Battle Creek

First Firsts in Battle Creek!

The first fiscal year at the newly expanded Battle Creek Central High School was nearing its completion as the premises became the latest venue for the 9th Annual Carson Scholars Fund Michigan Awards Banquet on Friday, April 29, 2011.  At more than twice the size of the original building, students have gained a renewed sense of pride in the well-placed investment by the community.  The classrooms are labeled “learning studios,” the natatorium boasts an Olympic-length pool with 10 lanes, and the gymnasium features 6 basketball courts!  With the royal blue bleachers folded back, you read “BCC” in 4-foot high gold and white letters. Between the bleachers and the colorful floor covering, the festive backdrop for the event was complete.  The Carson Scholars Fund is the first non-school organization to hold an event there.
 
Reggie LaGrand, Director of the Greater Battle Creek Program of the Kellogg Foundation, and Bearcat (Battle Creek Central High) Alum, opened the program by warmly welcoming the attendees. He introduced first-time emcee Aaron Baskerville, who currently serves as a weekend reporter of WWMT News Channel 3.  Baskerville, whose father served as a TV meteorologist for over 30 years in Chicago, was described as a person who enjoys giving back.
 
Baskerville commended the organizers and supporters for honoring students for academic achievement.  His first introduction was of the new president and CEO of Kellogg Corporation - John Bryant. Bryant, who has held this position since January of 2011, opened his speech with: “These are the people who will lead the future…be the future.”  Bryant shared experiences in overcoming his learning disability to such a degree as to become the first in his family to go to college.  He even attained his MBA from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, the top business school in the country. He continued with “..most importantly, you should start each day with a bowl of cereal”, tongue-in-cheek, but quite apropos for the CEO of Kellogg!  To close, Bryant cited Dr. Carson as “a good example to inspire [the scholars] to dream bigger.”
 
Following Mr. Bryant, Dr. Carson kept first things first, and demonstrated his appreciation by thanking all who made the event possible: The Kellogg Foundation, which has supported the Carson Scholars Fund in the Battle Creek area since its inception; the educators who played key roles in the scholars’ lives; and parents and mentors of the students, because as he stated, “anyone who has become successful can point to at least one person in their lives who was instrumental in helping them become a success.”
 
Dr. Carson also expressed the need for each and every one of the scholars to face the challenges that will be before them as they join the work force after completing their higher education.  Quality of life, new forms of energy, and terrorism are just a few of the problems they will face.   The caring component of the Carson Scholarship is in keeping with the philosophies of the founders of our country.  Thomas Jefferson stated “to educate a man in mind and not morals is to educate a menace to society.”  Smart and caring people are willing to listen to each other in order to extract the best ideas, and to further the best interests of the country.  Dr. Carson spoke of the history of several inportant American symbols. He highlighted the turning point of the War of 1812, when Francis Scott Key was inspired to compose our National Anthem.  Because of the bravery and self-sacrifice of so many, the flag was still standing as the smoke cleared from the Brits’ relentless bombardment of Ft. McHenry.  This demonstrated how Americans are not people who “give in, give up, or capitulate.” We are people who are willing to stand up for our principles.  Dr. Carson charged us to “not be afraid to defend your belief in God...never be ashamed of who you are or be afraid to defend people who need help.”
 
Dr. Linda Hicks, who is just finishing her first year as superintendent of Battle Creek Public Schools, having last served in Redford Township School district, introduced the student speakers. Dr. Hicks spoke about how important it is to have a dream to desire, and the passion to follow through with that dream.
 
Student Keynote Speakers Lillie McClenney, a 4th grader at Urbandale Elementary School, Patrick Carattini, a 6th grader at Springfield Middle School, and eleventh-grader, Jenifer Pui of Battle Creek Central High each gave stirring speeches.  Lillie’s was entitled “The person who inspires me most,” and spoke about how her high-school-principal-mother is the glue that holds 3 generations of their family together.  Patrick’s speech, entitled “Lawn Enforcement” gave a humorous walk through his adventures in establishing his first business….mowing lawns.  Patrick learned all about “start-up costs” and you could really relate to the excitement he felt, after shopping around for the best lawn mower, when he spotted it across the room and thought, “that’s the one for me!” Jenifer shared how her interest in tennis has been a “guide to keep her on track” from a young age.  The sport helped her to mature in many ways. Tennis taught her time management, strategy and organization, along with the ability to keep her cool in the face of a challenge.
 
As their photos flashed on the big screens on either side of the podium, Mr. Baskerville introduced each scholar by name and shared their unique interests with the audience.  Dr. Hicks, Dr. & Mrs. Carson, and Mr. Bryant all shared in the presentation of awards to the 31 New Carson Scholars.  Eleven Repeat Carson Scholars were also recognized.
 
Special thanks for the dedicated service of the Battle Creek Carson Scholars Advisory Committee, sponsors, volunteers, educators, and parents who made this all possible!