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The YMCA of Northwest North Carolina will host its 25th annual Black Achievers in Business and Industry Awards Gala from 6-8 p.m. on Thursday, May 19, at the Benton Convention Center. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and dinner will be served at 6:15 p.m.

The keynote speaker will be L’Tona Lamonte, Winston-Salem State University women’s basketball head coach.

The gala will honor local businesses and individuals who have made significant contributions to the community. They are nominated and voted upon by the Black Achievers Gala Committee. This year’s honorees include:

• Lifetime — Robert Greer, WSFD; Coach Alfred Poe, WS/FCS

• Business — Cam’s Coffee Creations, Simply Sonya’s, Mayberry

• Service — Carole Montague-Davis, WS/FCS; Dr. Kenneth Simington, WS/FCS

In addition, the Y will celebrate graduating high school seniors by recognizing recipients of over $25,000 in scholarships made possible by corporate sponsorships and contributions to the 2022 Annual Impact Campaign. Applicants who are chosen for final-round interviews will be evaluated by the scholarship panel of five committee members. Areas of focus include community service, program involvement, and academic achievement.

This event is open to the public. Tickets can be purchased on the Achievers page of the YMCA of Northwest North Carolina’s website at ymcanwnc.org/achieversgala. Tickets are $20 for students and $50 for adults. Tables are also available for $400.

The purpose of the Black Achievers program is “to help teens set and pursue high educational and career goals resulting in high school graduation and acceptance into and graduation from an institution of higher learning, and successful entry into a career of their choosing.” The high school component meets twice per month, once in a general session where there are sessions on a variety of topics related to college preparation and career development, ranging from test-taking skills, SAT Prep, to job readiness.

For additional information, contact Jennifer Cleary at j.cleary@ymcanwnc.org.