Inspiring Minds grads land prestigious spots

Staff report

Warren

A number of recent graduates from Inspiring Minds, a city-based educational enrichment program for underrepresented youth, have been selected to further their education with some of the country’s most prestigious organizations.

Brad Smith, a student at Full Sail University in Florida, has been accepted into the Disney Training Intern Program; Deonte’ Stubbs, a Warren JFK graduate and a student at Wilmington College, has been awarded a Theater Scholarship to attend Niagara University in Niagara, N.Y.; and Harding graduate Shawn’a King, who is studying at Alabama A&M University, has been accepted into NASA’s summer internship program.

In addition, a Harding senior enrolled in the Inspiring Minds program, Ja’laya Provitt, has been awarded a National Merit Scholarship.

“These students are perfect examples of what can be achieved in spite of growing up in a difficult environment,” said Deryck Toles, Inspiring Minds’ founder and executive director.

He said each of the students had the will to succeed and took full advantage of the opportunities that Inspiring Minds provided.

One component of the program involves student trips to cities and colleges.

“Learning what’s possible and what opportunities are out there really has an impact on these kids,” said Toles.

Students have traveled to Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, New York City and Puerto Rico.

On April 27, the program will honor graduating seniors and present scholarships at the 6th Annual Inspiring Minds Gala at St. Demetrios Community Center in Warren.

The public is invited. Ticket information is available by calling 330-469-6729.

Designed for underrepresented youth in Warren, Inspiring Minds programs focus on education and exposure to new experiences as a means of building confidence and strengthening character. Information is available at www.InspiringMindsYouth.org.