Julian A. Taylor Scholarship Award And Dinner

In the midst of the economic crisis”, the JAT Memorial Scholarship Fund continues battling to have people Learn for Life.” 

This second Sunday of July has been set aside by the JAT Memorial Scholarship Fund for a special program envisioned by the wife of the late Dr. Julian A. Taylor’s wife, Margaret, to honor his efforts to extend education.

The Julian A. Taylor Scholarship Committee was formed by his widow with the aid of friends and members of Macedonia Baptist Church after Dr. Taylor’s death in 1981. 

Dr. Taylor was born in North Carolina and educated at Howard University in Washington, D.C. and Columbia in New York City, served the Macedonia Church and Ansonia
Community for 40 years (1939 – 1980). 

He also made his impact upon the state, serving as a hearing officer under the late Gov. Abraham Ribicoff, he founded the state NAACP and tried to influence the hiring of blacks.

From 1982, the program has grown from the initial contribution of $1,000 to the highest-ranking black student, to $5,000.

In 1988, the committee began to award children from third grade to eleventh grade money of $100 and other gifts to encourage the highest-
ranking students to strive for their education.

This latter part of the program has flourished with the aid of the Ansonia school system. 

Students are honored and speak briefly about their aspirations after dinner. 

The 2010 winner of the JAT Award at the Ansonia High School is Bianca Bancroft, who ranks eleventh in her class. 

She is the daughter of Zoey Potter and Mark Bancroft, Sr.

The elementary awards go to:

Jeffrey Jackson – 11th grade

Stephanie Duncan – 10th grade

Tobechukwu Umeugo – 9th grade

Jasmyn Johnson – 8th grade

Desiree Carter – 8th grade

Meghan Bostic – 7th grade

Kevin Bishop – 7th grade

Jared Venson – 6th grade

Christian Stewart – 6th grade

Shamir Hughes – 5th grade

Amanda Prescott – 5th grade

Davina Robinson – 5th grade

Kyla Rascoe – 5th grade

Justin Carotenuto – 4th grade

Kevin Rascoe – 4th grade

Stephanie Umeugo – 4th grade

Chayanne Kelly – 4th grade

Jaylene Harris – 3rd grade

Aleece Myers – 3rd grade

Gracen Kerr – 3rd grade

Kena Dudac – 3rd grade

The speaker this year is Kyle Anderson, Director of the Greater Hartford Male Youth Leadership Program that works with teen-aged boys to develop and enhance their
leadership skills. 

Live saxophone music will be furnished by Jonathan Allen. 

Dinner and the celebration will be held at 2:00 P.M. at John J. Sullivan’s Restaurant, 555 Wakelee Ave., Ansonia.

Contributions may be made through any member or to the Valley Community Foundation.

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