CHESTER’S BEST AND BRIGHTEST STUDENTS HONORED

Pictured from right: Connie Joy Irvin, Mayor Butler, Lisha Laboy, Frank Cicholski, ConocoPhillips Human Resources Manager, Shawna Berger, ConocoPhillips Public Affairs Specialist and Karima Watts

Chester, PA – Last Thursday evening, more than 450 people filled the banquet hall at the Ramada Inn for the Mayor’s 6^th Annual Scholars Awards. Mayor Butler honored 122 Chester students for their academic achievements, outstanding community service and overall excellence for the academic year 2010-2011. Along with proud parents, the students were joined by mentors, guidance counselors and teachers, along with administrators from the Chester Upland School District and the Chester Community Charter School. 

During dinner, guests heard from Dr. Joyce Wells, Chester Upland School District Superintendent, along with other city officials, and also enjoyed inspirational remarks from keynote speaker, Jillian Patricia Pirtle, Miss Black Pennsylvania USA 2011, who encouraged students to dream big and that anything is possible. Following the keynote remarks, each student was announced and called to the front to accept a personalized framed award certificate signed by Mayor Butler. 

Chester student honorees, grades 8-12, were selected through an application process, based on the following criteria: 3.0 or higher grade point average for three consecutive quarters; letter of recommendation from a teacher, mentor or community leader; proven outstanding community service; and proven collegiate attainment by seniors for fall 2011. 

Three graduating seniors were the recipients of a $1,000 surprise scholarship for their college education, sponsored by ConocoPhillips Trainer Refinery. Recipients include: Connie Joy Irvin – Widener University, Lisha Laboy, West Chester University, and Karima Watts – Delaware State University. 

The Mayor’s 6^th Annual Scholars awards program, which was initiated by Mayor Butler six years ago, was sponsored by ConocoPhillips Trainer Refinery. For more information about the awards program, please call the Mayor’s Office at 610-447-7723.