Hampton University student Jeffrey Eugene poses with Alltel’s EVP of human resources, C.J. Duvall. Words of Wisdom Scholarship winners receive a standing ovation.

Alltel Wireless honored 10 students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities at its fourth annual Words of Wisdom Scholarship banquet and concert at the Clinton Library in Little Rock, Ark. Each winner received a $5,000 check and free wireless phone. The legendary writer and activist, Dr. Maya Angelou, gave the keynote speech. Ruben Studdard offer words of encouragement, and the audience was serenaded by th musical stylings of violinist Ken Ford. The events took place at the Clinton Library and the Windsong Performing arts Center.

In a rousing speech, Dr. Angelou urged banquet attendees to uplift youth in all segments of society. “If you know that youth is dying on the run and my daughter trades dope stories with your son, we’d better see what all are fearing, and our jeering, and our crying and our lying brought about, take time out,” Dr. Angelou recited from one of her works.  

Alltel’s Robin Mitchell with her parents.

Regina Woziwodzki, Alltel’s director of multicultural marketing, said that 1,200 students submitted essays on remembering the past and creating a brighter future, doubling last year’s entry count. “I’m just so proud of all the young adults. It was such a difficult decision to have to choose the top 10,” said Woziwodzki. “It turned out awesomely — the event, [and] the parents praising what Alltel has done.”

Alltel successfully added a memorable chapter in the lives of the aspiring students. Recipient Isis Tarrats of Johnson C. Smith University offered her own words of wisdom to inspire other scholarship hopefuls. “... Just believe … you can do anything you put your mind to,” she said. –marissa mitchell

Dr. Maya Angelou delivers keynote address.

Ruben Studdard offers remarks to the audience.

Ken Ford performs “Moments In Love.”

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