BY GWEN HAYES
Sentinel Editor

Asha H. N. Coleman, a middle school student from Tampa, won a national oratorical contest Tuesday at the annual meeting of the National Baptist Deacons Convention in Cherry Hill, New Jersey.

Asha followed in her brother’s footsteps as the national winner. Lyfe L. Coleman was the national winner of the contest last summer (2010) when the convention was held in Tampa.

Asha competed against two finalists from states along the Eastern seaboard of the USA.

Asha is a delegate to the youth department of the convention and spoke about spiritual worship and empowering young people for leadership.

Asha is an 8th grade student at Memorial Middle School. Lyfe is a 10th grade student at Middleton High School.[private]

Asha, 13, and Lyfe, 15, are members of The New Mt. Zion Baptist Church of Tampa, Inc., Rev. Dr. Walter J. Williams, pastor. They are active participants in drill team, youth ushers, youth choir, Shepherd’s Men, community service, and other activities.

Asha, 13, and Lyfe, 15, are members of The New Mt. Zion Baptist Church of Tampa, Inc., Rev. Dr. Walter J. Williams, pastor.

The siblings are the son and daughter of Tampa businessman LIFE, Sonia Coleman and Jennifer Williams. They are the grandchildren of (paternal) Roosevelt Coleman, Earnestine Coleman, (maternal) Ulysses Harmon and the late Mary Harmon; and aunt, Jerlean Johnson.  Their great-grandmother is the late Alberta Macon; and their godparents are Rev. Bruce Strange and Mrs. Martina Strange.[/private]