In 2006, the Stand & Deliver program continued to grow and expand in innovative and exciting ways. Continuing to build self-esteem, confident communication skills, and leading through difficult times, the Stand & Deliver program entered into the 8th grade populations of the Robert Treat Academy Charter School and University Gifted and Talented. The program was well-received by these eager young adults and we even had a few perform at this year’s Night of Eloquence event.

Also this year, in addition to the weekly workshops, young adults from all of our workshop locations had the opportunity to come together for two large group symposiums that took place at the Robeson Campus Center at Rutgers Newark:

Symposium I

Symposium II

On April 3, 2006, the “Communication All-star” symposium featured 70 young adults performing in front of a panel of judges to compete for one of 11 $250 prizes. We had 175 students in attendance. There were two communication “tracks” for this event, which included; advanced communicators and new communicators. Students were evaluated on the overall effectiveness of their presentations with specific criteria including delivery, stage presence and communication style (both verbal and non-verbal) and the persuasiveness of their message.

NIGHT OF ELOQUENCE

At the conclusion of the program, on May 10, 2006, “Stand & Deliver” held its seventh annual “Night of Eloquence: Words to Inspire” at a new location, the Robert Treat Academy Charter School in Newark, with over 300 people in attendance. Eleven students were selected to perform various poems, short stories and original oratories, all incorporating this year’s theme of “Words to Inspire.” Overall, the evening was truly a memorable event.

Heaven Montgomery Junior, Science High School (Click for Video Clip)

Daniel Saraiva Senior, St. Benedict’s Prep (Click for Video Clip)

Jalil McArthur Senior, East Side High School (Click for Video Clip)

Olurounke Remi-Johnson Senior, East Side High School (Click for Video Clip)

In addition to the presentations that took place that evening, “Stand & Deliver” president Steve Adubato presented eight, $2,500, “Stand & Deliver Communication Excellence Scholarships” to students who demonstrated youth leadership and communication excellence in both their weekly workshops and in writing.

Further, Marion Bolden, Newark Public Schools Superintendent and Sister June Favata, St. Vincent Academy’s Administrative Director, accepted this year’s “Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Leadership Award,” in recognition of their commitment to the future of Newark’s youth. Following is what these Newark leaders have to say about “Stand & Deliver”:

Newark Public Schools Superintendent Marion Bolden says a few words after accepting the 2006 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Leadership Award. (Click for Video Clip)

“They rightly say that Newark is a renaissance city. That renaissance begins with the young people who will be the citizens and community leaders of tomorrow. Stand & Deliver is a vital part in making that renaissance happen.” -Marion Bolden, Newark Public Schools Superintendent

Sister June Favata takes a moment to say thank you after receiving the 2006 Stand & Deliver Martin Luther King, Jr., Leadership Award. (Click for Video Clip)

“Stand & Deliver creates a camaraderie that downplays competition while encouraging individual achievement. We've seen our shyest as well as our most gregarious students grow with and through the experience. We sincerely hope you will have the resources to continue this great work year after year in all the participating schools.” -Sister June Favata, Administrative Director, Saint Vincent Academy

All of us at “Stand & Deliver” also want to take a moment to share with you why this year’s “Night of Eloquence” event was bittersweet. Jimmy Kelley, 17 years old, and his younger brother Kelvin, 16, were both students at Newark's Central High School and participants in the “Stand & Deliver” program. Jimmy was selected to perform at the “Night of Eloquence” a poem of his own composition entitled, “The Lame Excuse,” which depicts life in the midst of crime and violence. The day before the event, his brother Kelvin was gunned down and killed along with his friend just blocks from his home.

In what was the bravest and most courageous moment in the program’s history, Jimmy decided to go ahead with his speech, seizing the opportunity to bring attention to the senseless violence plaguing the city and the need for change. Needless to say, the audience of more than 300 people was moved by his performance. Jimmy is a shining example of the strength of the human spirit and why these kids deserve every opportunity to learn and succeed.

Steve Adubato introduces Jimmy Kelly at the 2006 Stand & Deliver Night of Eloquence. (Click for Video Clip)	Jimmy Kelly speaks out against violence at the 2006 Stand & Deliver Night of Eloquence, just a day after his younger brother Kelvin was tragically murdered. (Click for Video Clip)
Stand & Deliver presenters take a few moments to relax with some breathing exercises prior to getting on stage before an audience of over 300 people at the Robert Treat Academy Charter School in Newark. * Click on the image to enlarge	Stand & Deliver "Communication Excellence Scholarship" winners on stage with Stand & Deliver founder and president, Dr. Steve Adubato. * Click on the image to enlarge

If you would like to learn more about the Stand & Deliver program, please call the Project Director, at (973) 233-9890.