Whitman seniors Tyler Brown and Bianca St. Louis display their "2008 Future Leaders Award." With them are Chairman of the African American Advisory Board, the Rev. Roderick Pearson, left, and Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy, at right.
County Executive Steve Levy hosted an Economic Empowerment Symposium titled “Investing in our Future.” this past weekend at Suffolk Community College, as part of the Suffolk County Black History Program and in collaboration with the Suffolk County Office of Minority Affairs,
The afternoon symposium focused on economic empowerment, as well as collaboration and alliances across businesses within the public and private sectors. Many of Long Island’s most sought-after companies were on hand to promote employment opportunities via an exciting career fair.
“This year’s symposium was a great success. All of the events were of great interest, including the job fair, financial symposium, and panel discussion, and culminating with a celebration and recognition of some of the most outstanding students in the county,” said Levy. “It was a real pleasure to pay tribute to the African American community and its important role in sustaining and building our economy, both present and future.”
“The students honored at the program were cited for their outstanding contributions, both academically and within the area of community service,” continued Levy.
Walt Whitman students Bianca St. Louis and Tyler Brown were two such students. At Whitman, honor roll senior Bianca excels in winter and spring track as both a thrower and a sprinter. She has been awarded all-league in varsity track and field. In addition to being a Minds in Motion award winner, Bianca is an active church member and vacation bible school teacher. She has also been a key contributor to Whitman’s Black History Month production, a participant in the Liberty Partnership, a member of the National Honor Society and Natural Helpers, and is active in the Senior Blood Drive and Powder Puff Football.
Senior Tyler Brown has also led an active life at Whitman. He is an all-division football player and team captain in both football and lacrosse, and he is a member of the varsity track team. Tyler is an honor roll student and a member of the National Honor Society. He is a recipient of a Minds in Motion award and has been recognized in Who’s Who among American High School Students. Tyler has been active in the ALS Walk, the Breast Cancer Walk, and his church’s food pantry. He volunteers for the Huntington Youth Football League and Huntington Lacrosse Clinic. He has attended the National Youth Leadership Conference and is active in the Little Buddy Big Buddy program and Safe Halloween and is a member of the Pre-Med Club at Whitman.