2006
Over a year ago, we began the process of identifying people who have changed the character and spirit of Milwaukee through their positive contributions. It did not take long to develop an outstanding lists of phenomenal people and their magnanimous achievements. They are our 2006 "Best of the Best" honorees. Many new personalities already comprise the list of honorees selected for 2007, as we embark on new "Bests" in our year-long series called, "For the Sake of Aaron".
The same thought went into the selection criteria used to design the 2006 Anniversary Committee. Each participant has distinguished themselves in their area of expertise. They continuously take their talents to others within the community. Their contributions to this week’s 30th Anniversary Gala are unparalleled.
Mitchell Avant
Mitchell Avant, director of Community Affairs at the Coca Cola Bottling Company has been a long-term supporter of the Dr. Terence N. Thomas Memorial Scholarship Fund, Inc. Over the years, his company has directed over $40,000 to the recipients for college tuitions, books, travel and computer/supply needs.
Last year, he volunteered to chair the Anniversary Committee, he pledged to increase the award amount per student from $1,200 to $2,000. He succeeded! Twelve students will receive a total of $24,000, this year.
Through his networks and personal contacts, a number of new corporations were approached. He, like Morris Andrews, fundraising leader, have pledged to continue their appeals for augmented funds so that the number of students receiving funds can be increased in proportion to the number of applicants received. In a tightened economy they are to be applauded for diligence and persistence. Theirs is not an easy task. We sincerely thank you!
Morris Andrews
Morris Andrews is the former executive secretary of the WEAC, the Wisconsin Education Association Council, a statewide organization dedicated to promoting respect and support for quality public schools and advocating for public school teachers. During his tenure as head of WEAC, Andrews was proud of efforts that raised average teacher salaries in Wisconsin.
* He is a consultant, today. And managed the successful effort to build Monona Terrace, a community and convention center in Madison.
* He has served as a consultant to Wisconsin Electric Power Company, now WE Energies, which serves over 1.1 million electric customers in Milwaukee, and its suburbs.
* He has been a political strategist for numerous campaigns including that of Senator Russ Feingold.
* Currently, he is a consultant for the Wisconsin Professional Police Association, which serves law enforcement officers of Wisconsin.
* His commitment to education and the need to support students who excel permeates his own family of several teachers, and a Ph.D. candidate. And, it propels him as he seeks funds from major corporations to support the Dr. Terence N. Thomas Memorial Scholarship Fund, Inc.
* He has pledged to work throughout 2006-07 to raise $l million. The interest payments, on that amount, will become perpetual income to fund present and future Dr. Thomas Scholarship recipients. The average tuition for current students is $ 21,000 per annum. The $2,000 award is about one-tenth of the tuition average. And that does not include common expenditures like books, supplies, travel or fellowships in other countries.
Beverly Benson Kern
Beverly Benson Kern is a participant as a distinguished honoree and as a fashion consultant, this year. She is the founder and president of Manners, Inc. She has provided group training and private consultations to business professionals, corporations, politicians, children and educational institutions, since 1998. She was the founder/owner of Beverly Benson Modeling Agency.
* Mrs. Benson Kern is trained and certified in her field. She has produced a series of educational videos and classroom curriculum that features dining and social etiquette for adults and teens. Oftentimes a lost "art" for professional settings and gatherings.
* She is a frequent guest on radio talk shows on the subject of etiquette.
* She is a tenured consultant on wardrobe; current trends and career shopping.
* She is a member of Christ the King Baptist Church.
Mrs. Benson Kern works with Consultant Karen Dotson Jackson, fashion show coordinator, the models and in wardrobe selections, this year, as we journey through the Past, with DeMarco Morgan, WISN 12, Emcee.
Karen Dotson Jackson
Karen Dotson Jackson comes to this year’s committee in a consulting capacity as researcher. She has examined "MCJ" history, our editions and highlights, over the thirty years, for the Vintage Fashion Show. Additionally, her collection of chronological events, personalities and front page stories are the background for many of the PowerPoint headlines that those attending will see. Her expertise is visual and audio focused in this Anniversary celebration.
