Just got this email from the Quality of Life Center:
Dr. Sandra E. Thomas rose to a packed Pasadena Hilton Grand Ballroom crowded with proud parents, guests, mentors and Bright Futures Scholars to announce her executive decision to replace the promised luncheon menu of Cornish Game Hen with tantalizing Wild Rice with a simple box lunch in order to provide all of the Bright Futures Scholars Seniors with money for college. There was a standing ovation that lasted for several minutes.
The event honored forty PUSD high school students, twenty-six middle school, and five alumni graduating at the annual Bright Futures Scholars Graduation and Awards Luncheon held at the Pasadena Hilton Hotel, on Sunday June 7.
Following the processional of the Scholars and introductions, the invocation was given by Pastor William Turner Jr. of the New Revelation Missionary Baptist Church. Assembly Member Anthony Portantino as Master of Ceremonies introduced Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich who gave an outstanding keynote address. After lunch the trio “Inverted Praise” from Blair IB Magnet High School performed.
Jacqueline Allen, Olivia Elizabeth Bellinger, Alejandra Gonzalez-Bedoy, and Kyoko Harris received Jason Mitchell Foundation Scholarships. Briana C. Hayes received the A.D. Thomas Scholarship. Nafasi Ferrell, Aminata Diagne, and Malvin Dube-Mathanda were awarded the Quality of Life Center Scholarships.
Mentors in attendance included Congressman Adam Schiff, California State Senator Carol Liu, Assembly Member Anthony Portantino, Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich , Pasadena Mayor Bill Bogaard, Altadena Town Council Chairman Eugene “Gino” Sund, Pasadena City Council Member Chris Holden, Altadena Town Council Member Dr. Sandra E. Thomas, Pasadena Unified School District Superintendent Edwin Diaz, Pasadena City Manager Michael Beck, Pasadena Chief of Police Bernard Melekian, Altadena Sheriff Captain Roosevelt Blow, Pasadena Juvenile Court Judge Phillip Soto, and Pasadena Water & Power General Manager Phyllis E. Currie.
For more information on the Quality of Life Center and to contribute donations and/or service, contact Melba Alexander, Office Manager 626-798-5433 or email at qualityoflifecenterinc@yahoo.com.