Saturday's Internet Edition, May 17, 2008.
|
“At this year’s banquet, we’re focusing on the youth,” said Francine Bowens, president of the local NAACP chapter. “There will be a lot more youth attending the banquet this year.”
The keynote speaker will be Dr. Barbara Armstrong, director of human resources with Thomasville City Schools.
“Dr. Armstrong really does have a heart for children — and not just because her job is in education,” Bowens said. “She does volunteer work with children at her church. She’s just a real children’s person.”
Armstrong’s job in the school system includes that of being a licensed teacher coordinator, support staff supervisor, Title II coordinator, Title IX coordinator and homeless education coordinator. She has also served as a principal, an assistant principal and a school counselor for Thomasville City Schools, for whom she has been employed for more than 20 years.
“Dr. Armstrong is the ideal person to be the main speaker at our banquet this year,” Bowens said. “We though that since the banquet is focused on our youth and since she is our keynote speaker that this would be a great way to attract teachers to come and be a part of the banquet.”
Entertainment will feature the gospel quartet, Aaron Smith and Made Men.
“We’ll be giving two community awards,” Bowens said. “Elder Donna Canty will be recognized for her contributions to the NAACP. She’s been involved for the past 10 years, and she works really hard.”
Also slated to receive a community service award from the local NAACP branch is Jane Wilder, community relations director of Thomasville Medical Center.
“Jane looks out for us a lot,” Bowens said. “She also loves kids. For anything worthwhile that’s going on in the community, if she can find a way to help, she will. She’ll always go to bat for you if you need money. She’ll say, ‘This is a good thing that’s going on. Can we fund it?’”
Other dignitaries are expected to attend, including several members of the Thomasville City Council.
Tickets are $30, which includes dinner, and can be purchased at the door.
Staff Writer Kevin Reid can be reached at 472-9500, ext. 230, or at reid@tvilletimes.com.