The Concerned Black Men of Calvert County, Inc.

Four outstanding local teens were given community support to follow their dreams as the Concerned Black Men of Calvert County (CBMCC) presented scholarships at the Fourteenth Annual ‘Gala by the Bay’, held May 14 at the Holiday Inn-Select in Solomons.

That night the Calvert County high school graduates were lauded for their personal and academic achievement as well as given $1,000 for use at the college or university of their choice.

“These young people are shining stars on the rise and proof that public education works best when backed by parental and wider community involvement,” said CBMCC President Gregory Slappy. “We are proud to continue partnering with local contributors to support the development of area students as they build a brighter future for themselves and our world.”

This year’s awardees were:

• La Tara S. Swann, a Calvert High School graduate, will attend Morgan State University in Baltimore to study biology.

• Jordan P. Wilson, a graduate of Northern High School, will pursue a degree in biochemistry at Seattle University.

• Christa A. Allen, of Huntingtown High School, was accepted at Meredith College in Raleigh, N.C. where she’ll carry a full course load in Spanish and accounting.

• Patuxent High School grad John C. Clyburn will attend Garrett College in McHenry, Md. to study business management.

The keynote speaker for the event was Shanell Nero, a Lockheed Martin electrical and computer engineer and youth mentor, who was a 2000 recipient of a CBMCC scholarship.

An additional highlight of the evening was the naming of Prince Frederick resident George W. Carter as CBMCC’s Member of the Year, by the group’s president. The information technology consultant was chosen for his committed work in relocating the local CBM offices among other actions. He also holds the office of CBMCC Vice President.

CBMCC has awarded more than $60,000 to local students to assist with higher education needs over the past 14 years. CBMCC scholarships are awarded on a competitive basis. Character, scholastic achievement, community service and need are all part of the judging criteria.

The ‘Gala by the Bay’ is the major fundraiser for CBMCC’s scholarship fund. This year, the event also marked the 16th anniversary of the organization’s founding in Southern Maryland.

CBMCC, a chapter of the national Concerned Black Men, boasts a membership composed of men from all walks of life. These men are dedicated to the betterment of their community through mentoring and development of programs that bolster the self-esteem and education of youth. Youth breakfasts, cultural field trips, SAT test preparation sessions and an AAU basketball team are all part of local programming.

CBMCC is 501 3© non-profit organization that is always in need of volunteers, members and tax deductible donations to assist in its efforts.

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