Dr. Maya Angelou and Alltel Wireless announce winners of second annual ''Words of Wisdom: Lessons in Courage'' essay contest
April 06 2007 - 1:48PM
Business Wire
Alltel Wireless (NYSE: AT), America's largest network,�and
world-renowned poet Dr. Maya Angelou today announced the nine
winners of the second annual �Words of Wisdom: Lessons in Courage�
essay contest during a reception at the William J. Clinton
Presidential Center in Little Rock. Each winner received a $5,000
scholarship to the participating Historically Black College and
University (HBCU) of his or her choice. The nine winners were
selected by educators, business leaders and Alltel Wireless
employees based on their responses to the essay question, �Fifty
years ago, the Little Rock Nine personified courage and spirit.
Today, how will you?� A tenth $5,000 scholarship was awarded to the
Little Rock Nine Foundation in celebration of the 50th anniversary
of the landmark integration event. Scholarship winners are: Patrick
Bynum, Tuskegee University; Ashley Drakes, Jackson State
University; Courtney Gates, Paine College; Leroy Lucas, Mississippi
Valley State University; Shayla Roberts, Fayetteville State
University; LaKenya Simpson, Southern University A&M College;
Kendra Smith, Hampton University; Rosie Toliver, Norfolk State
University; and Alaina Wood, Grambling State University. �Alltel
Wireless is committed to celebrating the academic accomplishments
of students within the African-American community through our
�Words of Wisdom: Lessons in Courage� essay contest,� said Regina
Woziwodzki, director of multicultural marketing for Alltel. �We are
pleased to again partner with Dr. Angelou in awarding scholarships
to nine deserving students in recognition of the commitment to
furthering their education.� �A half century ago, the Little Rock
Nine broke down barriers to better their education. The 'Words of
Wisdom' program encourages young people to learn from the hardships
of�those students and use their courage to create change in their
own lives,� said Dr. Angelou. �I am proud to be a part of this
program and to have come in�contact with such an inspired group of
young people.� During their visit to Little Rock, the students
toured several local landmarks essential to the Little Rock Nine
integration movement, including Little Rock Central High School and
the Governor�s Mansion. Reception attendees also enjoyed a
performance by the Little Rock Central High Madrigals and a guided
tour of the William J. Clinton Presidential Center. Alltel (NYSE:
AT) is owner and operator of the nation's largest wireless network
and has nearly 12 million wireless customers. For more information
about Alltel, please visit http://www.alltel.com. About The Little
Rock Nine Foundation In September 1957, nine African-American
students enrolled in Central High School, successfully integrating
the Little Rock School system and securing their place in history
as the Little Rock Nine. The story garnered national attention as a
milestone in public education and an important event in the civil
rights movement. In 1999, a non-profit organization dedicated to
principles of excellence in education for young people of color was
established. About Dr. Maya Angelou An internationally respected
poet, writer, civil rights activist and educator, Dr. Angelou has
authored best-selling titles such as �I Know Why the Caged Bird
Sings,� �Gather Together in My Name,� �The Heart of a Woman� and
the collection of poems �Just Give Me a Cool Drink of Water �Fore I
Diiie,� which was nominated for the Pulitzer Prize. The first black
female director in Hollywood, Dr. Angelou has written, produced,
directed and starred in productions for stage, film and television.
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