Battle Creek Branch of the NAACP

 2009 ACT-SO FUNDRAISER-  BEANS AND CORNBREAD LUCHEON

The NAACP and the ACT-SO committee presents its ANNUAL Beans and Cornbread Fundraiser in support of the NAACP YOUTH ACT-SO PROGRAM.

The Beans and Cornbread Fundraiser will take place Saturday, March 21, 2009 at Upton Avenue Original Church of God

12 noon - 3 p.m.  Lunch Plate Donations are $5.00 per ticket 

Lunch  Menu:  Assortment of Beans, Corn Bread, Chicken, Rice and Desert 
CALL 269-963-8805 to get your tickets

wriitten by Denise Jackson

The NAACP Battle Creek Senior Branch sent two students to compete in the 30th Anniversary National ACT-SO Competition which proved to be an unforgettable event for all who took part. There was a host of activities and events planned for the competitiors.  From being in the heart of Walt Disney in Orlando FL, participating in the Magic Kingdom Parade to being apart of the competition itself this exposure gave the students  an ACT-SO experience of a lifetime.

Student Danielle Seedorf, a senior this fall at Pennfield High, competed in Chemistry with a project called 'Want Butter with That?'. She walked away with an experience she could have not had at any school science fair. ' After coming to and competing in Nationals for the second time, it has improved me as a person and confirmed what I want to get a degree in and do as a career.'

Student Monique Seedorf a sophomore this fall at Pennfield High, competed in Photography at the National Competition. She said, I am happy I had the chance to compete at nationals during my freshman year, because it gives me the chance to improve each year and prepare better then I did the the year before.

Student Nadia Coleman a senior at Battle Creek Central was an observer. Said, although I am not able to compete at the national level, I am happy I have the opportunity to come and be apart of the event, because I can see all the other talents and network with other students. Doing this gives me the chance to see what judges are looking for at the national levels and I am able to go back and prepare for next years competition.

I am happy to have the opportunity to attend the 30th National ACT SO Competition. Just to see thousands of African American students  using their talents and gifts for something so meaningful, says a lot about what ACT SO stands for and the importance of the program. This was a great networking opportunity and reminder of why I have committed myself to volunteering my time with the ACT SO program here in Battle Creek. It also give me the energy and drive to come back ready and geared up for the upcoming year.

 WHAT IS ACT-SO ?

The ACT-SO Prodescent. gram centers on the dedication and commitment of community volunteers, such as teachers and business leaders; to serve as mentors and coaches to promote academic and artistic excellence among African-American students.  There are over 25 categories of competition in the sciences, humanities, performing and visual arts for students who are in the 9^th – 12^th grades and of African-American

HOW DID ACT-SO GET STARTED?

Vernon Jarrett, a renowned author and journalist, initiated the idea of the ACT-SO program.  He wanted to develop a program that would promote and reward academic achievers the same way sports heroes are honored.  The first national ACT-SO competition was held in 1978 in Portland, Oregon.

WHAT IS HAPPENING BATTLE CREEK ?

The local ACT-SO program is sponsored and supported by the local NAACP Branch.  The local, state and national competitions is the focus of activities throughout the year.  The Act-So group is also involved with various fund raisers throughour the year to help off-set cost for competitions.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

CONTACT THE NAACP OFFICE 269.963-8805

You may also visit the National Website at www.naacp.org and click on the ACT-SO link.