Sean Bell’s sister
wins honors as
student of year

As the third anniversary of their son’s death neared, the Bell family gathered for a joyous occasion. Delores Jean Bell, sister of Sean Bell – killed in the infamous shooting on the night of his bachelor party – was named one of the Students of the Year by the You Can Go To College Committee (YCGTC).
Since its inception 13 years ago, this program has been responsible for helping to enroll over 3,000 students in colleges and universities across the nation.
Many of these students would not have gone to college without the help of this organization, said Executive Director Dorita Clarke and educator Sister Shirley Dye, who began YCGTC because they were deeply committed to helping students get a higher education.
Sister Dye said that, through the program, students from the 9th through the 12th grades are schooled in SAT preparation and navigating the complexities of getting into some of the finest colleges in the country and in the art of getting scholarships.
This year’s honorees, awarded at the 13th Annual Achievement Awards Luncheon, included Senior Pastor Dr. Michael Baston of St. Luke Cathedral in Laurelton, who received the Christian Leadership Award.
The Community Leadership Award went to Donna Clapton and the Humanitarian Award went to Vulcan Society President John Coombs.
NYPD Inspector Jeffrey Maddrey received the Stop The Violence Award and Assistant Chief Willie Dixon of the Hempstead Police Department received the Unity In The Community Award.
The Christian Achievement Award went o Sandra Larkins of Christ Pentecostal Church in Jamaica and Verdia Noel, area director for the Council for Airport Opportunity, received the Outstanding Community Service Award.
Retired educator Leslie Spigner received the Save The Children Award and the Youth Service Award went to George Onuorah, CEO of Youths Int’l Inc.
NYPD Inspector Timothy Pearson received the Save The Community Award and the Helping Hand Award went to Emily Walton of St. Paul Community Baptist Church in Brooklyn.
For information on how to enroll in YCGTC, a free program, call 718-297-8802. Students from any high school will be considered.