FAMILY AND FRIENDS CONNECTION, INC. 2018 REALIZING
YOUR SELF WORTH SCHOLARSHIP DINNER
Miramar, Florida, June 12, 2018 - Family and Friends Connection, Inc. (FFC) 9 th Annual, Realizing Your Self-Worth Scholarship Dinner was held Saturday, June 9, 2018 at 7 PM at the Hilton Garden Inn Hotel, 14501 Hotel Road, Miramar Fl, 33027.
It was a spectacular evening with one of our very own Mr. Anthony Thompson, as Master of Ceremonies. Anthony is a long standing member of FFC who always stand to the challenge of
assisting in any way he can.
It was a spectacular evening with one of our very own Mr. Anthony Thompson, as Master of Ceremonies. Anthony is a long standing member of FFC who always stand to the challenge of
assisting in any way he can.
MC Mr. Anthony Thompson
FFC President Mrs. Donneth Wedderburn Prays
The program started out with Prayer led by our President,
Mrs. Donneth Wedderburn
FFC Litany by FFC Youth President & Recipient Kerri-Ann Henry
Followed by the reading of our Litany and expression of gratitude by Ms. Kerri-Ann Henry;
a recipient and active youth member of FFC.
a recipient and active youth member of FFC.
Kerri-Ann took the time to expound how grateful she was for the organization for believing in her
and giving her the opportunities to help develop some of her leadership qualities
allowing her to finish school and to do it exceptional well.
and giving her the opportunities to help develop some of her leadership qualities
allowing her to finish school and to do it exceptional well.
FFC Group Picture
Greetings from City of Miramar
We were also blessed to have Legislative Aide, Ms. Maureen Kohler representing
Vice Mayor Maxwell Chambers giving greetings and well wishes to the
recipients out of the City of Miramar.
Vice Mayor Maxwell Chambers giving greetings and well wishes to the
recipients out of the City of Miramar.
Past Recipient Miss Monique Blissett
It was a night filled with gratitude and memories as Miss Monique Blissett, representing the
past recipients, encouraged and charged our new scholars how to plan and work hard, in
achieving their goals and don’t allow anyone to define them.
She reassured them how special they were and reminded them God made them that way. She told them that failure is an initiation process and they should not forget their “Owner’s manual”, which is the Bible.
past recipients, encouraged and charged our new scholars how to plan and work hard, in
achieving their goals and don’t allow anyone to define them.
She reassured them how special they were and reminded them God made them that way. She told them that failure is an initiation process and they should not forget their “Owner’s manual”, which is the Bible.
FFC 2018 Scholarship Awards Guest Speaker Dr. Dwight Benjamin, MD
After our delicious dinner, our Keynote speaker, Dr Dwight Benjamin, MD was
introduced by Dr. Carlene Whyte-McNee. His message was soul searching, motivational and
inspiring.
He encouraged us all; especially our graduates not to confuse status with
purpose. He spoke about the dept that some of our great historians went to achieve their
dreams to stay alive even faced with death remembering that we are all unique and
special.
introduced by Dr. Carlene Whyte-McNee. His message was soul searching, motivational and
inspiring.
He encouraged us all; especially our graduates not to confuse status with
purpose. He spoke about the dept that some of our great historians went to achieve their
dreams to stay alive even faced with death remembering that we are all unique and
special.
FFC Board Chair Dr. Carlene Whyte-McNee
The program couldn’t continue without giving our history and vision of the organization.
This was highlighted by FFC Board Chair, Dr. Carlene Whyte-McNee.
She spoke about the programs that are offered, the progress and achievements with the success stories of the many lives we have helped, with the limited financial resources.
She also encouraged the students and thank those members and visitors supporting the organization over the years.
This was highlighted by FFC Board Chair, Dr. Carlene Whyte-McNee.
She spoke about the programs that are offered, the progress and achievements with the success stories of the many lives we have helped, with the limited financial resources.
She also encouraged the students and thank those members and visitors supporting the organization over the years.
