|
Respecting our elders pays off
by Holly Smith
To take part, students must write a two-paged, double-spaced essay about a black or Hispanic elder
who motivates and encourages them to reach for their dreams.
Seeing older people support the dreams of a younger generation, and seeing the younger people
understand the gift that has been given to them make for some memorable moments, said Dr. Craig
Oettinger, director and founder of the program.
The program is separated into two independent groups, Hispanic and African-American.
Each group has a committee of about 30 community leaders from Houston and the surrounding areas,
who review the essays.
"Essays are judged on heart," said Oettinger, "not writing
style Ð to reflect the traditions of the community."
According to Linda Bullock, director of multicultural and international student services, each
group submits 80 to 120 essays.
The committees read the entries and each chooses the top 25, which are displayed at UH-Clear Lake
in Atrium I.
Next, the chosen essays are reread, and seven are chosen from each set to be awarded scholarships.
Scholarships range from $250 to $1,000.
Celebrating Our Elders has provided scholarships for approximately 100 students, totaling somewhere
around $48,000, said Bernadina Steeter, assistant and co-director of the program.
The program, which began in 1995, was founded by Oettinger to promote role modeling and pay tribute
to those unsung heroes, Streeter said.
Celebrating Our Elders also was intended to serve as a community outreach program that the
university uses to encourage a more diverse population, but in a respectful manner, Oettinger said.
The Hispanic Celebrating Our Elders essays are currently on display, but on Oct. 27 at 7 p.m., in
Atrium II, the African-American essays will be read by the top three scholarship winners.
Anyone interested in this scholarship program should contact Bernadina Streeter at (281) 283-3373.
Deadlines for next year are April 30, but essays are accepted anytime.
|