* She holds a BS in Business Administration, a Master’s in Health Services Administration and has received various awards in competitions from the Modeling Association of America International.
* Her professional experience includes oversight for local, regional and statewide programs in social services, education, volunteer services, health care services and training. Additionally, she has led fundraising; budget management; program evaluations; and senior management formation.
* She frequently models for local and national agencies and has done runway and film and print. With over twenty years experience, she brings sophistication to our Vintage Show.
* She has modeled for Oprah; Sears; "Ebony" magazine; "Essence" magazine; Harley Davidson’s 100th Anniversary motorcycle fashion runway; the "Chicago Tribune;" "Milwaukee Journal/Sentinel;" "Milwaukee Community Journal;" "Milwaukee’s Talking" show; Steins Garden Centers; Milwaukee Admirals Hockey and Kohl’s Department Store’s commercials.
* Currently, she is an adjunct professor at Springfield College, in Milwaukee, where she has taught undergraduate and graduate students in organizational development, program research, program implementation, program evaluation and cross perspectives.
Dasha Kelly
Mpact Communications, Dasha Kelly, founder/ CEO, is known for quality presentations and superb organization. She brings that savvy and expertise to this year’s anniversary celebration.
We are confident that you will long remember and appreciate all that Mpact Communications will bring to the "Milwaukee Community Journal’s" Journey through time: "Past-Present and Future!" We salute Mpact!
Tony Martin Neal
Tony Martin Neal, musician extraordinaire, brings the mood, ambience and memories to life, as the "Milwaukee Community Journal" celebrates the "Past, Present and the Future". Like the visuals of the written page, and the lens of the photograph, which records a permanent picture of events, the auditory senses are attuned to sounds, rhythms, melodies and lyrics. That is the mastery of Tony Neal.
* A Multifaceted artist since the age of five, he has given praises to God at his home church, Monumental Baptist Church; sung with the local choir, the Harmoniques; and joined the Wisconsin Chapter of the James Cleveland Gospel Music Workshop Choir, which took him across country.
* A Music and Business student at Milwaukee Lutheran College, his day job continues to be in business, but it is music that inspires him and his many followers. When you think of Gospel, in Milwaukee, Tony Neal’s name is inevitably drawn.
* Locally, he has sung with a number of established artists. He has performed at the Wisconsin Democratic Party Convention, the Mayor’s Scholarship Committee Luncheon; the Milwaukee Brewers opening national anthem, and the annual Debutante Ball of the Christian Business and Professional Alliance.
* He debuted with the Florentine Opera Company of Milwaukee, in presentations of "Othello," "Lucia Di Lammnermoor," "Carmen," "Aida" and "Pirates of Penzance." He has performed for the Skylight Opera Theatre; the Andre Ellis Production, "When Men Sing;" and toured Europe performing in the "Black Nativity."
* Locally, he has graced the stages of Hansberry Sands Theatre Company’s production of "Great Men of Gospel;" the Heritage Chorale and Festival Orchestra’s "Gathering on the Green" and he brings his talents to this year’s gala with songs from the ’70s; ’80s; ’90s; and 2000s. Tony Neal and his band will make us groove, reminisce, swoon and praise!
* Sharon Pitter, fourth year student in Computer Sciences and Production Mastery, is a multitalented gift. While gaining skills and knowledge through internships and special projects, at the "Milwaukee Community Journal," she has perfected innumerable computer challenges for the Dr. Terence N. Thomas Scholarship Fund and this anniversary committee.
* Her talents can be evidenced in the original copies of the 2006 Honorees PowerPoint presentations; the "Milwaukee Community Journal" Staff Salute and the Scholarship Recipients Presentation.
* All of this she has done while maintaining a 3.8 point g/p/a; at Milwaukee Area Technical College and volunteering in small business developments. She excels and we applaud her. And, we express our deep appreciation for sharing her talents.
We Thank You All. For without You, this 30th Anniversary would be simply an ordinary occasion, and a reflection on time. You Make It A CELEBRATION!
