Detroit Free Press from Detroit, Michigan • Page 20

4B DETROIT FREE PRESS. TUESDAY. JUNE 2, 1998 I 1 Schools band performs at Carnegie Hall Xij- hanaw t-Mwoml mJi mmi y.V. Ill I A strong mother led and inspired city council head By Gloria blackmox Newbtvakrr thiiilfs Vimenl Imagine studying by candlelight, idler yet, imagine not having any electricity or running water until the age of 10. Imagine how it was for a single black woman raising two children during the All of these things are memories of newlv elected Detroit Citv Council President Gil Hill.

Hill believes that God blessed him through some very trying times and with a strong mother figure. "My mother taught me," says Hill. "The only difference between being ordinary and extraordinary is always working a little bit harder, always doing a little bit more than what is expected of you, and being nice to people." Hill says that this is the way to be noticed. The city council president's working background extend from a cook, chauffeur, city and county clerk, to serving over 30 years on the Detroit Police Department. "I feel that the Detroit Police Department is one of the best tilings that ever happened to me," Hill said.

When Hill takes his seat as council president, he feels that his biggest challenge will be learning as much as he can about the job which will enable him to make a difference'. "I never wanted to be any place and not make a difference," said Hill who is also a member of the City V. lection Commission. Hill's background and accomplishments are proof that with a loving mother, perseverance, and hard work, goals can be reached. Hill is definitely on top of the hill, where he stands as an inspiration to young people.

i 12l I I t. 1 ill A Hi iti 'h-'nr A ILuwifcjfclmJ Mi-nmiMitimMttgMmmidmmr I Matthan Mason, Northern High $24,000 From left: Free Press reporter and mentor Darci McConnell congratulates Ford Motor Company scholarship winner Kelly Harmon as her mom, Denise, and sister and brother look on. Talent and hard work earn honors for high school journalism students By Layla Williams DSASpullitihl School of Fine and PerfarmiriK Ai ls When DSA (School of Fine and Performing Arts) opened its doors to Detroit's most talented students five years ago, who would have imagined that their talents would go as far as New York City? Well, on May 16, band director Edward Quick saw the members of his symphony band performing in the illustrious Carnegie Hall, as the school cheered them on thousands of miles away. the dream come true had its beginnings when Dr. Denise DarcelDavis, principal and founder, pulled Quick aside one day to inquire about her talented students having the opportunity to perform at Carnegie Hall.

Quick was quickly on a mission he immediately made a call to Carnegie Hall. He found out that entry into the 1998 Carnegie Hall Youth Music Debut Series was by audio audition tape. Quick submitted tapes of music which the symphony band performed at the Michigan State Band and Orchestra District and state-level festivals. At these events, the band received Division 1 ratings. "I had the opportunity to review the tape and, indeed, we will be very pleased to have you and your ensemble on our series under your baton," responded Dr.

Peter E. Tiboris, General and Music Director for the Carnegie Hall event, after reviewing the tapes. "The audio tape you sent represented a superlative musical ensemble," Tiboris complimented Quick. "I was particularly impressed -with the performance of Persichetti and Maslanka, although all of the performances were very fine." Students were very excited about this opportunity. They practiced for perfection at least two hours a day.

Lolita Alford, a junior and bassoon player, said, "It's a once in a lifetime opportunity. Only the greatest musicians perform at Carnegie Hall." Alford isn't the only one who was excited and aware of this opportunity to showcase their school's talent. "I am very honored to be going to New York City's world-famous Carnegie says Kenneth Gill, a senior and trombone player. The only drawback to this "opportunity" was that it came with a price. The trip cost $61,500 which included airfare, transportation, sightseeing, and a stay at the Grand Hyatt Hotel for five days.

To the rescue came businessman Donald Trump who contributed $31,500. His donation was a result of a conversation at a function between Dr. Davis and Robert Berg, Trump's Detroit media contact. It was Berg who suggested Dr. Davis put together a package that he would present to Trump.

The rest of the story can be explained in two words: "a blessing." Students performed at Carnegie Hall on May 16. Church is not sympathetic to Desire's point of view. "In the Christian community, these clubs have a negative, adverse effect on the quality of life," said Pastor Oliver. "They also have a negative impact on both adults and children, in terms of maintaining healthy attitudes and relationships within the family and the community. Strip clubs do not support healthy values." Assistant principal Ron Wells concurs.

