Now that Gross has laurels, she's no more likely to rest. Right now, she's writing a cookbook of traditional recipes. Next March she wants to return to the Tribute to Women of Color ceremony as a giver, swelling with her gift the number of scholarships awarded to high-schoolers. The awards recognize women behind the scenes who have given volunteer services to the community as pathfinders and youth leaders. They are given by A Tribute to Women of Color in partnership with the YWCA Racial Justice Committee, Anne Arundel Medical Center and Nationwide Insurance.
All nominations come from the community.
Sharing honors with Gross for uncommon dedication to reach out beyond themselves into the world is Ramona Green. Green received this year's Service to Youth award for educational leadership on several fronts. A home-teacher, she taught for many years in both Baltimore City and Anne Arundel County. She has tutored reading at both Tyler Heights and West Annapolis elementary schools and taught Sunday school at St. Philip's Church. She co-chairs the Education Tent for the Kunta Kinte Festival and volunteers with Alpha Kappa Alpha.