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Banquet honors students and local leader

By Karlotta Richardson
The Collegian

Two Fresno State students received the Rosa Parks-Dr. King Award Saturday in a banquet at the Ramada Inn west of Shaw Ave.

Fresno State senior Kellie Foster and freshman Michael Spears received the award for their academic and community involvement and Maria Else, the director of Fresno’s Boys and Girls Club received the award for her role in serving more than 13,000 at-risk children.

Foster a sociology and African studies major, said getting an education was a great way to give back to the community.

“I think it is my responsibility to show young people that there is a blueprint (to success) other than athletics and entertainment,” Foster said.

Foster, a McNair Scholar, has served as a vice president for Africana Students United and she is an active member of the African Student Union. She is pursuing two Bachelor of Arts degrees in Africana Studies and Sociology.

Spears who grew up in the Chicago projects said the award was an honor.

“I’m definitely planning to represent,” Spears said. “[By] thinking critically about my life and helping those who came out of the projects.”

Spears is a freshman and the only one of his six siblings attending college.

Else said she was proud of working with at-risk children.

“We all have a heart for children, I love what I do and I wouldn’t give it up for anything,” Else said.

More than 100 people attended the banquet.

Keynote speaker James Walton, Chair of Fresno State’s English Department, talked about his experience growing up in the South during the civil rights struggle.


	February 27, 2006 California State University, Fresno