"I feel that the topless bars shouldn't be so close to our school." Wells states that students should have their own zone free of adult entertainment, alcohol, drugs, violence, and other elements that are detrimental to the positive goals many kids are aspiring to achieve. their families, teachers and Free Press editors that the scholarship was a "dream come true." Denise Shows, Harmon's mother, said she was grateful to Ford and the Free Press for enabling Harmon to attend Florida University as a journalism major. Waters, who won the Specs Howard scholarship, encouraged students to find out what they really want to do. "Once you decide what you like, go for it." In all, 24 Detroit high school students were named reporters of the year; three were named sports writers of the year; two received pholojournalist of the year honors; and one student earned a special copy editor of the year award. Former Free Press Pubisher Neal Shine was given the special Contributor's Award, which recognizes an individual who has made a significant impact on the newspaper's journalism program.

"Anyone who knows Neal Shine is aware of his track record for exposing inner-city youth to the journalism profession," said Mayo. "When keynote speaker Cliff Russell, general manager at WDTR and weekly Free Press columnist, said, 'Neil stands as a pillar of the he said more than a mouthful." Gail Tolbert, of Renaissance High School, was named Advisor of the Year; Henry Ford High School took the honor for the second year as Newspaper Staff of the Year. Supported by the Free Press and sponsors such as Ford, the Detroit Pistons, Lawrence Technological Institute and Specs Howard, the High School Journalism Program is designed to offer a hands-on experience to Detroit high school journalism students. The opportunity to work in, or visit, a major newspaper is a first time opportunity for the majority of the program's participants. Fvery month, journalism classes edit, write headlines and design their high school papers at the Free Press.

The Free Press then publishes papers and distributes them to participating schools and their feeder middle schools. "Crystal has taken the program to elevated heights in the past three years," said Henry Ford Advisor Joan Galica. In 1996, a broadcast component was added to the program. Last year, Specs Howard presented a $2,500 scholarship at the first awards banquet and matched it again this year. The Detroit Pistons Park Program became a major sponsor last September.

High school park reporters cover parks that have been, or are scheduled to be, refurbished by the Park Program. Back in April, reporters attended a Pistons game, met the Pistons, and were later called center court during half-lime to receive recognition. Journalism students were subsequently invited to Tiger Stadium to co-vera game from the press box. Over the past two years, Mayo has increased the program's sponsorship by $40,000. This includes a recent committment from Ed Gordon, MSNBC anchor and Cass Tech graduate, who will award a $5,000 scholarship at next year's banquet.

Said Free Press Executive Editor Bob McGruder: "This program is the best way to get youth into the newsroom and give them the opportunity to really see what journalists do." Tonya hart Northern IMk'Ii Lisa brooks Ht'in Ford Hicli and TRIXA BKLl KrIlHi'AJIlUC liijjll SM'ria! to llif Free l'irss Thirty Detroit Public Schools students won journalism honors Wednesday night at the second Detroit Free Press High School Journalism I'rogram's Achievement Awards banquet in Dearborn. The banquet is the brainchild of program coordinator Crystal Mayo. In 1996, Mayo thought it would be a good idea lo conclude the program school year with an awards banquet similar to the Academy Awards. Ford Motor Company, a major sponsor of the program, agreed with Mayo and offered to host the banquet at its World Headquarters. This year marks the second year of Ford's generous hospitality.

