Columbia Urban League Hosts 35th Annual Black History Month Young and Gifted Awards

The Columbia Urban League hosted its 35th Annual Black History Month Young and Gifted Awards Program honoring high school seniors.

This year’s theme was “Achievement Matters.”

The virtual event was held on Sunday, February 28, at 3 p.m. To watch the program in full, click or tap here.

More than 700 African American high school seniors who excel in the areas of academics, athletics, arts, leadership, and technical education and have earned a 3.0-grade point average will be recognized. Organizers say seniors from Allendale, Clarendon, Fairfield, Florence, Kershaw, Lee, Lexington, Marion, Newberry, Richland, and Sumter counties were nominated by their school.

Each student will receive a personalized award that acknowledges their achievements.

“This program is vital because it recognizes the importance of preparation, performance, and perseverance, which are the driving forces behind achievement and success,” Columbia Urban League President and CEO James T. McLawhorn, Jr. said.

This year’s co-keynote speakers were two of the honorees, Tyler Gadson, a senior at Ridgeview High School, and Hanna Greene, a senior at W. J. Keenan High School. They will discuss their journeys towards achievement.

To read the full article, click here.