Suffolk News-Herald

A total of 40 children from public housing were honored for their academic accomplishments Friday evening at the 8th Annual Youth and Adult Scholar Awards Program at the East Suffolk Community Center.

&uot;You are to be commended for all your hard word,&uot; said event creator Clarissa McAdoo, the executive director of the Suffolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority. &uot;Every year, I look forward to this night. It was started to get rid of the myths about kids in public housing. It’s important for children to feel special, and to know that they can reach a little higher for a little bit more.

&uot;Even those here tonight that didn’t make the honor roll are special,&uot; she said, &uot;because they have more years to get on a roll. If they made it once, or all four times last year, it was still special.&uot;

Of the children honored, eight made the honor roll in all four grading periods last year: Daquan Brock, Myiesha Butts, Taul Hawkins, Omika Jones, Trevon Matthews, Shaniqua Thorpe, Shadja Wethington, and Chanttionna Willis.

With the strands of &uot;Diamond in the Back,&uot; playing in the background, Section 8 director Keva Newsome welcomed the crowd with her own poetic creation. &uot;Making the honor roll once, or the whole year through,&uot; she said, &uot;you are to be commended for all that you do.

&uot;Your accomplishments show evident demonstration, that there has been perseverance and determination. I encourage each of you to set goals, and whatever you decide to do, when doing it do it whole soul.&uot;