Young, Gifted, and Black 2014

Young, Gifted and Black brings together an interrelated community of students from various backgrounds – racial, socioeconomic, religious, cultural – to create a rich culture for growing the mind and the heart of the individual student and the school itself. Experiencing diversity prepares students for life-long learning in an increasingly interdependent world. It opens minds organically; merely by being a part of a mixed group students expand themselves, their world and their knowledge. Young, Gifted and Black highlights Portland Public Schools’ and the community’s dedication to celebrate the success of our Black students.

This is the fifth year that we have honored Black students who are exceling academically and in the community. The students being honored this year were selected from a pool of over 85 applicants. The honorees represent unique backgrounds, experiences, family structures, home language, ethnicity, culture, neighborhood, school and grade level. What these young people have in common is their commitment to achieve, despite the many obstacles life has presented to them. This unified celebration reframes the achievement debate for Black students.

Education is not just about acquiring knowledge but motivating someone to want to learn, both for its own sake and for advancement. As W. B. Yeats once said, “Education is not the filling of a pail but the lighting of a fire.” Teachers, administrators, counselors and other support staff are the catalyst for fueling the fire of our Young Gifted and Black students. The communication of student success gives us all hope and encourages us to make changes that will eliminate previously unacknowledged barriers.

It is because of YOU that we are celebrating the fifth year of Young, Gifted and Black. Without fuel—your resources, time and energy—the vehicle of this courageous endeavor would stall. “We are a movement by ourselves, but we are a force when we are together.” (Neyo)

Esther R. Harris
Special Education Family & Community Liaison
Portland Public Schools

Andrea Wade
Program Coordinator
Portland Public Schools

 Young Gifted and Black Honorees 2014
Download a pdf of the 2014 Young, Gifted & Black honorees