By Dawn Scotland
The Truth Reporter
The Toledo Urban Federal Credit Union treated 30 Scott High School students to Thanksgiving Dinner at the Toledo Country Club on Thursday, November 16, for having perfect attendance for the first quarter of the school year.
“We’re treating them like kings and queens”, said Suzette Cowell, president and CEO of the Urban Federal Credit Union, “with a full course Thanksgiving dinner for them.” Students walked into the country club while receiving roses and were welcomed by members of the local community.
“We started last year,” said Bishop Pat McKinstry, board president of the Toledo Urban Federal Credit Union and leader of the Worship Center. “The local church adopted Scott and the community first furnishing the uniforms for the cheerleaders for perfect attendance.” The church then grew their effort to the class with the most perfect attendance last year and a few weeks ago provided a food truck for the top 80. Now they are at the top 30 students.
“I’m so excited to be here, it’s a great opportunity and a great honor for us students to be here today and I appreciate those who made it possible for us to be here today,” remarked Kamet Jacob, junior at Scott High School. Many expressed that they had never been to the country club before. The students also received goody bags from the University of Toledo and gifts from the Port Authority.
Donations from Bishop McKinstry; Thomas Winston, CEO of the Toledo Lucas County Port Authority, and Suzette Cowell in the amount of $1,000 each will be provided to the two seniors at Scott High School with perfect attendance. Both students to be awarded $1500 each.
Latonia Reid, assistant principal of activities at Scott High School, thanked the organizations for the support from the community “It means a lot to the school to have so many supporters….a lot of times all they get out is the negative news. We appreciate you recognizing us and supporting us in our positive endeavors as well.”
Speakers included:
Suzette Cowell, president and CEO of the Urban Federal Credit Union
Phil McWeeny, president of Toledo Country Club
Bishop Pat McKinstry, board president of the Toledo Urban Federal Credit Union and leader of the Worship Center
Pastor Timothy Pettaway, lead pastor of Walk the Word Church
Thomas Winston, president/CEO of Toledo Port Authority, keynote speaker
Mija Martin, education specialist, Toledo Tomorrow
Valerie Walston, special advisor to the President University of Toledo for Community Engagement Strategic Partnerships.
