In the News

Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson celebrated the 5000 Role Models of Excellence Project’s “Academic Signing Day” for the 2016 class on May 9 at Jungle Island.

Eighty-one graduating seniors, newly christened Wilson Scholars, put pen to paper and signed scholarships to the colleges or universities of their choice.

Graduates were neatly dressed in custom-made suits and an updated, slimmer version of the 5000 Role Models signature tie donated by the Sean John Collection at Macy’s. Graduates also received brand new, red laptops, signifying the signature color of the Role Model program, to help with their future studies, as well a copy of the book, “Letters to a Young Brother,” by actor/author Hill Harper.

Schools Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho served as the keynote speaker and gave a rousing speech, charging the graduates to remain steadfast in their commitments to family, education and their community. Congresswoman Wilson also presented a congressional record to members of the InBlue Band, which is comprised of officers from several local law enforcement agencies, for their commitment to improving police-community relations using the universal language of music.

Toastmasters at the prestigious event included Role Model Mentors G. Eric Knowles, CEO of the Miami-Dade Chamber of Commerce, and Paul Wilson, administrative director of the 5000 Role Models program. Role Model Judges Fred Seraphin, Rodney Smith, Wendell Graham and Eric Hendon inducted new Role Models Mentors into the program.

“My pride is beaming today at the wonderful accomplishments of these young men,” Wilson said. “I can’t contain my excitement that they have worked hard, persevered and prepared themselves for success in their next phase of life. As someone who has committed my life to helping young men and boys of color, I look forward to the successes and achievements of this group of 81 Wilson Scholars.”

Among the colleges the graduates will attend are Florida A&M University, Bethune-Cookman University and Miami Dade College.

Congresswoman Wilson noted that none of this year’s scholarship recipients were born when the program started. “This is the epitome of what it means to prepare for generations of children yet unborn,” she said.