I just got back from a Point Foundation Garden Party Reception. Jorge Valencia, the new Point Foundation director I wrote about in the previous post was there. It was his first appearance with the Point Foundation and it was a surprise. The reception was planned before the decision was made to appoint him. He's in Chicago for the Point Scholars annual conference this weekend also.
I had a chance to speak with him a couple of times during the course of the evening. Gracious. Committed. Passionate. Considerate. Dedicated. Eloquent. I could go on and on, I was very impressed. I believe the trustees made a great decision. The Foundation will go to the next level of development with him. He doesn't come on board completely until the beginning of 2007 because he wanted to honor his contract with the Trevor Project. Great things are ahead.
Two of the scholars were also present. Jen is from the Chicago area and will be attending USC in September. This is her first year as a scholar.
Roland is now a Point Scholar alumni. He graduated this past June from UIC in Political Science and wants to pursue international law. He graduated Phi Beta Kappa and with many honors. He also spent the last year studying in Spain, a dream he never thought would come true. He is originally from Jamaica.
You can read more of the scholars' stories if you go to the Point Foundation website. And, please, please, consider making a donation. No, don't just consider it. Do it. This is very important work. These are brilliant kids, and a lot of them are what in Education are known as "throw-aways." They need our support and help.
[Oh, and by the way Ladies and Gentlemen, if you think that picture of Jorge is hot, wait until you meet him in person! As Jed Clampett used to say, "Ewww, doggies!" Someone should slap my hand for sayin' that! Just don't go near my mouth.]
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