The gustatory smorgasbord tasted better than ever at the 16th annual Cooking for College Scholarship Fundraiser hosted by the Horace Mann Transitional Class of 1972.
The event took place June 9 at what is now Horace Mann Magnet Middle School -- once a high school from which the class was prevented from graduating due to Little Rock school-desegregation efforts that took effect their senior year. Cooking for College is designed to raise money for the Edwin L. Hawkins "I Challenge You" Scholarship, named for the group's late principal.
As is tradition, the event began with a program for which Sandra Johninson was master of ceremonies. Cedric Cooper introduced the keynote speaker, Little Rock Police Sgt. Willie Davis, purveyor of the Little Rock Chapter of the O.K. (Our Kids) Program.
On hand to receive scholarships were 2019 recipients Trinity Thompson, Maresha Jackson and Jalen Buck, all of whom took the podium to express their thanks. Aspiring dentist Thompson plans to study biology at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. Jackson is heading to Texas Southern University, where she'll be a business education major. Buck will attend the University of Central Arkansas, where he will study exercise science. The trio earned grade-point averages ranging from 3.6 to 3.82.
Carl Vault recognized the chefs and cooks, who filled attendees up with such staples as chicken, turkey and dressing, chicken tetrazzini, shrimp, various side dishes, special treats from Kontiki African Restaurant, and assorted desserts. A silent auction helped to raise additional money for scholarships.
The Horace Mann Transitional Class of 1972 has given out about $40,000 since starting the "I Challenge You" scholarships.
High Profile on 06/23/2019