By Thomas Sellers Jr.

Helping Young People Excel (H.Y.P.E.) presents an afternoon to empower our youth with the Second Annual Gala & Awards Ceremony to congratulate the 2017 recipients.

On Saturday, July 22 at 3 p.m. in the Baker Community Center Auditorium located at 7942 Church Street in Millington, H.Y.P.E. will present free laptops to the college bound graduates.

“All too often we have young people in our community struggle to achieve their dreams of furthering their education,” H.Y.P.E.’s Ruthie Wilburn said. “Helping Young People Excel values our youth and strive to give them the needed support in achieving their dreams.  Providing a laptop for their first year in college is our contribution in showing them that we value their determination and drive and fully support their academic efforts.”

On July 9 last year, H.Y.P.E. held its first gala and award ceremony where eight recipients received their laptops costing $2632.

“We had a fun filled afternoon,” Wilburn recalled. “Some of the area community leaders were in attendance to show their support.  Those community leader included Shelby County Commissioner Terry Roland, Federal Judge Jon McCalla, Bellevue Baptist Associate Minister Cary Vaughn and Breathe of Life first lady, Addie Holloway.”

On July 22, H.Y.P.E. will host its second gala and award ceremony where 14 high school graduates from the area will receive their new laptops for their first year of college.  

This years laptops cost $3839.85, with the help of a state grant approved by Roland for $2500. That covered half the cost of the laptops.

“It is my hearts desire to reach as many deserving high school graduates as possible,” Wilburn said. “With the help of our area churches, I believe we will succeed.  Each church that joins with H.Y.P.E. can have one of the high school graduates receive a new laptop (one laptop per church). 

“Each church will provide the graduate with the H.Y.P.E. scholarship packet,” she added. “Once completed the student will return the packet to H.Y.P.E. for review and selection.  Those selected will be notified through their church and must attend the ceremony to receive their laptop.  We are also asking the churches to donate to H.Y.P.E. for the next years recipients.’

For more information about this year’s event and to qualify for next year’s giveaway, call 438-5831.