‘Afternoon of Jazz’ attendees wowed by student accomplishments

Conversation and laughter contributed to the upbeat soundtrack of the annual “Afternoon of Jazz, Plus” fundraiser April 6.

Family, friends, clergy and Catholic school students came together for dining and dancing at the Sapphire Grand, Deptford, for the 33rd annual event sponsored by the diocesan Black Catholic Ministry Commission. The event benefits young students who wish to pursue a Catholic high school education, and past scholarship awardees attended to thank benefactors.

Myrlandria Hagan, a freshman at Camden Catholic High School, Cherry Hill, was one of the three students to receive the Taylor-Woodson Memorial Scholarship last year in the amount of $1,500 toward Catholic education. Neven Franks and Godwill Nkemneme also received scholarships toward their tuition at Paul VI High School, Haddonfield.

Speaking about the scholarship days before “Afternoon of Jazz, Plus,” Hagan said, “It allows me to excel at Camden Catholic, and has opened new doors to me. I can get more in touch with, and walk with, my faith daily.”

As a freshman at Camden Catholic, she is maintaining a high GPA, is a member of the student council, appears in school drama productions, and was instrumental in starting The Hawk, the school newspaper. She also enjoys track and volunteers to teach younger students to learn to run.

The 14-year-old is a member of two parish choirs: Our Lady of Peace, Williamstown, and Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish Shrine, Lindenwold. Along with her mother, LeAndra, Hagan volunteers at the John M. Patterson Elementary School in Philadelphia.

She plans to pursue a college education in the medical or engineering field; she is currently being mentored on an engineering project for the ISEP National Science contest.

Fifteen-year-old Neven Franks of Sicklerville is completing her freshman year at Paul VI High School. She volunteers with Jack and Jill of America Inc., which helps to teach children character and leadership skills; cooks meals at a nearby Ronald McDonald House; built bicycles for the children of the local Boys and Girls clubs, and assists at middle school level volleyball tournaments.

“[Paul VI High School] requires 10 hours of community service per year, but I am up to 24 so far,” Franks said. A member of Our Lady of Peace Parish, she assists at Mass as a reader and gift bearer.

At PVI, the student athlete plays on the school’s volleyball, basketball and cheerleading teams as well as participates in three track and field events. She serves on the student council and is one of the school’s student ambassadors, leading tours of the school during the Open Houses.

Franks, who plans to attend college and major in chemistry or biology, reflected upon the importance of a Catholic, faith-based education, saying, “It gives you a relationship with God and builds your knowledge of the Bible. We build a community.”

Her message to the selection committee was succinct yet heartfelt. “Thanks for the scholarship and the opportunity to improve my education and commitment to God at a Catholic school. I am looking forward to giving my life to God and the community.”

Father Vincent Guest, coordinator of the Black Catholic Ministry Commission, praised both the current and past scholarship recipients. “I am overwhelmed by their poise and maturity, and their faithfulness inspires me as a priest. Young people have it more difficult than when I was younger. Catholic education is rooted in Catholic virtues and morals.”