NEWS

A Word from the Chairman of the Board

Chairman of the Board of Directors

2008 Watkins Award Preparation

On July 1, 2007, the nationwide search for the recipient of the 17^th Franklin D. Watkins Memorial Trophy Award officially began.  This impressive trophy is produced by Jostens Renaissance to recognize a premiere African-American male scholar athlete who exhibits in his personal life a commitment to high academic standards and substantive service to his community.

People always ask us why do we present the award to High School African American Males only.  The answers is very simple:  As unavoidable role models on the "image" front lines, talented athletes-especially in football, basketball and baseball-define what the emerging generations of African-American males will value, and the aspirations they will have. The Watkins Trophy Award is a means for recognizing exceptionally talented African-American male athletes who, by their example, help promote high academic standards and a commitment to community service. We want to promote academic achievement among all students, but specifically target African American Males, a segment which has historically underachieved because of a variety of factors. We do this by highlighting the positive contributions of African American Males – specifically African American Male High School Scholar Athletes.

This each year the selection committee invites qualified high school athletes in football, basketball and baseball to apply for the Watkins Trophy Award by early fall the applications are in and  the finalists are announced.  February 22^nd through February 24^th, the top finalist will be invited as guests for a weekend of events and a dinner at a Luxury Beverly Hills Hotel where the winner will be announced.

Top Finalists for The Watkins Award receive the following:

·        All expense paid trip to Los Angeles and a weekend of activities.

·        Limousine service and hotel/resort accommodations.

·        A Dinner in each finalist individual city with an award and ring presentation.

·        Free Jostens Renaissance Workshop at the High School of each Finalist

·        Scholarship will be awarded to a student of choice in the name of each Finalist

·        The opportunity to talk to and meet Watkins Alumni in the NFL, NBA and attending major universities nation wide.

·        The opportunity to participate as a panelist in our annual “Teen Summit” for 200 plus local youth on Saturday,

           We appreciate your careful consideration of the Watkins Trophy Award as an important community service organization worthy of sponsorship. Thereby, helping us to recognize these outstanding young men for being positive role models, who excel in citizenship, academics and as athletes.  Please feel free to contact me directly or any of our committee members for any additional information.

Sincerely,

Reginald Grant

Chairman of the Board

Watkins Award National Selection Committee:

Brian Chisolm               National Director,

Watkins Trophy Award Selection Committee

Mr. Brentt Eads                        Student Sports Magazine, Publisher

Dr. Joanne Gabbin                    Honors Program, James Madison University

Ms. Lisa Goldberg                    NBA Properties, Inc.

Dr. Sybil J. Hampton                Winthrop Rockfeller Foundation

Ms. Annmarie Kaiser                Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General

Mr. Al Nuness                          Jostens Renaissance

Mr. Marc S. Pollick                  The Giving Back Fund

Mr. Clyde Proctor                    Chicago Urban League

Mr. Leland Stein III                  US Olympic Committee/Black Voice Sports

  This impressive trophy is produced by Jostens Renaissance.