NEWS

02-26-07

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release 

Contact:

Reginald Grant (323) 376-1057

Everette Pearsall (410) 551-3462

Press Contact:

Tonie Washington (310) 365-5258

Andrew Davis of Denver, Colorado named top African American Male Scholar Athlete in the nation.

 Beverly Hills, CA (February 26, 2007) –The National Alliance of African American Athletes (The Alliance) at its 16^th Annual Franklin D. Watkins Memorial Award Black Tie Gala presented the award to Andrew Davis of Denver, Colorado. The award is presented each year to the nation's top African American male high school scholar athlete.

 The “Elite Five” of the class of 2007 are:  

*  Joseph Barksdale of Detroit, Michigan - Joseph is a member of the National Honor Society, Motor City Makeover, and Class President.  He plays football at Cass Technical High School and has a 3.6 GPA.

*  Andrew Davis of Denver, Colorado -  Drew is a member of Just Say Know, Brother 2 Brother, The Drama Club,  Urban League, and HOPE Community Clean Up.  He plays football for Montbello High School and has a 4.0 GPA.

*  Bradley Stephens of McAllen, Texas - Bradley is member of the National Honor Society, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, PALS and a leader in his community.  He plays football for McAllen High School and has a 3.7 GPA.

*  Trinton Sturdivant of Wadesboro, North Carolina - Trinton is a member of the National Honor Society, Who’s Who, and is Student Council President.  He plays  football, basketball, and track for Anson High School and has a 4.1 GPA.

*  Charles White of Columbia, South Carolina -  Charles is a member of the National Honor Society, National Spanish Honor Society, National Beta Club, and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.  He plays football at Blythewood High School where he maintains a 3.9 GPA.

 "The event was very touching and Drew is an exceptional young man. He exemplifies excellence and he will be attending the University of Oregon in the fall.” Stated Chairmen of the Board Reginald”Reggie” Grant an Oregon graduate and former professional football player (JETS&CFL). “I’m glad an Oregon kid finally won the award and I don’t even have a vote on the recipient. The national committee selects the finalist and I had no clue that he was going to win until it was announced. What a weekend, the VIP Reception on Friday was attended by over 100 plus, the Teen Summit” and Regional Awards Presentation” on Saturday was packed prior to the black tie gala attended by 200 plus.”

 Finalists are chosen based on their unweighted grade point average, their personal statements, extra curricular activities, community service, and letters of recommendation. Each “Elite Five”  winner was recognized in Beverly Hills, will receive an award, ring, and will receive an dinner in their hometown.

 Sponsors of this year’s event include Wachovia Securities, Disney, Pink’s Hot Dogs, Remy Martin, Nash Management Group, Chase Bank, Norman Lewis Limosine, AIX Financial Services, American Sports University, and Jostens Corporation who manufactures and donates the Watkins Award trophy and rings.

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For more information about the Watkins Award, The Alliance, or to attend in 2008 visit our website at www.naaaa.com or email eplaybook1@mindspring.com.  

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The Watkins Award is presented annually to African American scholar-athletes since 1992, the Watkins Award is named for Franklin D. Watkins, the coach of championship football and basketball teams in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.  Previous winners of the Watkins Award include Arizona Cardinals Robert Tate, Darnell Dinkins of the Baltimore Ravens, LaVarr Arrington of the Washington Redskins, Grant Irons and Ronald Curry of the Oakland Raiders, Deryck Toles of the Indianapolis Colts, Ted Ginn of Ohio State and Justin Blalock of Texas.

The National Alliance of African American Athletes was founded in 1989.  The mission of The Alliance is to empower African American males through athletics, education and public programs.

Our next major event will be our “SYNERGY” Sports Conference hosted by American Sports University on May 18^th and 19^th in San Bernardino, California.

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11^th Annual Watkins “Teen Summit” ..information.

The nationwide “Watkins Award “for African American High School Male Scholar Athletes.