monologue in the style of Maya Angelou about determination, reaching lofty goals, and maintaining a positive outlook.  Not to be outdone, Chloe Garden, four-time Carson Scholar and 9th grader from Landmark Christian School in Fairburn, GA, introduced Dr. Carson in a way that encouraged us all to strive harder to be the best we can be. 
 

Dr. Carson thanked the banquet sponsors, Verizon Wireless and Delta Airlines, for making the program possible, and expressed appreciation for all the volunteers as well.

Delta, under the capable leadership of Ed Bastian, has been involved in the community in several ways, and this year has supported the Carson Scholars Fund in a big way. Sometimes stellar role models inspire awards. This is the case with Ed Bastian. So with the newly established Spirit of Achievement Award of the Atlanta Chapter of the Carson Scholars Fund, the inaugural recipient is Ed Bastian.  Unfortunately, he was not able to be present to accept the award, but Mr. Frank Wrenn, Manager of Delta Airlines’ External Affairs & Community Relations, and Vice President of Operations for Delta Airlines Foundation did a fine job in his acceptance speech on behalf of Mr. Bastian.

Dr. Carson spoke on the state of the union and how important it is for our youth to prepare themselves for the challenges ahead.  His fond portrayal of the educators who helped him along the way, and sacrificed their own honors to encourage students to stay on track with their careers is laudatory.  He closed with a charge to the students to develop themselves to be the best they can be, keep the country’s best interests in mind (with the principles set forth by the founders of our nation) as they figure out solutions to the pressing problems of our society.

Scholars’ achievements from all 4 states were celebrated as their names were called by Portia Bruner, Dr. & Mrs. Carson congratulated them as they crossed the stage, and Mrs. Michelle Hunter from CSF Chattanooga Chapter in Tennessee, and Dr. Dottie Whitlow, Executive Director, Math and Science Department, Atlanta Public Schools, presented them each with their certificate.
 

While the theme song ‘Impossible Dream’ played, the scholars had a chance to literally “let your light shine” as they waved glowsticks to the music to end the program.

Atlanta Scholars 2011

Chattanooga Scholars 2011

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