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Awards recognize community supporters

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By LENORA LAKE

llake@tampatrib.com

Published: June 24, 2009

USF CAMPUS - When members of a historically black fraternity came together recently, it was about celebrating others' successes.

Alumni members of Phi Beta Sigma hosted the organization's fourth annual Scholarship Banquet at the University of South Florida's Marshall Center. It drew about 200 guests, including collegiate and alumni fraternity brothers, members of the Sigma Beta Club for youth, parents of the club participants and community members.

"Often we hear the negatives. Today, we celebrate young men doing well," fraternity alumni member James Jackson said to the guests.

Phi Beta Sigma was formed in 1914 at Howard University and has chapters at the University of South Florida and the University of Tampa. The Tampa Alumni chapter has about 35 active members, said Philip Harris, who serves as president of the alumni's foundation, The Crescent Foundation.

The foundation raises funds for scholarships and activities for the Sigma Beta Club.

Harris said the June 13 luncheon had three purposes: to recognize the members of the Sigma Beta Club; to present scholarships to the high school graduating seniors; and to honor community members who support education, social action and business.

Scholarship recipients were Clearwater High graduate Michael Holmes, $1,000; and Tampa Bay Technical High graduates James Jackson (not the fraternity member), $500; Donzell Jenkins and Kuvawn Phelps, $250 each book stipend.

Community members honored were Dorethea Edgecomb, Hillsborough County School Board member; Pat Spencer, secretary of the Hillsborough County Branch of the NAACP; and Andrew Ashmeade, owner of the Jerk Hut Island Restaurant.

Keynote speaker was Ricky Thomas, the Indianapolis Colts tight ends coach and former tight ends coach for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He is a member of Phi Beta Sigma.

"We are in a situation it is critical that we step up to the plate and support these young men so we can send them off to what God has intended for them," he said.

Throughout his 15-minute presentation he often compared the game of football to life.

"As you move forward, it is important that you focus," he said. "You've got to have a passion about your purpose."

The luncheon also recognized the members of the local collegiate chapters. The USF chapter raised money to buy the Sigma Beta Club members suits for the banquet, and the UT chapter has assisted with the alumni's chapter's many service activities.

USF chapter member George Selvie, a member of the USF football team, was honored with the Southern Regional Athlete Hall of Fame Award and recognized for his nomination for the National Emmitt Smith Award.

Correspondent Lenora Lake can be reached at (813) 259-7600. To see more photos from the luncheon, go to northeast .tbo.com.

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