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Summer Academy 2010
"GMF Star Power"
Dates TBA
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Duwain P.
Keynote Speaker, 2007 SOE Gala of Stars

Duwain is a sophomore at Case Western Reserve University where he is pnrsuing a degree in business management with a concentration in banking and finance. He was recently placed on the Deans High Honors List for the spring semester with a grade point average of 3.8. He is currently the Vice President of the African American Society and is also involved in the Voices of Glory gospel choir.

In high school Duwain was the Vice President of the Reynoldsburg High School National Honor Society and the President of the high schools Christian organization, Christians in Action. He graduated as 1 of 20 valedictorians in June 2006 with a grade point average of a 4.0. He was also named to be in the top 1% of all African Americans in the class of 2006 as a National Achievement Finalist.

After graduation, he plans to work in the banking and finance field for 2 to 3 years before pursuing masters in business administration from an upper level institution.

SOE has benefited my life greatly by reinforcing the knowledge of my inner potential and giving me tools to turn that potential into success.

I have managed to overcome difficulty by relying on my faith in God —And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose -. Romans 8: 28

I plan to make a contribution for a better world by becoming staying focused on the goals that I have set and helping others reahze and achieve their own goals. The one piece of advice that I would give to teens would be to never set¬tle for anything less than what you are worth.

Devin G.

As one of the "stars" of the School of Esther I feel I am beginning to reap the benefits from my attendance. The School of Esther taught me things that I would be faced with in everyday life. To me one of the most beneficial sessions of the School of Esther was the session about public speaking. Public speaking was never one of my strong points. I didn't feel comfortable standing in front of a large group of people and speaking, because I did not have confidence in what I was saying and the way that I was presenting it to the group--I guess I just didn't have confidence in myself. The School of Esther helped me to gain the confidence that I needed to stand in front of a large group of people and give a speech or do a presentation. Now that I am in college I am often faced with the task of standing in front of a large class or even a lecture hall and making a presentation. Now when I am asked to do presentations, there is no hesitation because I have that confidence to stand up and convey my knowledge to the class.

I am currently a sophomore at Winthrop University in South Carolina where I am studying to become a Physical Therapist. In the medical field you must have confidence in yourself and be able to present your knowledge to others so that you may help them to learn from what you have been taught. Without the School of Esther I feel like I would be right along with the other students in the class, but after graduating from the School of Esther I feel that I am a step ahead of the other students and have more of a sense of confidence. I appreciate all the School of Esther has taught me and thank you Mrs. Johnson for convincing me to get involved in the School of Esther.

Tiffany M.

Hi, I am a proud and blessed graduate of the SOE Class of 2003. Since I graduating from the program, I have become a stronger bright female in the eyes of God. At first I had issues in life derailing me from my Christian beliefs, but after attending the SOE I have gotten back on track spiritually and mentally. It has made me a stronger young adult and I will always keep in mind everything taught to me from the wonderful and awesome staff of SOE.

I Am attending Central State University and my major is English/Pre-Law.

I want to get my masters; then go to law school. I want to share with the lower and middle class communities my blessings in life.
God bless you all.

TERRON B.
A Rising Star
by
Brenda Joyce Johnson, Founder & CEO
The Gold Medallion Foundation~School of Esther

With hesitation and reservation, a young man named Terron entered the first session of a leadership development program for teens called “The School of Esther.” The name Esther has a Biblical foundation and means “star.” Terron, like most teens, wondered what his buddies would think—his friends from the hood. The mentoring program for both males and females ages 13-17 is sponsored by The Gold Medallion Foundation located in Columbus, Ohio.

Terron, like most teens, are oftentimes hesitant to tell their friends about doing anything on Saturdays outside of sports and shopping. It just isn’t “cool” to be sitting around in a classroom learning anything when you could be “chillin” with your “dudes” or “hangin” with your friends. Terron is a gifted artist and potential entrepreneur. He loves spending time drawing cartoon characters and artsy designs on t-shirts and designer jeans. Anything, he thought, would be better than sitting around in a room with a bunch of strangers he knew nothing about.

Although skeptical at first that a Saturday class on character building, social etiquette and dance would hold his interest, Terron discovered a whole new level of confidence rising on the inside as he began to relate to the young ladies on a totally different level. The thought of abstinence and how to dine with dignity became a concept to be considered. He would have never guessed that after only 10 weeks of classes he would be wearing a tuxedo and dancing like a champ with other classmates.

Of course, enrolling in The School of Esther was not a choice Terron would have made without the encouraging words of his mother, Yvonne. Terron, like thousands of other young males around the country are struggling through the heartache of having an absentee father. Yvonne says, that having community mentoring programs where young people can connect and build relationships with other teens and adults bring a whole new level of maturity and confidence to teens who otherwise would be left to idle play and crime.

As a reward for having participated in The School of Esther, Terron was nominated and selected by Ohio Congresswoman Debra Pryce as one of 12 teens around the nation to represent America’s Promise a youth mentoring organization founded by former Attorney General Colin Powell. As an honoree, Terron attended a gala at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC and received a $1500 scholarship. In attendance was Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton, Senator Ted Kennedy, Colin Powell, Ohio Congresswoman Debra Pryce and other dignitaries.

The Gold Medallion is committed to helping young people like Terron prepare for the future, which is filled with promise for those who are prepared to lead. Terron and other Columbus youth are a sterling examples of what it means to rise above mediocrity and join other teens who are “rising stars” in our city and nation.