Students set to get scholarships in honor of woman’s passion

By Travina Coleman
Phoenix Staff Writer

May 08, 2008 09:18 pm

— Four seniors actively involved in the Muskogee NAACP Youth Council will be awarded scholarships in honor of the late Carolyn Embry Wade.
“Carolyn cared about getting the youth involved with their communities,” said Derrick Reed, NAACP youth director. “She believed if we could get them involved early they would continue to be involved in the future.”
The Carolyn Embry Wade Scholarship Tea and Fashion Show will take place from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday at the Indian Capital Technology Center.
Wade served as the Muskogee NAACP president at the time of her death February 14.
“Carolyn had a great passion for the youth of Muskogee,” Reed said. “She was instrumental is starting the Muskogee NACCP Youth Council.”
The seniors being awarded the first scholarships are: Willie Tenell Reaves Jr., Alexandrea Simone Westbrook, Karis Renee Wade and Staci Shermayne Carter.
Alexandrea Westbrook said she is planning to use her scholarship towards her education at the University of Tulsa.
“Any money will definitely help,” she said. “I plan on majoring in psychology.”
Reed said the Tea and Fashion Show is the first for them, but definitely not the last.
“It will be an old-fashioned tea,” he said. “It is going to be set up with lace tablecloths, finger foods and cakes, it’s just a regular old-fashioned tea.”
Youth Council Members will present the latest fashions in summer, dress, school attire from Dillard’s, Sears, JCPenney, Macy’s and Stage department stores.
Area pastors and church leaders will also serve as guest models, presenting Sunday best dress wear and hats.
“This is something Carolyn would have wanted,” Reed said. “She loved the young people.”

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