FFC President Donneth Wedderburn Speaks
FFC 2018 Scholarship Recipients
From (L-R) Miss Kerri-Ann Henry, Mr. Navian Francis & Miss Carlisa McNee
Carlisa Receives a Motivational Book from
Marcia Bariffe, MBA
FFC Scholarship Coordinator
Marcia Bariffe, MBA
FFC Scholarship Coordinator
FFC 2018 Scholarship Recipient Kerri-Ann Henry
Kerri-Ann Henry Receives her Award Plaque from
FFC President
Mrs. Donneth Wedderburn
FFC President
Mrs. Donneth Wedderburn
Student Name: Kerri-Ann Henry
Scholarships Recieived: Bright Futures; Miramar Pembroke Pines Chamber of Commerce Scholarship (Karen Magnus) Zeta Phi Beta Scholarship; Home Depot's Orange Scholars; school-specific merit scholarships (FIU Gold and Blue, University of New Haven, University of Miami, Florida State University, Montclair State University, Stetson University)
Total Amount of scholarships Received: $135,300 (including four year scholarships from schools plus third party)
College/Universities Accepted: University of Florida, University of Miami, University of New Haven, Florida State University, Florida international University, Montclair University, Stetson Unversity
College/Universities Attending: University of Florida
Career Plans: Nutrition and Naturopathic Medicine
Awards: Broward County's Outstanding Senior Leader (2018); Runner-up for Pastor's Club of Academic Excellence Student of the year (2017); Nominee for Mentor of the year (2017)
High School Activities/Clubs:
Community Service Hours: 789
Community Service Activities: Living Word Open Bible Technology and Children's Ministry; Broward County South Regional Volunteer; Family & Friends Connection Inc. Youth Group President
Favorite Quote: "Trials and tribulations lead to love and celebration." -Valentae (YouTube pseudonym)
Scholarships Recieived: Bright Futures; Miramar Pembroke Pines Chamber of Commerce Scholarship (Karen Magnus) Zeta Phi Beta Scholarship; Home Depot's Orange Scholars; school-specific merit scholarships (FIU Gold and Blue, University of New Haven, University of Miami, Florida State University, Montclair State University, Stetson University)
Total Amount of scholarships Received: $135,300 (including four year scholarships from schools plus third party)
College/Universities Accepted: University of Florida, University of Miami, University of New Haven, Florida State University, Florida international University, Montclair University, Stetson Unversity
College/Universities Attending: University of Florida
Career Plans: Nutrition and Naturopathic Medicine
Awards: Broward County's Outstanding Senior Leader (2018); Runner-up for Pastor's Club of Academic Excellence Student of the year (2017); Nominee for Mentor of the year (2017)
High School Activities/Clubs:
- Class of 2018 Secreatry
- Mentoring Tomorrow's Leaders
- Teen Outreach Program
- Students Against Destructive Decisions
- National Honor Society
- Spanish National Honor Society
- Key Club
- Principal's Advisory Board
- Superintendent's Advisory Board
- City of Miramar's Youth Advisory Board
Community Service Hours: 789
Community Service Activities: Living Word Open Bible Technology and Children's Ministry; Broward County South Regional Volunteer; Family & Friends Connection Inc. Youth Group President
Favorite Quote: "Trials and tribulations lead to love and celebration." -Valentae (YouTube pseudonym)
FFC 2018 Scholarship Recipient Mr. Navian Francis
Mr. Navian Francis receives his award plaque from
FFC President
Mrs. Donneth Wedderburn
FFC President
Mrs. Donneth Wedderburn
Navian Andrew Francis was born January 5th, 2000 in Chapelton Hospital, Clarendon,
Jamaica. Following the marriage his mother and step-father in 2005, Navian and his mother
subsequently emigrated to Florida in August 2007.
Navian adjusted to his new environment relatively quickly, making new friends and transferring his academic excellence to a new setting. Navian has continued this path, striving for higher heights, even until now.
Navian graduated from Miramar High School on June 4th, 2018, while being ranked at number five out of the 575 graduates with a 5.54 GPA.
He has been recognized as a Blue Ridge Scholar for the University of Virginia that he will be attending in the Fall, a Quest Bridge Finalist, and a National AP scholar. Navian plans to attain a Masters in mechanical/electrical engineering and a minor in philosophy or anthropology.
With the help of his wonderful counselors, Navian has accrued over US $760,000 in cumulative scholarships and grants so far, along with 650 recorded community service hours.
