Southern Regions scores big at 45th annual NCM Convention/Picnic

Published 6:00 am Sunday, September 4, 2011

    Three representatives from The Southern Region of the National Council of Meridianites (NCM) were among top honorees at the 45th Annual National Council of Meridianites (NCM) Convention and Picnic. 

    Davida Bynum, Justin Kelly and National NCM President Irene Wade were recognized at the event, which was held in Cincinnati, Ohio.

    Davida, who was sponsored by the Southern Region,  won the coveted National Council of Meridianites Inc. Jacquelyn Sweetner Caffey Foundation Scholarship of $4,000. The award is based on academics, recommendations and an essay of 500 words.

    This year’s essay theme was “How Important is Education in the Economic Success of African-Americans in the 21st Century?” Davida wrote:

    “In 1896, the Supreme Court passed a ‘separate-but-equal’ rule in Plessy vs Ferguson. This ruling kept racial segregation securely intact. However, in 1954, this ruling was overturned in the Brown vs Board of Education when racial segregation was declared unconstitutional. Though almost 60 years have passed since that ruling, the African-American community still finds itself unable to escape the trap of inferior educational opportunities … Education contributes to enhanced productivity which results in enhanced economic conditions. It is time to uproot the crippling system of the past and cultivate new seeds to produce educational excellence.”

    Davida is a National Achievement Finalist and AP Scholar. She was a Longwood High School Empire Girls State Delegate, attended Running Start’s “No Labels National Leadership Meeting”  and served as president of Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), having received its Outstanding Service Award. 

    She is a graduate of Longwood High School in Middle Island, N.Y., with a  94.04 Cumulative Average.  Davida plans to attend Howard University and is interested in  law or a politician career.  She is the granddaughter of Mary Greenwood (Meridian Alumnae Chapter, Delta Sigma Theta member) of Meridian.

    Named for Jaccquelyn Sweetner Caffey, Harris High graduate and former Michigan Teacher of the Year, the scholarship is awarded to a deserving student whose academic standing and an essay show scholarship and potential.  Previously, $2,000, the award  was increased to $4,000.   

    Other Meridian recipients include Latasha Perrien (2000, Nicholas R. Trotter (2002), Jennifer A. Johnson (2006) and Joya Johnson (2010).

    Justin was one of five students awarded the National Council of Meridianites Roots Scholarship.  Justin received the $1,000 scholarship from the Southern Region, home chapter, the Council of Organization, Inc.  The Roots Scholarship is given to a graduating senior whose parents are affiliated with a chapter of the National Council of Meridianites Inc. The scholarship is based on academics and recommendation; no essay is required.

    In 2010, Justin traveled with the Jackson/Madison County/Hattiesburg delegations on a People to People Student Ambassador Program on a 15-day excursion to Australia. He served as a legislative page and was a  participants in Leadership Lauderdale Youth “Seven Habits of a Highly Effective Teenager.” 

    As a member of Mt. Olive Baptist Church, he served as president of the Junior Usher Board and as score keeper, clock operator, and referee in the Hoops for Jesus Basketball Tournament. He was selected an Outstanding Minority Youth by Delta Nu Zeta Chapter, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc.

    Justin is a graduate of Meridian High and plans to attend University of West Alabama. He is the son  of Richard and Ceatrice Kelly (Alpha Kappa Alpha member). 

    In her opening address, NCM President Wade – who is now in her second term – focused on “What Will Your Legacy Be?”  She challenged Meridianites to make sure that the dash between life and death would be filled with offering service to mankind. Wade asked attendess to put their hands, head and heart in whatever they decided to do. 

    The hallmarks of Wade’s presidency are to increase membership and put the national council on a sound economic footing. She challenged those present to make a difference by contributing to the Roots Scholarship Fund. Wade made the first $500 contribution and $4,000 was pledged at the convention.  She said she will also seek pledges from others over the year. 

    Also representing the Southern Region at the convention/picnic were Alinda Rush Brown, national corresponding secretary; Barbara White, Southern Region director; Mable Hoskins Oatis, delegate; and Mary Jones, alternate delegate. 

    The 46th Annual Convention and Picnic, which will be hosted by the Northern Region, will be held June 29-July 1, 2012, in Memphis, Tenn.