Published: June 16, 2009 11:09 pm         

Terre Haute branch of NAACP honors graduating seniors

TERRE HAUTE — The Greater Terre Haute Branch of the NAACP honored several graduating seniors May 14 as part of an inaugural program called “Umbrella Senior Salute.”

The goals of the program are to encourage the students to continue their education and to let them know that the NAACP is there to support them.

The NAACP branch paid for the students’ first-year NAACP membership and also gave them forms to register to vote.

“When you leave here, you are going to be a different person,” Debra M. Tyler, NAACP Education and Back-To-School, Stay-In-School chairwoman, told the students. She also gave them advice on how to be successful in college.

The students participated in a ceremony and received an NAACP umbrella pin, a certificate of participation and a cup. As they went up to be recognized, Tyler wrote their names on a card which was placed under an umbrella.

Most of the students have plans to go to college, and one planned to enter the U.S. Air Force.

The colleges included Vincennes, Indiana State University, Indiana University and Ivy Tech.

Allegra Allen, president of the local branch, hopes the program will spread statewide and nationwide.

All graduating black and multiracial high school seniors in the Vigo County School Corp. were invited to attend, Allen said.

“The umbrella is a security measure for the students,” Allen said. “It will give them the inspiration and the courage to go on and to know that any time they wear that umbrella badge they are identifying themselves with the NAACP.”

If the students need anything, “We’re there and we’re going to assist,” Allen said.

The program also encourages the students to uphold such values as honesty, respect, commitment, service, dedication and fellowship. “It’s a way to make them strong citizens,” Allen said.

Tyler, who recently retired as a Vigo County School Corp. teacher, organized the program. She wants to encourage young people to stay involved with the NAACP and it’s a way for the organization “to let them know we support them.”

Olivia Tompkins, a recent Terre Haute South graduate, said, “It’s a high honor to me for all the things that the NAACP stands for and to be a part of it.”

Arielle Craig, also a South graduate, said being recognized through the program “means a lot.” It shows the NAACP cares about the students and wants them to continue their education. The umbrella program provides reassurance that if the students need anything, “They will support us in anything we do,” Craig said.

Those honored were Victoria Acuff; Jade Morrow; Dante Riley; Shayla Lewis; Sarah Russell; Abrianna Carson; Jasmine Smith; Olivia Tompkins; Eveart Foster; Je’Shod Te’Kaeus Hughes; and Arielle Craig.