Florida Sentinel Bulletin

Officials of the School District of Hillsborough County attended the graduation ceremonies of all the high schools. All ceremonies were at the Florida State Fairgrounds. The graduation for Brandon High School was at 8 p. m. on Thursday, June 9, 2011. Among the officials of the District in attendance were, left to right: School Board Members Candy Olson, Doretha Edgecomb (Chairman), Carol Kurdell, Carl Green, Brandon Principal; School Board Member Susan Valdes, David Steele, Assistant Superintendent; and Anthony Satchel, Area Director for Area VII. (Photo by Frederick Harris)

“Faithfully Preparing For Our Journey” was the theme of the 121st anniversary celebration of Tyer Temple United Methodist Church. Among the program participants were: from left to right, Kimberly McDonald, Anniversary Chairperson; Elder Michelle B. Patty, who did the Altar Call; Reverend Geraldine Christopher, Pastor of Tyer Temple; Sonya White, who introduced her husband, the speaker; Reverend Tony White, Guest Speaker; and Germany Roberts, who gave the Invocation.  (Photo by Julia Jackson)

Seagram’s Gin hosted its 2012 Swim Suit Calendar Model Search Saturday evening at the Boomerang Martini Club in Brandon. Comedian Davell was the host for the evening. From left to right are celebrity judge Tango, Patricia Marie, 2nd runner-up; Helena Capers, 2012 Swim Suit Calendar Model Search winner; LaToya Nash, first runner-up and Corey Curry, producer of the show. (Photography by BRUNSON)

Recently, the Men of Vision Mentoring organization celebrated the first graduation of its original members. Prior to the graduation ceremony, the young men were recognized during their 5th Awards Ceremony. The program began with 21 original members and 14 of those are still active with the organization. Among those who graduated were from left to right: Mylez Smith, and Bryan Mario Navarro, Steinbrenner High School; Daniel Davis, Tampa Bay Technical High School; Steve Smith, Middleton High School; Ross Anderson, founder of Men Of Vision; Francisco Rosa, Leto High School; Scott Provencher and JoMarcus Harris, Steinbrenner High School; and Fred Porter, Lennard High School.

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Gamma Theta Omega Chapter hosted a reception honoring Mrs. Marsha Lewis Brown, South Atlantic Regional Director. The 6 p. m. event was held at the Embassy Suites Westshore. The Mistress of Ceremony for the evening was Mrs. Lacquitta Fullilove Berry and Mrs. Dianna Allen-Quin, President, Gamma Theta Omega Chapter, brought the welcome. Mrs. Brown, seated, is shown with family members: Arlecin Lewis Harris, Avery Harris, kids Arsha Harris and A. J. Harris, Joseph Lewis, Jr., Charlene Lewis, Solomon Lewis and G. T. Brown. (Photograph by Lomax McIntyre)

The weekend of May 20-21, 2011 was a happy one as The Tampa Chapter of The Links, Inc. welcomed 6 new members into its sisterhood.  Joselynne Walden Forde, Sylvia Berry Andrews, Dr. Maria Russ, Barbara Jackson, Cassie Curry and Jewel Warren were treated to a cocktail reception and celebratory breakfast at the Innisbrook Resort. The ‘Significant Six’ completed their service project assisting with the chapter’s Childhood Obesity initiative. (Photo by Ishmon Johnson)

A Retirement Celebration for Henry J. Ballard, Jr. was held on Monday, May 23, 2011 at the Sam Horton Instructional Service Center. Ballard, the Supplier Diversity Officer for Hillsborough County Public Schools, retired after more than 30 years. Ballard, center, is surrounded by family members from left, Cheryl Riley, Richel Riley, Yvette Ballard Sims, Blake Ballard, Henry Ballard, III, Michael T. Brown, Jr., Monica Ballard Brown, Linika Ballard, Connie Ballard and Lionel Ballard. Young people who also attended were Michael T. Brown, III, Zoe Ballard, Christopher Brown and Maliyah Williams. (PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRUNSON)

Recently members of the community gathered at Greater Bethel Missionary Baptist Church for its dedication as a historic landmark. The dedication ceremony, which paid tribute to the 118-year-old church, was conducted by the Hillsborough County Historic Advisory Council and took place on May 22nd. Among those in attendance at the dedication ceremony were from left to right: Ms. Shirley Foxx-Knowles, Tampa City Clerk, City Councilman Frank Reddick, Deacon Harold Scott, Reverend Oscar Johnson, Jr., Senior Pastor at Greater Bethel Missionary Baptist Church, Senator Arthenia Joyner, and Mayor Bob Buckhorn. Brother Russell Person is shown seated. (Photography by Toby Scott).

Molina Healthcare of Florida recognized 6 unsung heroes from across Florida in the second annual Community Champions Awards ceremony. The event was held last Wednesday evening at the Florida Aquarium. Entertainment was provided by Clayton Cullaton of Unlimited Gospel Expressions.  The winners shown with Molina Healthcare officials are: from left, Damia Kelly, Johnny Hightower, Linda Walker, Molina Healthcare of Florida President, David Pollack, Linda Hawkins, Molina Healthcare Inc.’s Michelle Purrington, Pastor Tom Jones, Molina Healthcare of Florida’s Angela Blaylock and Rosa Kasse. (PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRUNSON)