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DECEMBER 2021
The Christian Recorder
THECHRISTIANRECORDER.COM
CONNECTIONALNEWS
BUSINESS CONNECTIONS WITH XENIA FOR WILBERFORCE STUDENTS The nation’s first, private, Historically Black College/University (HBCU) has begun “Town and Gown,” an official partnership with the city of Xenia, Ohio. Wilberforce University’s geography is Xenia Township in the suburb of Wilberforce, but much of its business connections are within Xenia. With that in mind, a recent VIP mayor’s reception highlighted w pproposals between the university and its neighboring municipality. “This initiative is not just going to just build jobs, but it will also bring ideas to the in table,” said Xenia’s Mayor Sarah Mays. “This will also bring new, innovative ta ways to move forward.” w Along with Mayor Mays, event attendees included members and officers oof the Wilberforce University Student Government Association, President Elfred Anthony Pinkard, Vice President Natalie Coles, Provost Johnny E D. Jones, and Chief Operating Officer William Woodson, among others. “We are so thrilled to be D working closely with Mayor Mays and her team at the city of Xenia,” said Wilberforce University VP w oof Advancement, Natalie Coles. “The ‘Town and Gown’ initiative will take advantage of areas where ccollaboration offers a greater impact to our students and the citizens of Xenia. Being good partners and neighbors makes good sense.” n The reception cemented the Town and Gown initiative, designed to promote internships and eemployment with Xenia for Wilberforce students and strengthen the relationship between the city and the th h university. Additionally, Wilberforce participated as a sponsor of the Xenia Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast held October 22, 2021, at Emmanuel Baptist Church, and the two groups are working to identify h ppartnership opportunities that will enhance broadband infrastructure on the campus in the city. The uuniversity’s executive team is also looking forward to a mid-November meeting with the Xenia Chamber oof Commerce that will be held on the Wilberforce campus. Wilberforce University, founded in 1856, is the nation’s first private, Historically Black College/University founded by people of African descent. Located in southwest Ohio near C Dayton, the university is a member of the United Negro College Fund (UNCF), the Ohio D Link Library Consortium, and the NAIA Conference. According to HBCU.com, Wilberforce L University is among the top five HBCUs in the midwest. U
HIGHLIGHTS OF DUPAGE AME CHURCH GIRL SCOUTS The DuPage AME Church Girl Scouts have continued to stay active throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Our Girl Scouts range from kindergarten-12th grade, and we are currently meeting via Zoom or outside, weather permitting. The Girl Scout program is girl-driven, reflecting the ever-changing needs and interests of participating girls. It provides girls with a wide variety of opportunities. DuPage AME Church Girl Scout’s current roster consists of 20 adult leaders with 60 scouts. Troop 357-Class of 2020 (12 scouts with 9 Gold Awards) bridged out of Girl Scouts in June 2020. Under the leadership of Ms. Michele & Mrs. Etiennette, the Scouts Gold Awards covered areas from Autism, Influenza Awareness, Music Therapy, ADHD 101, Reading Awareness, College Prep 101, Self Esteem Awareness, College Prep Ins & Outs, and Diabetes. Troop 357 started as kindergarteners, and 75% of the girls were in the troop since kindergarten/1st grade. During their scouting years, this troop traveled to Savannah, Georgia; Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin; California’s Great America; and an annual Girl Scout Ski Trip to Grand Geneva, Wisconsin. Troop 1582-10th Grade Cadettes (10 scouts), under the leadership of Mrs. Etiennette, has been keeping busy since the pandemic. This senior troop participated in the DuPage AME March for Justice and Peace and a golf outing. They also delivered thank you cards to healthcare providers, donated water to Hessed House Homeless Shelter, and made blankets for cancer patients. These young ladies are currently working on their Gold Awards. Troop 863-8th Grade Cadettes (14 scouts) is under the leadership of Mrs. Danell. Scout Landyn completed a research project on children with the medical diagnosis of Autism; she expanded her passion into action Troop 357 Scouts & Leader (Bridging) Troop 1582-March and volunteered at a special needs Troop 357-Gold Award Workshop Ms. Michele & Mrs. Etiennette for Justice and Peace COVID-19 vaccination clinic. This clinic partnered with an autistic organization and had social/emotional and sensory supports to help autistic children understand vaccination. Scout Morghan’s school nominated her to participate in its HBCU Summit Series. In addition, she was selected for Black Girls Rock and a mentoring event in the Kids Golf Foundation of Illinois. Troop 25-7th Grade Cadettes (6 scouts), under the leadership of Ms. Michele and Mrs. Danell, these young ladies made pandemic care packages and gave them to the elderly within the church/community. They also completed a Girl Scout Journey and will begin working on the Silver Award this year. Troop 169-6th Grade Cadettes (16 scouts), under the leadership of Mrs. Darnetta, bridged to the next level of Girl Scouts. During the past 12 months, they installed a Buddy Bench at the local school and installed a water filtering system at DuPage AME Church. This troop meets once each month, and over the past year, they have attended a Chicago White Sox game and completed a bike ride for Healthy Awareness. They are currently working on the Silver Award. Our upcoming events include Trunk of Treats and Learn How to Double Dutch.
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