Neptune Township and the Neptune Board of Education presented “Rise of the Queen” featuring an original play on Saturday, February 27, 2016.
“Sistah,Sistah, Oh My Sistah”, written and directed by Carmen Davis, was performed at Neptune High School’s Performing Arts Center.
Earlier in the day, four African-American women were presented with Vanguard Awards: Hedy Bright, First Female African American Special Police Officer in Neptune; Dr. Titania Hawkins, Vice Prinicpal, Neptune High School; Gwendolyn O. Love, Executive Director of Lunch Break and former Neptune Township employee; And Earlene T. Toran, Guidance Counselor at Neptune High School. Wayne Boatwright, represented Meridian Health for the Corporate Partner Award.
Four exceptional high school seniors were awarded the Next Generation Leader Award Scholarships: Chanel Aliyah Ellison, Cresaya Hester, Sasha A. Murphy, and Monica Seidle.
Mrs. Dorothy Robinson, 100 years young, was honored with the Centurion Award. In addition to her community volunteerism, Mrs. Robinson worked in the Neptune Public Library for ten years.
Kia Lyons, Black History Month Planning Committee co-chair and African Student Union advisor, was mistress of ceremonies.
Gail Oliver and Dianna Harris were recognized for their long-time involvement with the Black History Planning Committee.
The Committee was comprised of Mychal Mills, Chair; Kia Lyons, Co-Chair; Township Mayor Kevin McMillan, Mary S. Scott, Board of Education Liaison and Volunteers, Admir Delossantos, Charles Trott, Curlie Jackson, Dianna Harris, Gail Oliver, Lorraine Stone, Lynn Humphrey, Teretha Jones and Wanda Smith.
(Prior to the program, visitors toured the displays in the high school atrium)