Navian has had leadership roles in Spanish National Honor Society and Key Club, both of which he has been a part of for three years. He has also gained experience from his roles in National Honor Society, Chess Club, Indian Student Association, and Track and Field.
Navian attributes his success to his supporting family (church and biological), persistence, great friends, and most importantly, his faith in God. Above all, Navian cherishes the day that he decided to give his life to the Lord in the summer of 2013 at the Power of Faith Ministries.
It is the best decision he has ever made and recognizes the immense joy he experiences while giving his time to be a part of the ministry.
Navian’s favorite quote is “My time is limited, I refuse to waste it living someone else’s life”
Jamaica. Following the marriage his mother and step-father in 2005, Navian and his mother
subsequently emigrated to Florida in August 2007.
Navian adjusted to his new environment relatively quickly, making new friends and transferring his academic excellence to a new setting. Navian has continued this path, striving for higher heights, even until now.
Navian graduated from Miramar High School on June 4th, 2018, while being ranked at number five out of the 575 graduates with a 5.54 GPA.
He has been recognized as a Blue Ridge Scholar for the University of Virginia that he will be attending in the Fall, a Quest Bridge Finalist, and a National AP scholar. Navian plans to attain a Masters in mechanical/electrical engineering and a minor in philosophy or anthropology.
With the help of his wonderful counselors, Navian has accrued over US $760,000 in cumulative scholarships and grants so far, along with 650 recorded community service hours.
Navian has had leadership roles in Spanish National Honor Society and Key Club, both of which he has been a part of for three years. He has also gained experience from his roles in National Honor Society, Chess Club, Indian Student Association, and Track and Field.
Navian attributes his success to his supporting family (church and biological), persistence, great friends, and most importantly, his faith in God. Above all, Navian cherishes the day that he decided to give his life to the Lord in the summer of 2013 at the Power of Faith Ministries.
It is the best decision he has ever made and recognizes the immense joy he experiences while giving his time to be a part of the ministry.
Navian’s favorite quote is “My time is limited, I refuse to waste it living someone else’s life”
FFC 2018 Scholarship Recipient Miss Carlisa McNee
FFC Group Picture With Scholarship Recipients
COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP RECOGNITION
Not too many times we get to meet into this setting to show our appreciation to our
sponsors and supporters. Indeed it was a surprise for all three: Mr Nathan, one of our foundation Directors that had embraced our President vision and invested his money and time to this prestigious organization.
sponsors and supporters. Indeed it was a surprise for all three: Mr Nathan, one of our foundation Directors that had embraced our President vision and invested his money and time to this prestigious organization.
Founding Volunteer Partner Recognition
Community Partner Recognition to Ms. Jasmine Jones
Ms Jasmine Jones, Broward Office of Economic and Small Business Development;
Ms. Jones always looks for opportunity to ensure that the resources are
given to the community to promote small businesses.
Community Volunteer. Longest Partner Recognition - Mr. Roland Smith
Mr Roland Smith, is one of the first and longest community partners. He assisted by
sponsoring The Donneth Show which airs on WAVS 1170 AM every Wednesday
from 8-9 PM. That show promotes FFC's Community Solutions.
sponsoring The Donneth Show which airs on WAVS 1170 AM every Wednesday
from 8-9 PM. That show promotes FFC's Community Solutions.
The Entertainment Was Spot On Fabulous!
With Kidson Barnes & Friends
How could we finish without an evening of entertainment? Not at all, when we are a
group that enjoy having fun!
The entertainment kicked off with Kidson and Friends. Danny Ford, Millie and JR Dougall all are professional singers who found time to give back to the community; one of FFC partner and friend who enjoys the work we do and offer continuous support to us over years.
They had the attendees on their feet for the rest of the evening.
group that enjoy having fun!
The entertainment kicked off with Kidson and Friends. Danny Ford, Millie and JR Dougall all are professional singers who found time to give back to the community; one of FFC partner and friend who enjoys the work we do and offer continuous support to us over years.
They had the attendees on their feet for the rest of the evening.
Kitson Barnes of Kidson & Friends
A few FFC Past & Current Scholarship Recipients (More than 40 to date.)
FFC Group Members with 2018 Scholarship Recipients
