Junior Giant Alexandria Vaughn-Earvin
The evening's event had been planned for months with its committee meetings, nominations, reviews, interviews, communications and announcements. In early November, the 2020 Giant Awardees were revealed.
On Saturday, February 22, 2020, the sun was slow to sink in the sky, stretching the light of day to slowly give way to the night. Cars lined Pearl Street from both directions, entering Louis Street, foregoing self - parking to valet. It was a pleasant sight to see parking personnel open car doors and glimpse the undeniably chic apparel of the guests entering the elegant corridors of the J W Marriott Hotel. This was not just any night! It was the 39th Annual Giant Awards and Banquet.
Class and pizazz were all over the place. Ladies wore gorgeously draped gowns, beautiful black dresses, midnight blue sequins and evening suits. Yes, some risky looking but totally paid off with accessories, heels and furs.
The gentlemen rocked fabulous tuxedos, ascots, bow ties and lapel pins. This truly aided the wonderful atmosphere of the spacious ballroom. The attendees were family and friends from home and out - of - state, many elected officials and photographers galore.
A colorful and fresh floral bouquet centered each table.
Melodious "live music" filled the air.
The evening meal menu was soulful and delicious.
Though there were many awards given that evening, we are especially proud of Alexandria Vaughn - Earvin, the deserving awardee and recipient of the 2020 Junior Giant Cedric Ward Leadership Scholarship Award. This scholarship award recognized Alex for her demonstrated leadership, community involvement and impact, academic and athletic accomplishments, achievement and progress.
Alex received a $1,000 scholarship.
Affectionately called "Alex" or "Sunshine", Alexandria, 17, is the daughter of Shanda Vaughn and Terrance Earvin and a senior at Forest Hills Central High School.
Alex says, "My dream is to complete my degree at a Historical Black College or University (HBCU). My educational experience from 2nd grade through high school has been one of very few minorities in a predominantly white school district."
She added, "Attending a HBCU would provide me with a new and unique experience, unlike any other. It would afford me the opportunity to be exposed to an academic and cultural experience that celebrates African American excellence and achievement."
Alex went on to say, "Living in a single - parent household presents financial challenges; therefore, the plan is to finance my college goals through scholarships rather than loans. I think being a well - rounded student is really important because it brings more opportunities, like winning a scholarship,'' she said, noting her mom never allowed her to have bad grades.
Alex has been consistently active in many service and service learning activities beyond church and school. A few are: Kent County Prevention Coalition Committee, Above the Influence Youth Summit, Red Robin Week (how to live above negative influences), and Sticker Shock (labeling alcohol beverages at local stores to educate about and deter under - age drinking).
She is currently a three - year member of the Grand Rapids Community Foundation's Youth Grant Committee and a participant of a leadership and mentoring organization, Endless Opportunities. This organization strives to provide an accessible and equitable ecosystem for all youths to thrive. This is done through advocacy, outreach, mentoring and/or collaboration.
Alex plays basketball, runs track, drives and has a part - time job. She is considering being a physician assistant or a nurse anesthetist and currently planning to attend Prairie View A&M University in Texas.
There was a lovely picture of Alex in the Giants Award and Banquet evening's commemorative and keepsake program and one shown on the large screens in the room. Hearing her name announced to 700+ individuals and walking gracefully onto the stage to accept the award was the intelligent, responsible, history maker, world changer — Alexandria Vaughn - Earvin.
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