And last night at the Black Achievers banquet, Murray was awarded the scholarships that will make her dream a reality. Every other Saturday since she was in seventh-grade, Murray has attended the YMCA program, which is designed to help students explore career choices and focus on school while developing leadership skills. Students spend time with mentors, work on community service projects and visit local workplaces. And that's central in the YMCA Black Achievers program.
Adults work with young people, and both reap the benefits.
The annual banquet is an opportunity to honor individuals and companies who contribute to the program and to tap community members for future involvement. Adult achievers are nominated by local businesses for excelling in their careers and giving back to the community. After they are recognized, they participate in a yearlong leadership and personal development program. Program directors hope many will become mentors for the students. That kind of dedication to young people was a way of life for last night's Community Achiever of the Year honoree, the late Jerry Stevens.