'Iliis year's winners included two scholarship recipients. Senior Kelly Harmon of Central High School won a $24,000 scholarship from the Ford Motor and Nicole Waters of Osborn High School won a $2,500 scholarship from the Specs Howard School of Broadcast Arts. "I'm overwhelmed," said Harmon after she accepted the Ford scholarship. "Now I know that hard work pays off some way or another." Harmon was accompanied to the podium by three family members and her mentor, Free Press reporter Darci McConnell, wept as she approached the podium and had trouble fighting through her surprise as she spoke to the crowd. She told the high school journalists, and parents object to presence of strip clubs near school Ford Motor Company 1997-98 Journalism Achievement Awards Winners 1 st Place Reporters of The Year Layla Williams (DSA) Ebony Lee (Mumford) Carina Cushingberry (Murray-Wriqht) Kelly Harmon (Central) Gloria Blackmon (Charles Vincent) Tiffany West (Mumford) Mateela Glenn (Mumford) Ashamia Wright (Murray-Wright) Toi Harold (Henry Ford) Jeorgina Thompson (Henry Ford) Ike Robinson (Henry Ford) Kimberly Sampson (Renaissance) 2nd Place Reporters of The Year Corey Bothuel (Frederick Douglass) Layla Williams (DSA) Nikki Hunter (Henry Ford) Sherry Echols (Central) Tiffani Braxton (Northern) Laymon Cummings (Renaissance) Tonya Hart (Northern) Matthan Mason (Northern) Andrienne Gaines (Charles Vincent) Tiffany Manns (Mumford) Darryl Edwards (Renaissance) Kamila Abdulhalim (Central) Photo Journalist of the Year Donnelle Wheeler (Mumford) Marlon Walker (Renaissance) Sports Writers of the Year Randall Balamucki Michael Balamucki Brian Wheeler Copy Editor of the Year Tonya Hart (Northern) Ford Motor Company $24,000 Journalism Scholarship Kelly Harmon (Central) Specs Howard School of Broadcast Arts $2,500 Scholarship Nicole Waters (Osborn) Advisor of the Year Gail Tolbert (Renaissance) Newspaper Staff of the Year Henry Ford Trojans Many students By JEORGINA THOMPSON Henry Ford Tnijan Henry Ford lliuh St Inxil Topless bars abound in Ford's backyard.

There have been many debates about these establishments. Disturbed by what goes on inside and outside neighborhood strip clubs, community members continue to ponder, "Why are they so close to our homes and schools?" Many lord students must walk past these clubs as they make their way to and from school. Some students have admitted lo being curious about the type of entertainment these clubs provide to patrons. Others say that they would be happy to see adult entertainment clubs closed down, particularly the ones in their neighborhoods. 'I feel that strip clubs should be banned," said senior LaToria Hester.

"The clubs do not affect young children, but they do impact the 17 and older crowds," continued Hester who would like to see the clubs replaced with stores which the neighborhood desperately needs. Some students, however, do not have a problem with neighborhood strip clubs. "I don't mind the strip clubs being close to my home," remarked senior LiKeisha McCall. "The clubs are like McDonald's franchises. They're easy to find, if that's what a person is looking for." Senior Anitra Ricardson somewhat agrees with McCall.

"I feel that the bars are legitimate business. It's the liquor stores that pose a greater risk to the via bility of the community." Richardson was quick to point out the fact that liquor stores are practically on every corner. "It's easier for a young person to purchase a blunt (a cigar that is gutted and then filled with marijuana) or liquor than it is to gain access into a strip club." Many parents of Ford students find the bars objectionable, though. "Strip clubs should not be in residential areas simply because children must pass them going to and from school," remarked parent Helen Ball. "Children often encounter women going into these clubs to work." Ball further believes that the existence of these clubs lower property values in many communities.

'They should be raided and closed down," Ball suggested. In the past, some dancers have enticed customers for after hours prostitution. Bars have also been fined for hiring minors as dancers. A Channel 7 news report uncovered one bar owner who supplied teenage girls with phony identification so they could acquire dance license. "Desire," a dancer, is not ashamed of what she does for a living.

"I am not really concerned with what people think of me I'm not doing anything illegal." She admitted to earning as much as $3,000 a month for her part-time labor. With salaries like "Desire's" and noted prostitution activity, it's quite apparent why parents and concerned citizens are continuously protesting adult entertainment establishments. Pastor Charles Oliver of Elm Baptist ABOUT THIS SPECIAL SECTION These select articles were written throughout the 1997-98 school year by students from various Detroit Public High Schools that participate in the Detroit Free Press High School Journalism Program. The program was designed with a two-fold purpose to introduce students interested in journalism to the profession, and to improve the communication skills of students participating in the program. As we close out our journalism program until next fall, we celebrate the accomplishments of all students pictured in this section.

Their accomplishments were further acknowledged on Wednes- day, May 27 at a journalism Achievement Awards Banquet hosted by Ford Motor Company at its World Headquarters. As a thirteen-time sponsor of "We, the Students," the special section that culminates the Free Press High School Journalism Program year, Ford Motor Company is proud to take this opportunity to salute the Detroit Public High School students who participated in this worthwhile program..