For distinguished service to Teen Achievers and the betterment of youth, the YMCA of Metropolitan Milwaukee recognized three adult Black Achiever volunteers at this year’s 29th Annual Black Achievers Scholarship and Awards Gala on Friday, Sept. 10, 2010 at the Pfister Hotel.
The new class of Adult Achievers for the 2010-2011 school year were inducted at the annual Black Achievers Gala at the Pfister Hotel on Friday, September 10, 2010. Adult Achievers are sponsored by companies from throughout the metropolitan Milwaukee area
The YMCA of Metropolitan Milwaukee Black Achievers Program is proud to honor Dante A.C. Houston as the 2010 Adult Black Achiever of the Year. The Adult Black Achiever of the Year Award is the highest honor extended to an adult volunteer. Chosen by their peers, this award recognizes the individual who best exemplifies the mission of the Black Achievers program and has served their class as a model of dedication, enthusiasm, and leadership.
Dante has served as cochair for the Career Cluster committee and tirelessly helped whenever and wherever he was needed. He helped organize presentations and speakers for career development utilizing his expertise as a corporate recruiter to provide realistic opportunities for the students. During transition periods, Dante provided stability and he was always the first to arrive each Thursday to welcome students. Dante was always a team player seeking to inspire his peers to provide the best experiences and connect the students with a wide array of opportunities.
In addition, Dante is an advocate for professionalism and presenting the best public image. He shared his passion for public speaking and career development – reinforcing the value of connecting and networking as a necessary tool for the teens in the Black Achievers program. Dante is a living example of how one pays it forward, and his commitment is based on always giving his best. On behalf of the Black Achievers program, we extend our gratitude to Dante Houston for his leadership and service to the teens and adults of our program.
The YMCA of Metropolitan Milwaukee Black Achievers Program is proud to honor Clover Barnes as the 2010 Champion Achiever of the Year. The Champion Achiever of the Year Award recognizes the tireless efforts of the volunteer who contributed the highest number of hours in the class during the program year. Clover has contributed an outstanding 850 hours since her orientation date in August 2009. She has engaged with students and parents of the sophomore class as a Teen Advisor. In addition, Clover provided support for the Black College Tour – serving as the “Nurse” during her week-long experience as chaperone. Clover also spent time providing support for the Regional Midwestern Teen Summit, which was held in Milwaukee. Clover continues to give her time and talent as she serves as lead coordinator for the 2010 Teens.
The YMCA of Metropolitan Milwaukee Black Achievers Program is proud to honor Wayne G. Tompkins as the 2010 Alumni Achiever of the Year. The Alumni Achiever of the Year Award recognizes the Adult Achiever Alumni volunteer who best exemplifies the mission of the Black Achievers Program by their participation, quality of work, leadership with other volunteers, and support of students beyond their initial year of dedicated service.
Wayne was a member of the 2007-2008 Black Achievers class. This past year, Wayne served as co-chair for the Career Cluster committee and took on the monumental task of ensuring that there were sessions available each week for the students to benefit from both professionally and academically. In addition, Wayne met with external supporters to help craft sessions through Randstad and US Bank. On one occasion after a two-week work assignment that kept him away from the teens, Wayne confessed that he missed working and seeing the teens while he was gone. On behalf of the Black Achievers program, we extend our gratitude to Wayne Tompkins for his leadership and service to the teens and adults of our program.
Through the YMCA Black Achievers program, Adult Achievers volunteer their time to assist youth with career exploration, mentoring and academic advising. Adult Achievers work with teens to equip them with the skills and competencies needed to gain acceptance to and graduation from institutions of higher learning, eventually leading to successful entry into the workforce.
The Achievers were honored at the 29th Annual Black Achievers Scholarship & Awards Gala on Friday, Sept. 10 at the Pfister Hotel. The gala serves to raise scholarship dollars for Teen Achievers who are attending college.