Banquet honors youth, community leaders

A number of youngsters and several adults were among an array of honorees at the recent sixth annual Scholarship and Community Awards Banquet sponsored by The Crescent Foundation and the Tampa Alumni Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity.

The banquet, held June 5 at Dr. Blaise Alfano Center, included special awards and scholarships to outstanding members of the fraternity's youth auxiliary group, the Sigma Beta Club.

The fraternity is a historically black organization founded in 1914 at Howard University on the principles of brotherhood, scholarship and service. The organization developed the youth auxiliary group in the 1950s as a way to get fraternity alumni involved as role models with youth in the community.

Santiago Corrada, the chief of staff for Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn, praised the fraternity and its work as he brought greetings from the city.

"The work that goes on is nothing short of inspiring," said Corrada, a former high school principal. "I know the power of mentorship – and because of you, we are a better city."

Jordan Young received a $1,500 scholarship and was recognized as the most outstanding member of the club. He attends Spoto High and has been accepted to Buena Vista University in Storm Lake, Iowa.

Travis Ingraham of Newsome High received the most community service award and a $250 book stipend award to assist him at Hillsborough Community College. Club president Carl Paul of Alonso High also received a $250 book stipend and will attend Bethune-Cookman University in Daytona Beach.

Others recognized were Timothy Spearman, highest grade point average; Dante Evans, the club secretary, as the most outstanding officer; and SirPatrick Reynolds as the most athletic award.

Collegiate chapter members Richard Kyle Castello of the University of South Florida received a $1,000 scholarship and Adam J. Stark of the University of Tampa received a $500 scholarship.

Adults honored included Cathleen Laporte with 2010 Dr. Parlett L. Moore Community Partnership Award. She is the founder and president of Athletes for Charity.

Other awards were the Bigger & Better Business Award to Ernest Coney, interim CEO of CDC of Tampa Inc.; Social Action Award to Sean Dickerson, president of 100 Black Men of Tampa Bay Inc.; and Education Award to William Betts, behavior specialist administrator at Van Buren Middle.

USF graduate George Selvie, a defensive end for the St. Louis Rams, was the honorary chairman. John Loblack, an author, professor and teen lifestyle mentor, gave the keynote address; and News Channel 8's Rod Carter served as master of ceremonies.