July 31, 2008
Summer session ends on a celebratory note

Students new to Link ended their month-long summer session today with a closing ceremony, lifting up the accomplishments of all participants. The ceremony, attended by students and their families, provided a snapshot of the programs and activities that have prepared the students for the upcoming school year and engaged them in a meaningful summer experience.

S T A R T   O V E R

After welcoming comments from Ms. Ngozi Emenyeonu, director of the annual fund, who secured the grant to fund the summer program, and Mr. Tony Hill, coordinator of the program, students launched into demonstrations and explanations of some of the many things they learned this month, both in required and elective classes. Students studying theater with Ms. Beverly McKenzie acted out a play they wrote. African Dance elective class performed to the drum of elective teacher Brother Jerome Hunter. Mr. Hector Stewart, '06 and teacher assistant, introduced the Perceptions Class and students made presentations indicating their understanding of perceptions about gender, religion and race. Young ladies from the Fashion elective, led by up and coming fashion designer Mr. Lateef Wise, demonstrated their knowledge of famous African American designers, models and fashion icons. Students from the Poetry Elective read poetry by their instructor Mr. Elijah Brown and those in the Art Elective taught by Ms. Rasheeda Fuller exhibited their art, both original compositions as well as art done in the style of famous artists. Ms. Marnie McKoy, principal, concluded the program with congratulations for a successful summer session to all.

Awards were presented during the program as follows:

	Reading: Anisa William, Kriska Desir, Junior Calloo, Anthony Hyatt
	Writing: Kayla Smith, Erin Saunders, Mathew Johnson, Lean Lauture
	Perceptions: Maranda Berry, Taylor Holliman, Junior Calloo, Ifeanyi Nwabor
	Math: Kyra Dunham, Kriska Desir, Tyshon Banks, David Shamburger
	Leadership: Junior Calloo, Taylor Eley, Cazembe Nicholas, Taylor Holliman, Sabriya Wesley
	Core Values: Heru Kirkland, Alana Hunter, Ramon Wright, Asiah Smith,Tamara Johnson
	Perfect Attendance: Ted Compere, David Shamburger, Anthony Hyatt, Kalmapreet Singh, Kiara Smith, Al-Jeanette Downing, Juanique Taylor, Leah Woodridge, Joyelle Gaines, Tamara Johnson, Princess Johnson, Shawnae Merritt, Erin Saunders, Sabriya Wesley, Lamar Baker, Heru Kirkland, Ahmod Smallwood.

Thanks to The Prudential Foundation 2008 Summer Grants for Youth Initiative and PlaySmart, Inc. for providing funding for Link's summer session.