The Columbia Urban League has commemorated Black History Month with its annual Young and Gifted Awards program for over 35 years by celebrating the achievements of African-American students. This program focuses on achievement as one of the most defining and transforming legacies of Black History. This awards ceremony is the state’s largest recognition of African-American achievement. This program recognizes approximately 600 African-American high school seniors from Allendale, Clarendon, Fairfield, Florence, Kershaw, Lee, Lexington, Marion, Newberry, Richland, and Sumter counties. In addition to recognizing seniors who excelled in academics, the arts, leadership, technology, and athletics, we will spotlight those seniors who have received special recognition in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).
This event sponsored by Pepsico and Absolute Total Care was held at noon on Saturday, February 24, 2024, at Brookland Baptist Church, located at 1066 Sunset Blvd. in West Columbia, SC 29169. High school seniors with a 3.0 grade point average or above on a 4.0 scale, who were nominated by their respective schools, were recognized in the areas of academics, the arts, leadership, technology, and athletics.
Our keynote speakers were Ms. Joyce Edwards, Senior at Camden High School and Ms. Fejiro Sainyo, Senior at Irmo High School.
